Custom architectural millwork can add beauty and sophistication to any space.
Custom architectural millwork can add beauty and sophistication to any space. Crown molding, custom door styles, and custom cabinetry create a new dynamic in your personal and professional setting. When properly taken care of, your millwork will last for years. Luckily, millwork is relatively easy to maintain, and there are specific polishes that will bring out the natural shine of the wood. Here are some ways to clean and polish your millwork to keep it looking like new.
Why Should You Polish Wood Millwork
Wood is an excellent, natural material that makes lovely furniture, doors, crown molding, and more. It is very durable and can experience a lot of wear and tear before it needs to be replaced. However, custom wood needs to be polished regularly to maintain a smooth and glossy look. Polishing is a great way to bring out wood’s natural qualities, restore its shine and even highlight its grains. There are several brands of wood polish out there that will improve the appearance of your custom millwork. You can also make your own polish by mixing some common household ingredients.
Types of Wood Polish
There are four main types of wood polish: clear polishes, emulsion polishes, silicone polishes, and wax.
Clear polishes are composed almost entirely of slow-evaporating petroleum distillates, and they may contain some solvents as well. Clear polishes remove grease and wax, but they do not remove water-soluble dirt such as coffee, other drink spills, or fingerprints. However, clear polishes evaporate off the surface within a few hours, so they are not as effective at adding long-lasting shine or scratch resistance.
Emulsion polishes are composed of a combination of petroleum distillates and water, and are a milky-white color. This combination makes these polishes effective at cleaning both grease and water-soluble dirt. Silicone polishes are created by simply adding a few drops of silicone to a clear or emulsion polish. In addition to making a finished surface smooth and scratch-resistant, silicone remains on a surface until it’s worn or cleaned off. Wax remains solid at room temperature and will provide a long-lasting shine and scratch resistance. Wax is available both as a paste and as an ingredient in a liquid.
How to Polish Natural Wood
The polishing process is very simple. All you will need is a couple of polishing cloths and the wood polish of your choice. First, make sure your surface is clean by wiping away any dust or debris. Once the area is clean, take one of your polishing cloths and apply a small amount of polish to the cloth. Do not apply the polish directly to the wood. Instead, with the cloth, work the polish into the wood, always going with the grain. With a second, clean cloth, buff the surface of the wood until it is dry. Repeat these steps until you are satisfied with the wood’s shine.
Contact Us
Whenever you’re ready to build or renovate a business, Mahogany Inc. has your back. Call us at 410-727-0334 with any questions and speak to one of our licensed professionals. To see examples of our work or to gain inspiration for your next project, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.