Everything You Need to Know About Selecting the Right Furniture Polish
With so many choices of furniture polish available on the market
today how do you know which one is right for you?
There are several factors to weigh up when deciding to use Furniture
Polish or Beeswax on furniture and other wooden objects.
One critical factor is that the ingredients in commercial polishes and
cleaning products are rarely disclosed. Moreover, these ingredients
can be, and frequently are, changed without warning or notification.
These ingredients may be harmless or harmful to the furniture (and to
you) and you have no way of knowing in advance.
The first thing to look for is a natural beeswax furniture polish that only
contains natural ingredients, always steer clear of anything that
contains silicon, gum turps or petro-chemical by-products, these
types of polishes are most commonly found in supermarkets and
hardware stores and should be avoided at all costs.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for Inca™ Timberwax to polish furniture.
What are the problems with these ingredients?
Let me go through them one by one and you'll see why it's
best to avoid them.
Silicone
Silicone is put in furniture polish to make application easy and buffing
off easy but if you ever need to have the piece of furniture you are
polishing repaired or refinished it creates all sorts of problems for the
repairer.
The repairer is unable to remove the silicone residue or film that's left
on the surface which then causes the new lacquer being applied to
bubble and not adhere to the surface as it is supposed to.
Long term use of silicone polishes on furniture can cause the lacquer
on the surface to crack, split and break down.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for Inca Timberwax to polish furniture.
Gum Turps
Gum turps is a common ingredient found in many beeswax polishes
especially companies who produce old style traditional waxes.
This is an ingredient that is commonly used to keep the beeswax
polish soft while still in the can and to make the wax dry when it's
applied to the furniture's surface. The main problems associated with
gum turps are: Toxicity, skin irritations and generally poor results.
Gum turps in wax makes it hard to apply and hard to remove and will
always leave an oily, smeary finish.
Petro-Chemicals and Tolulene
These ingredients are most commonly found in aerosol furniture
polishes and oils, and as with gum turps they can create toxic fumes, skin
irritations and give poor results.
Important Note:
Oil Based Furniture Polishes tend to attract dust rather than repel it. If
you've ever used these types of furniture polish you might of noticed
that after you have polished your furniture it looks great only to find a
couple of days later that it looks as if you hadn't even done it.
The reason that happens is when the dust settles on the surface
again it impregnates itself into the oily residue that's left behind after
polishing.
Always look for a Furniture Polish or Beeswax Polish that leaves a fresh, smooth,
smear free finish.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for Inca™ Timberwax to polish furniture.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is sometimes found in beeswax polishes but only use
a polish that contains this ingredient if you are trying to get a high
gloss finish on raw wood and is not overly useful on lacquered finishes
as it can make a satin finish very patchy with shiny spots all over it.
Most furniture restorers and repairers recommend using a good
quality beeswax furniture polish for the proper care of wood furniture.
Inca™ TimberWax Is a Premium Quality, High Performance, Easy to
Use Beeswax Furniture Polish that Leaves No Streaks, Smears or
Fingermarks And Contains No Petro-Chemicals, Gum Turps, Silicone or
Carnauba.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for more info on furniture care
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Furniture Reviver
How to use Furniture Reviver
One of the best ways to remove light hazy surface scratching or to rejuvenate wood furniture is with a "0000" Superfine Grade steel wool and furniture reviver.Apply the reviver to the surface with the superfine steel wool and spread along the furniture going in the same direction as the grain, "never in a circular motion" always make sure the that surface and steel wool are well lubricated with reviver at all times.If you are attempting to move light surface scratches rub the surface with firm pressure until you see the scratches disappear and then use lighter pressure along the rest of the piece to ensure you have a consistent finish. Once that is completed buff off any excess reviver and polish the whole surface with a clean soft cloth. The same procedure applies when rejuvenating a "dull" “dry” or "tired" looking piece of furniture and for removing cardboard marks on Asian Furniture
Handy Tip: Before starting any job test all products and procedures if possible in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there are no adverse reactions then proceed with caution. Never leave cloths or steel wool that have been in contact with reviver on the surface of your furniture after you've finished, as reactions and damage can occur in a very short space of time. Suitable for any type of solid wood furniture with polyurethane or wax finish.
