PRODUCT CARE KWILA / MERBAU

  
How do I wash down the timber to stop it from staining?

If you choose to wash down your Kwila by hosing, it may take several hours before the Tannin will bleed or leach out of the furniture. To hasten this process, there are products which are usually already in most home laundries that work very well to wash the timber. These products are used for soaking and treating stains in coloured clothing . Some of the more common commercial brand names are Nappisan for Colors, ScotchBrite, Swift Laundry Soaker. All are used for removing stains from coloured clothing items.

• Used according to the manufacturer’s instructions for dissolving into water, this stain soaker solution can used in a plastic spray bottle and sprayed over all surfaces of the timber, and hosing off with water. Do not let the wood completely dry out and keep hosing down until the water runs clear.
• When the water runs clear, roughly dry the furniture off with a cloth to stop any water spot markings on the wood.
• Once the furniture is completely dry, and this could take from several hours until overnight depending on the climatic conditions, re oil with a good quality CLEAR timber oil that has a sunscreen. ( Most good quality oils have a UV protector which will maintain the rich look of the timber ) Do not be alarmed at the very dry appearance of the wood after it has been bled. Only the surface tannin has been removed.

How often do I need to oil the furniture?

By regularly oiling your outdoor furniture, you will maintain the original colour of the furniture. However, even without regular additional oiling only end checking of the timber will occur, no matter how exposed the furniture is to weather conditions. Sunlight will cause the colour to gradually fade and if left un-oiled, Kwila will weather to a light sliver-grey colour. Once the product is dry after washing, it is also recommended that a light application of oil is applied to the timber.

What type of oil should I use on Kwila products?

Australis Leisure recommends the use of good quality decking oil, which can be wiped over with a lint free cloth, maintaining the colour and grain of the timber. However, any deck or wooden outdoor furniture oil with a UV stabliser and anti fungal additive will be suitable.

What about rain and saltwater?

Kwila is resistant to them. As the tannin in the product acts as a natural preservative it has minimal shrinkage and can withstand extreme climate conditions. Even rain and saltwater will not deteriorate the timber.

Does Kwila need any special cleaning or maintenance?

Once you have thoroughly washed the product, it will only require regular oiling to maintain its original appearance. The climate conditions of your region will determine how often you oil the furniture. Besides that, Kwila is virtually maintenance free.

Can kwila products be painted and varnished at home?

Yes, however it is not advisable, since the colour or varnish would not be long-lasting. The tannin in the wood can react adversely with most paints.