A soft damp cloth is all that is needed for daily/weekly care. Once the finish is cured, a good polish without silicone can be used every month or so to feed and polish the finish. Most commercial sprays, such as Pledge, have silicone in them. Over a period of time this attacks the lacquer and softens it. In the long run, the lacquer will be destroyed, leaving a gummy mess that will have to be stripped off and the piece will have to be refinished.

“Guardsman” or “Freeman’s” creme polishes are recommended. Neither one will leave a residue build-up.

The traditional method of wood care uses a good paste wax such as “Black Bison” or “Fiddes.” These are applied sparingly every three to six months with a soft cloth and then polished to a satin sheen with a dry, soft cloth. The frequency of application depends on how heavily the pieces are used. These waxes provide a moisture barrier that protects the finish from water and alcohol. Between applications, weekly cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed. However, these waxes definitely leave a build up that requires a good buffing brush to remove. This would have to be done every two or three years. In addition, these waxes come in colors; which, if properly applied, can add to the depth of the finish. This kind of care was traditionally done by a well-trained household staff, a more labor intensive method.