For further how to info and products go to:
www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
One of the best ways to remove light hazy surface scratching or to rejuvenate wood furniture is with a "0000" Superfine Grade steel wool and furniture reviver.Apply the reviver to the surface with the superfine steel wool and spread along the furniture going in the same direction as the grain, "never in a circular motion" always make sure the that surface and steel wool are well lubricated with reviver at all times.If you are attempting to move light surface scratches rub the surface with firm pressure until you see the scratches disappear and then use lighter pressure along the rest of the piece to ensure you have a consistent finish. Once that is completed buff off any excess reviver and polish the whole surface with a clean soft cloth. The same procedure applies when rejuvenating a "dull" “dry” or "tired" looking piece of furniture and for removing cardboard marks on Asian Furniture
Handy Tip: Before starting any job test all products and procedures if possible in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there are no adverse reactions then proceed with caution. Never leave cloths or steel wool that have been in contact with reviver on the surface of your furniture after you've finished, as reactions and damage can occur in a very short space of time. Suitable for any type of solid wood furniture with polyurethane or wax finish.
For further how to info and products go to:
www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Value Your Add-On Products
During the sales process one way to avoid discounting your furniture products is to always add value by promoting your add-on products.
Workout the point at which you would be willing to negotiate with your add-on products as a way of upselling your main furniture product and be sure that you don't offer these types of incentives on orders that fall below your average sale.
Reward your customer for spending higher than average.
Train your staff to upsell using add-on products, it costs far less than offering a cash discount.
To find out more go to:www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Workout the point at which you would be willing to negotiate with your add-on products as a way of upselling your main furniture product and be sure that you don't offer these types of incentives on orders that fall below your average sale.
Reward your customer for spending higher than average.
Train your staff to upsell using add-on products, it costs far less than offering a cash discount.
To find out more go to:www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
7 Useful Tips for Merchandising Small add-on Products
- Place product display stands at Point of Sale.
- Set aside a specific area preferably close to where the sale is completed to take advantage of impulse buys.
- Place info brochures and clear signs as close as possible to product display stand.
- Always keep add on products clean and organised. Products that look dirty and old will turn potential customers off purchasing.
- Always keep your display stands well stocked and full.
- Always reorder before stock gets to low.
- When new stock arrives rotate and pull forward.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much extra you can make form these small products over the space of a year.
For more information about add-on products for your furniture store go to: www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Monday, March 3, 2008
8 Simple Leather Care Tips to Keep Your Leather Furniture Feeling Soft & Supple
(1) The first step you should take with leather furniture care is to read and follow "Manufacturer's Care Label Instructions"
(2) Wipe furniture at least once a week with a soft damp cloth to prevent dust build up and soiling.
(3) Always use good quality and specific Leather Care Products, never use saddle soaps, abrasive cleaners, furniture wax, furniture oils, ammonias or excess water for cleaning leather.
(4) When spot cleaning leather always use a "Neutral PH Leather Cleaner" to avoid harmful reactions with the top coat, pores and stitches. This same tip applies when doing a complete leather clean.
(5) Always apply a good quality Leather Conditioner every 3 to 4 months to keep leather soft and supple and to prevent cracking or drying.
(6) Apply a Leather Protector to help repel grime, stains, liquid spills and body oils.
(7) Never place leather furniture near a direct heat source such as a radiator, heat vent or open fire place.
(8) Keep furniture our of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au to find out how to identify Top Coated Leather
(2) Wipe furniture at least once a week with a soft damp cloth to prevent dust build up and soiling.
(3) Always use good quality and specific Leather Care Products, never use saddle soaps, abrasive cleaners, furniture wax, furniture oils, ammonias or excess water for cleaning leather.
(4) When spot cleaning leather always use a "Neutral PH Leather Cleaner" to avoid harmful reactions with the top coat, pores and stitches. This same tip applies when doing a complete leather clean.
(5) Always apply a good quality Leather Conditioner every 3 to 4 months to keep leather soft and supple and to prevent cracking or drying.
(6) Apply a Leather Protector to help repel grime, stains, liquid spills and body oils.
(7) Never place leather furniture near a direct heat source such as a radiator, heat vent or open fire place.
(8) Keep furniture our of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au to find out how to identify Top Coated Leather
With so many choices of furniture waxes and furniture polishes available on the market today how do you know which one is right for you?
The first thing to look for is a polish that contains natural ingredients and if at all possible steer clear of anything that contains silicon,gum turps or petro-chemical by-products, these polishes are most commonly found in supermarkets and the odd hardware store.
What are the problems with these ingredients? Let me go through them one by one and i'm sure you'll see why it's best to avoid them.
Polishes containing these ingredients are hazardous, bad for your health and generally give poor results
Silicone
Silicone is put in furniture polish to make application easy and buffing off easy but if you ever need to have the piece of furniture you are polishing repaired or refinished it creates all sorts of problems for the repairer.
