Post #36203 by Traderpup on Wed, May 28, 2003 7:09 AM

Here's a few wood care tips I follow:

For decorative carvings, if the wood has a protective finish like varnish (appears shiny or somehow 'coated'), I use a "feed n wax" furniture polish, such as Howard's or Orange Glo.

If the wood is unfinished or stained only finish (very dull, natural feel to wood), I like to use lemon oil.

If it doesn't have a varnish, but still seems to have a nice sheen, it is probably waxed, and should be cared for with a good paste wax, Johnson's paste wax is good, but a high quality carnauba car wax will work fine (any car wax that doesn't dry chalky or contains polish or other shine enhancers).

For monkeypod or koa wood bowls, if you plan to serve food from them, then use mineral oil, or an oil designed for your kitchen cutting board. "Boos Block Authentic Mystery Oil" is good for this, but more pricey than mineral oil.

Palm wood carvings should be fairly stable indoors without a finish. If they are outdoors, some like to protect their idols with a satin varnish. I kind of like to leave alone, as the weathering seems a natural part of an outdoor Tiki's life. If it is indoors and gets handled a lot, a satin varnish would help protect is from any discoloring or fraying of its fibers.

Tigertlily's suggestion for increasing the humidity is a good idea too. Dishes of water help, but I like the idea of either houseplants or an indoor fountain for this.

I hope this info is helpful, they keep my Tikis happy!

:tiki:

[ Edited by: Traderpup on 2003-05-28 07:12 ]