Product Care
Packing
Products are wrapped in a minimum of wrapping to provide some protection to the elements. In dry hot weather care should be taken to store out of direct sunlight until ready to un-pack and install.
For container shipping we export crate our products to ensure they arrive in the condition they were sent.
Product care
Factory Furniture’s products are designed for use with a minimum of maintenance, however regular checking may prolong the life of the product.
Please refer to the Installation and Operations manuals for maintenance for the product on the product page for the following-
General Maintenance (Recommended Schedule & Guidelines)
Six Monthly Visual checks for superficial or physical damage.
Secure all fixings; full clean as detailed below; check the product is firmly secured to the ground,
inspect timber for serious damage and splinters.
Timber maintenance
Clean with a stiff brush once per year, especially in more exposed locations, to prevent debris, build up on the timber surface. Ideally this should be completed in early spring.
Hardwood can be cleaned with proprietary deck cleaners if required and treated with a UV filter wood stain (we can advise a suitable system depending on the species of timber).
During the cleaning stage, all exposed timber surfaces should be inspected for splits and splinters. Any splinters and graffiti should be removed, and the surface sanded with 100 grit sandpaper to remove any uneven / sharp edges or surfaces.
During the first few months after installation the tannin naturally occurring in the timber may leach out and cause a brown staining. This may be removed with a light solution of household bleach and
water, alternatively UV light will break down any staining over 12 months.
During warm weather some hardwood exude sap from sap pockets within the timber, this can be easily removed with white spirit and a scraper by a competent person taking care not to scratch the surface.
As a natural product timber is prone to cracking and splitting. This is particularly common during the summer months and can be attributed to the dramatic changes in the atmosphere and humidity, and fluctuations in temperature. This is because the wood is attempting to match its environment and reach equilibrium with the environment. If the moisture content drops, the wood will dry out which can cause it to develop surface splits.
Our products are usually supplied in a natural state as our naturally durable timbers have a very long lifespan. Surface coating is possible, but we believe this creates a maintenance issue as coatings must be re-applied when they wear.
Natural timbers are always supplied with naturally occurring characteristics which is why we do not guarantee colour as this can vary from tree to tree. Additionally, our products may contain slight natural staining, pin holes and resin all of which are naturally occurring and not considered defects.
Stainless Steel maintenance
(polished stainless steel only)
Clean as required, ideally every six months, using a stainless-steel polish and a lint free cloth.
Surface scratches may be removed using an emery pad (240 grit) and freeing oil such as ‘WD40’. Care should be taken to follow the direction of the brushing grain. It is recommended that a trial repair be carried out on an unimportant surface first. No corrosive cleaners or other abrasives should be used. Any contamination, particularly carbon steel scuffs from vehicles, should be quickly removed to avoid corrosion.
Powder-coated or painted surface maintenance
It should be cleaned annually with water and possibly a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Care should be taken to avoid scratching, which may limit the materials lifespan, deep scratches found should be repaired immediately. Please note that it is advisable to use professional coaters to achieve best results when touching up larger areas.
Hot dipped Galvanised maintenance
These components will have a bright surface which will quickly dull to a matt grey Surface requiring little cleaning if the components are exposed to rain. Algae build up may be cleaned with a pressure hose or similar and if needed a mild detergent. Be aware that some graffiti removal products may corrode the layer of zinc therefore please test an area or seek approval form the manufacturer as any damage will affect the products lifespan. For light damage to hot dipped galvanised finishes repair using a high-performance cold galvanising zinc spray (70% zinc or above).
Spray application should be carried out in accordance with approved methods detailed by the product manufacturer.
Patinated Bronze / Brass / Copper maintenance
A specialist maintenance procedure should be adopted every six months depending on the finish and type of patination required.