The repairer is unable to remove the silicone residue or film that's left on the surface which then causes the new lacquer being applied to bubble and not adhere to the surface as it is supposed to.
Long term use of silicone polishes on furniture can cause the lacquer on the surface to crack, split and break down.
Gum Turps
Gum turps is a common ingredient found in many beeswax polishes especially companies who produce old style traditional waxes.
This is an ingredient that is commonly used to keep the beeswax polish soft while still in the can and to make the wax dry when it's applied to the furniture's surface. The main problems associated with gum turps are: Toxicity, skin irritations and generally poor results.
Gum turps in wax makes it hard to apply and hard to remove and will always leave an oily, smeary finish.
To find a wax that gives excellent results and contains safe, modern ingredients go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Petro-Chemicals and Tolulene
These ingredients are most commonly found in aerosol furniture polishes and oils, as with gum turps they can create toxic fumes, skin irritations and give poor results.
Because these products are oil based they tend to attract dust rather than repel it.If youv'e ever used oils,you might have noticed that after youv'e polished your furniture it looks great only to find a couple of days later that it looks like you hadn't even done it.
The reason that happens is when the dust settles on the surface again, it impregnates itself into the oily residue thats left behind after polishing.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for a furniture polish that leaves a smear free finish.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is sometimes found in beeswax polishes but only use a polish that contains this ingredient if you are trying to get a high gloss finish on raw wood. It's not overly useful on lacquered finishes especially a satin finish, it tends to become very patchy with shiny spots all over it.
Most furniture restorers and repairers recommend using a good quality beeswax furniture polish for the proper care of wood furniture
What are the problems with these ingredients? Let me go through them one by one and i'm sure you'll see why it's best to avoid them.
Polishes containing these ingredients are hazardous, bad for your health and generally give poor results
Silicone
Silicone is put in furniture polish to make application easy and buffing off easy but if you ever need to have the piece of furniture you are polishing repaired or refinished it creates all sorts of problems for the repairer.
The repairer is unable to remove the silicone residue or film that's left on the surface which then causes the new lacquer being applied to bubble and not adhere to the surface as it is supposed to.
Long term use of silicone polishes on furniture can cause the lacquer on the surface to crack, split and break down.
Gum Turps
Gum turps is a common ingredient found in many beeswax polishes especially companies who produce old style traditional waxes.
This is an ingredient that is commonly used to keep the beeswax polish soft while still in the can and to make the wax dry when it's applied to the furniture's surface. The main problems associated with gum turps are: Toxicity, skin irritations and generally poor results.
Gum turps in wax makes it hard to apply and hard to remove and will always leave an oily, smeary finish.
To find a wax that gives excellent results and contains safe, modern ingredients go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Petro-Chemicals and Tolulene
These ingredients are most commonly found in aerosol furniture polishes and oils, as with gum turps they can create toxic fumes, skin irritations and give poor results.
Because these products are oil based they tend to attract dust rather than repel it.If youv'e ever used oils,you might have noticed that after youv'e polished your furniture it looks great only to find a couple of days later that it looks like you hadn't even done it.
The reason that happens is when the dust settles on the surface again, it impregnates itself into the oily residue thats left behind after polishing.
Go to www.furniturecareproducts.com.au for a furniture polish that leaves a smear free finish.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is sometimes found in beeswax polishes but only use a polish that contains this ingredient if you are trying to get a high gloss finish on raw wood. It's not overly useful on lacquered finishes especially a satin finish, it tends to become very patchy with shiny spots all over it.
Most furniture restorers and repairers recommend using a good quality beeswax furniture polish for the proper care of wood furniture
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Equip your truck with the right furniture repair and touch up products, it will save you time and a lot of money !!
Transport damage is a major problem for many furniture retailers, not only is it costly, time consuming and bad for cash flow, it’s also frustrating and annoying for the customers as well.
Quite often the damage is only minor and could be fixed simply by using a scratch fix pen or a small wax filler stick.
Many of these small repairs could be done quickly and easily while the furniture is still in the back of the truck.
Using furniture repair and touch up products only requires basic knowledge and skills and most products come with how to use instructions.
Keeping a funiture repair kit on the delivery truck makes perfect sense!
Every delivery truck should have at least a basic assortment of furniture touch up pens and wax filler sticks as a minimum, but keeping a furniture repair kit with a good range of colours and products is highly recommended.
Furniture repair and touch up kits are like an American Express Card, don’t leave your depot with out it !!!
For more info and a range of furniture repair kits go to
www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Quite often the damage is only minor and could be fixed simply by using a scratch fix pen or a small wax filler stick.
Many of these small repairs could be done quickly and easily while the furniture is still in the back of the truck.
