With a small amount of attention, your JLP product will maintain its beauty for decades. This article covers routine cleaning and finish restoration for more significant wear.
Routine Cleaning and Polish
We recommend the Heirloom Essentials Spotless Cleanser and Fine Furniture Polish by Woodwright. This two-step water-based formula removes fingerprints, oils, and residue without harming varnished hardwood surfaces, and contains no silicone, ammonia, or wax — all of which can damage or complicate future repairs.
Apply the Spotless Cleanser first with a microfiber cloth to lift residue and restore clarity. Follow with the Fine Furniture Polish to bring the wood back to a rich, even luster. Most surfaces respond well in five to ten minutes. Minor surface scratches will often diminish in the process.
Avoid products containing silicone or wax. Silicone degrades relatively quickly, and wax is susceptible to watermarks, heat damage, and rings — all of which are difficult to repair cleanly.
Whether chess board as shown above, a box, or another product, the attractive, vibrant look can be restored.
You might be started with a dusty or well used item that looks like this.
With the right cleanser/polish combination, you can get great results in 5-10 minutes.
Soon it will be looking like this.
Restoring the Finish
JLP products are finished with a multi-coat catalyzed conversion varnish. When cleaning is not sufficient, the following progression can be applied in order — each step is safe to attempt before moving to the next.
Surface-level scratches that have not penetrated the finish can often be addressed by lightly preparing the area with lacquer thinner or acetone, then applying a water-based polyurethane. Apply it by wiping on and immediately wiping off — do not allow it to sit on the surface.
Deeper scratches that reach the wood itself, or surfaces where a fully renewed finish is desired, require sanding the entire surface before reapplying conversion varnish. This is a woodworking process best undertaken with appropriate tools and some experience.
When in doubt, start with the simplest step and work forward only if needed.
Questions?
The Chess House support team is happy to help.
The JLP Collection is handcrafted exclusively for Chess House.
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