Caring for your wood

You’ll be glad to hear that caring for your wood is a straightforward process - detailed below are the ways you’ll be able to get a long and happy service life from your wood wares. As always, if you need any advice or have any questions, please get in touch.

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An important note before we begin - I use one of two methods for finishing my work.

The finish I use most is linseed oil and beeswax. I use this on everything except mugs, hollowforms and bowls with resin inclusions.

The other finish I use is Osmo oil - I use this more durable finish on hollowforms, mugs and resin bowls. This requires virtually no maintenance beyond a wipe over with a damp cloth.

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General Care

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All of my wood wares can be washed in warm, soapy water along with other kitchen utensils like pots and pans. They’ll even take a good scrubbing if required. Just be sure not to leave them to soak in water or put them in a dishwasher, as this may cause the wood to irreversibly crack or warp.

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I usually dry wood with a tea towel, although drying on the draining board works just as well.

 

Re-finishing

For wood that has been coated in linseed oil and beeswax

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After the wood is dry, all you need to do is wipe your chosen oil onto it with some kitchen roll, taking care to wipe off any excess. If you’re using your wares daily, then any neutral-flavoured vegetable oil will work perfectly well. Likewise, here are some oils I’d recommend;

Linseed oil and Tung oil (both of these can take around 24 hours to dry, but with time and multiple coatings they form a more protective finish)
Mineral oil (the medicinal variety works a treat on both bowls and bowels!)

 

For wood that has been finished in Osmo

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Given that Osmo is a hard-wearing finish, its maintenance is minimal. A rinse or wipe with a damp cloth will be perfectly suitable. Mugs I’ve previously made haven’t needed refinishing in years.

The only instance I’d recommend refinishing Osmo is in the case of a dropped item, or where there is clear and obvious damage to the wood itself. In that case - get in touch, and if you get your wood posted to me, I'll refinish it free of charge.

 

A final note on wood finishing

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Wood is a magical material that ages with beauty and grace, regardless of the applied finish. All woods darken and develop their own patina over time, especially with use. Every stain, salad and scrub will add to your wood’s own unique character. Ultimately refinishing wood (or not as the case may be) is a personal choice, and if you’re happy with your wood wares the way they are, that’s fine by me too.