Using furniture repair and touch up products only requires basic knowledge and skills and most products come with how to use instructions.
Keeping a funiture repair kit on the delivery truck makes perfect sense!
Every delivery truck should have at least a basic assortment of furniture touch up pens and wax filler sticks as a minimum, but keeping a furniture repair kit with a good range of colours and products is highly recommended.
Furniture repair and touch up kits are like an American Express Card, don’t leave your depot with out it !!!
For more info and a range of furniture repair kits go to
www.furniturecareproducts.com.au
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
How Value Adding Products Can Increase Your Sales
After 10 years of selling aftermarket furniture care products to retailers I am still amazed as to how little importance is given to value adding products for creating extra sales to their customers.
It seems for many furniture retailers aftercare products are only an after thought. I believe that this under utilised form of untapped sales is money going begging.
The main purpose of any retail business is to sell products…as many of them as possible, big or small, but many furniture retailers ignore this, only concentrating on the large furniture sale and missing out on all the small one’s, that over a year could add up to a substantial amount of money.
The retailer must be proactive and make sure their staff are trained to offer add on products before completing the furniture sale and positioning small product displays that compliment the major sale on or near the counter.
Why do supermarkets keep small items at the checkout?
Why are McDonalds staff trained to ask ”Would you like fries with that”?
Because this is where and when the impulse buying occurs!
At the point of sale!
By the correct positioning of merchandise and asking their customers that simple question these companies add millions of dollars to there bottom line every year.
In a furniture store this is where the customer is most likely to purchase aftercare products as well.
Consider this…they’ve just bought a piece of furniture and more than likely wondering what would be the best way to look after it, so wouldn’t having a display at point of sale and training your staff to offer an after care product make perfect sense?
Many sales people are afraid to ask that simple question and fail to realise that they are doing the customer a disservice. Many customers see the salesperson as a trusted advisor and will not be offended by being offered products that compliment their purchase, especially if it in some way extends the life of the furniture or makes it look better.
It is a win – win situation, the customer doesn’t go off to the supermarket and buy the wrong furniture care products and the retailer has added value to each sale, offered the right products and improved customer service as well as decreased the chance of after sales problems occurring in the future.
Chris Green has been involved in the Australian Furniture Industry since 1982 and has vast experience in furniture transport, furniture warehousing and wholesale distribution of furniture care products.
For more tips, articles and product info go http://www.furniturecareproducts.com.au/
It seems for many furniture retailers aftercare products are only an after thought. I believe that this under utilised form of untapped sales is money going begging.
The main purpose of any retail business is to sell products…as many of them as possible, big or small, but many furniture retailers ignore this, only concentrating on the large furniture sale and missing out on all the small one’s, that over a year could add up to a substantial amount of money.
The retailer must be proactive and make sure their staff are trained to offer add on products before completing the furniture sale and positioning small product displays that compliment the major sale on or near the counter.
Why do supermarkets keep small items at the checkout?
Why are McDonalds staff trained to ask ”Would you like fries with that”?
Because this is where and when the impulse buying occurs!
At the point of sale!
By the correct positioning of merchandise and asking their customers that simple question these companies add millions of dollars to there bottom line every year.
In a furniture store this is where the customer is most likely to purchase aftercare products as well.
Consider this…they’ve just bought a piece of furniture and more than likely wondering what would be the best way to look after it, so wouldn’t having a display at point of sale and training your staff to offer an after care product make perfect sense?
Many sales people are afraid to ask that simple question and fail to realise that they are doing the customer a disservice. Many customers see the salesperson as a trusted advisor and will not be offended by being offered products that compliment their purchase, especially if it in some way extends the life of the furniture or makes it look better.
It is a win – win situation, the customer doesn’t go off to the supermarket and buy the wrong furniture care products and the retailer has added value to each sale, offered the right products and improved customer service as well as decreased the chance of after sales problems occurring in the future.
Chris Green has been involved in the Australian Furniture Industry since 1982 and has vast experience in furniture transport, furniture warehousing and wholesale distribution of furniture care products.
For more tips, articles and product info go http://www.furniturecareproducts.com.au/
Friday, September 7, 2007
12 Simple Wood Furniture Care Tips for Long Lasting Furniture.
Proper wood furniture care is essential if you want it to last, with some good information and the right furniture care products, fine wood furniture can really last for many years.
Below are some valuable care tips and links to products that will help you to get the most life and enjoyment out of your furniture.
(1) Do not place drink glasses, jugs or vases etc on the furniture's surface without a coaster or place mat to protect it.
