I prefer to let my items age and patina naturally, you can refresh your finished items as required to keep them nourished and looking at their best. To do this, simply apply a thin coat of food safe oil (like mineral oil) and allow it to absorb overnight. In the morning buff off any excess with a soft cloth. I use natural linseed or walnut oil, another good alternative is any butcher block oil. Do not refresh with vegetable or olive oils as these may turn rancid, imparting an unpleasant smell and taste on items served in your piece. 

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With reasonable care your piece will look good for a lifetime and beyond. Never put the item in a dishwasher and avoid submerging it in water, a wipe down with a damp soapy cloth is the preferred method of cleaning. If you want to keep your piece as close as possible to its new condition, ensure you protect it from knocks, scuffs and scratches and avoid exposure to liquids and heat. The first scuff or scratch can be the hardest to accept but my approach to scratches and marks is to simply let time and use slowly develop a surface that reflects the history of the piece within your home.

 

Light can fade or darken the colour of some woods over time. This cannot be prevented or reversed but avoiding exposure to strong light will slow the process. Contact with water may cause your piece to lose some of its surface lustre. If this happens refresh with a food safe oil as noted above. If using your piece at the table, some foods like beetroot can result in stains. While these will slowly fade or at least blend in over time, if you want to prevent this it is best to avoid serving such foods in your bowl.

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LET YOUR ITEMS AGE AND PATINA NATURALLY AND ENJOY A LIFETIME OF USE