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General

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Furniture and other home décor objects are part of our everyday lives. Some are utilitarian or aesthetic; others may have emotional or symbolic importance. Whatever their nature or purpose, if they are important to us they deserve the best care we can provide for them. We’d like to help you do that. 

The best advice for you is not to treat your purchase from Smith Paisley Designs as you would a regular, store bought, or mass produced item. It isn’t. Although many of our pieces may have a practical function, because of our processes they fall into the category of artwork. As such, they do not have a factory finish and will not stand up to careless, rough or casual handling. 

Depending on what you’ve bought, here are a couple of do’s and don’ts to help you be more aware and to enjoy your artwork for many years.

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Preventable damage

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• When receiving a painted piece take great care in removing any protective packaging to avoid damaging the surface. Be extra careful if using scissors or any other sharp items.​

• Custom pieces - whilst the paint, wax or varnish may be dry enough to wrap and transport, it will still need time to 'cure' or harden. Unless advised otherwise, allow at least two weeks from the date of delivery for the curing process to complete. To avoid any scratches or marks during this time, don't use the furniture. Place it somewhere suitable indoors and allow the finish to breathe and harden at room temperature. 

• Dust occasionally to prevent a build-up. Either with a soft bristle brush (like a make-up brush), or a soft lint free cloth (like a microfibre cloth).

• Never use chemicals, abrasives or polishes. Avoid chemicals, cleaning products and even water (depending on your purchase) to wipe or clean your artwork. 

• Organic solvents, like nail polish and remover, perfumes, and alcoholic drinks can behave 
  as paint and varnish removers on many kinds of coatings without an extra barrier. This includes essential oils, Glade plug-ins, Scentsy warmers, wax melts, diffusers, and children's  ‘slime’ (toy).

• These problems are simple to address. Using coasters, oversized ashtrays, glass, suitable tablecloths and placemats can virtually eliminate the potential for damage.

• Use trivets for hot dishes on any painted or varnished surface.

• Sit only on structures designed for that purpose, and then being mindful of the specialness of the piece.

• Protect from pets. 

• When sweeping or vacuuming be careful not to knock, hit or bump the base or legs of your artwork with the broom or vacuum cleaner.

• Wherever possible, keep your artwork out of direct sunlight and extreme changes in temperature - dryness, humidity, heat or cold. Even though it may have a protective layer of varnish, it is still possible for it to fade if in bright sunlight for extended periods of time. 

• Electrical items used on a painted surface for prolonged periods can cause scorching.

• Protect the underside of ornaments with felt coverings; use placemats and coasters where appropriate. 

• Painted furniture can change colour with exposure to both natural and electric light. Rotate any ornaments to avoid patches of colour where an object has stood. 

• Unless it’s waterproof fabric, you can lightly ‘dust’ our upholstery by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. Put a soft screen on the surface (like a fine scarf or piece of fabric) to prevent any snagging or abrasion from the vacuum tip, and using a brush attachment, vacuum the surface. Spot clean as needed with a very mild solvent for small stains, taking into account what type of fabric it is, and whether it has been painted, or not. Dry clean only for serious stains.

• Don’t lean things against the surface of your item. Even though nearby objects may not seem sharp or heavy enough to damage the sides or surface, they may cause scratching or  chipping. Prevent accidents when storing your artwork by covering with cotton sheeting (not plastic). And away from anything that might lean or press against the surface. To transport securely, cover and separate with a soft, thick fabric. Use heavy pieces of cardboard over the front and back, bubble wrap and place in a suitable heavy cardboard box or crate.

• Wherever possible, position your artwork away from very busy or messy areas. Over time, it can accumulate a thin layer of dust and pollutants, airborne grime from cooking oils, particles from smoking and insect specks. Display your piece away from these things, or where it will be less exposed.

• You can washed certain items like porcelain mugs, carefully in lukewarm water with a gentle dish soap and soft cloth. Don’t allow to soak. Air dry. If you have any doubt about the structure of your object, don’t immerse it in water. Wipe delicately with a damp cloth. Never put in a dishwasher or microwave.

• Store and display your ceramics and glass in a secure place. Not on a shelf under the stairs (or some other uneven or unsteady place). Keep your pieces safe and secure from rattling and bumping.

• Pick up your smaller artwork items with care, for example by the base – like clocks or tea set pieces. If you grasp a protruding detail on a more delicate item, it may break off. So always lift the whole piece firmly and carefully.
   

 

This is not an exhaustive list, so if you have any specific questions about your particular purchase, you are most welcome to contact us.

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Enjoy your artwork!