(2) Never put hot, pots, pans, dishes, cups or mugs on wood furniture, always use place mats, coasters or heat proof pads to protect the surface. Heat marks and damage can be very difficult to remove and usually require a professional restorer to repair.
(3) Always keep coasters handy to prevent water rings.
(4) Keep wood furniture dry. If wood gets really wet for too long it can cause damage to the finish and actually warp the wood.
(5) Be sure to clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Using a blotting action rather than wiping is a better solution. Do not let spills dry or you could end up with a permanent stain.
(6) Never use any type of cover that has a rubber, plastic or vinyl backing on wood furniture, many of these materials have chemicals in them that can react with the wood's finish and cause major damage.
(7) When burning candles, it's advisable to use a felt protector with a plastic top. Candle wax will not run as much when it makes contact with plastic. If candle wax does happen to drop onto the wood surface wait until the wax has cooled and hardened before trying to remove it. For best results apply an ice cube onto the spilt wax until it goes hard and brittle then get an old credit card or smooth plastic spatula and gently scrape the wax off the surface. Once the candle wax is removed polish the area with a good quality beeswax polish and buff away any remaining residue.
(8) Keep furniture out of direct sunlight. When furniture is exposed to the sun for long periods of time it's possible for the furniture to fade and age prematurely. You may want to close the curtains or blinds during certain parts of the day to keep the direct sunlight off.
(9) If possible try to avoid extreme changes in temperature. Always arrange furniture away from radiators and air conditioning units.
(10) Dust your furniture regularly to keep the surface clean. Always use pure cotton polishing cloth to avoid scratching and use a good quality silicone and petro-chemical free furniture polish for excellent long term wood furniture care. Click here to find out how to select the right furniture polish
(11) Never do your nails on any painted, finished or stained furniture. Nail polish and especially nail polish remover will strip the finish right down to the wood. Please don't think that putting down newspaper will eliminate the problem, it will not. As a matter of fact the newspaper will probably glue it self to the top of the furniture creating just as big a problem as the nail polish falling straight onto the bare surface.
(12) Minor scratches and dents can often be removed by using furniture touch up products.
Chris Green
Superior Furniture Care Products
http://www.furniturecareproducts.com.au/
Below are some valuable care tips and links to products that will help you to get the most life and enjoyment out of your furniture.
(1) Do not place drink glasses, jugs or vases etc on the furniture's surface without a coaster or place mat to protect it.
(2) Never put hot, pots, pans, dishes, cups or mugs on wood furniture, always use place mats, coasters or heat proof pads to protect the surface. Heat marks and damage can be very difficult to remove and usually require a professional restorer to repair.
(3) Always keep coasters handy to prevent water rings.
(4) Keep wood furniture dry. If wood gets really wet for too long it can cause damage to the finish and actually warp the wood.
(5) Be sure to clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Using a blotting action rather than wiping is a better solution. Do not let spills dry or you could end up with a permanent stain.
(6) Never use any type of cover that has a rubber, plastic or vinyl backing on wood furniture, many of these materials have chemicals in them that can react with the wood's finish and cause major damage.
(7) When burning candles, it's advisable to use a felt protector with a plastic top. Candle wax will not run as much when it makes contact with plastic. If candle wax does happen to drop onto the wood surface wait until the wax has cooled and hardened before trying to remove it. For best results apply an ice cube onto the spilt wax until it goes hard and brittle then get an old credit card or smooth plastic spatula and gently scrape the wax off the surface. Once the candle wax is removed polish the area with a good quality beeswax polish and buff away any remaining residue.
(8) Keep furniture out of direct sunlight. When furniture is exposed to the sun for long periods of time it's possible for the furniture to fade and age prematurely. You may want to close the curtains or blinds during certain parts of the day to keep the direct sunlight off.
(9) If possible try to avoid extreme changes in temperature. Always arrange furniture away from radiators and air conditioning units.
(10) Dust your furniture regularly to keep the surface clean. Always use pure cotton polishing cloth to avoid scratching and use a good quality silicone and petro-chemical free furniture polish for excellent long term wood furniture care. Click here to find out how to select the right furniture polish
(11) Never do your nails on any painted, finished or stained furniture. Nail polish and especially nail polish remover will strip the finish right down to the wood. Please don't think that putting down newspaper will eliminate the problem, it will not. As a matter of fact the newspaper will probably glue it self to the top of the furniture creating just as big a problem as the nail polish falling straight onto the bare surface.
(12) Minor scratches and dents can often be removed by using furniture touch up products.
Chris Green
Superior Furniture Care Products
http://www.furniturecareproducts.com.au/
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