Artek Stool 60

Wood is a living material

Every piece of furniture made from wood is unique. The colour of birch wood, for example, changes according to various factors: the habitat of the tree, the traces of insects, the part of the trunk that’s cut, the way the wood is dried while processing. 

We strive to select materials that are as uniformly coloured as possible, but some variation is unavoidable in order to keep production ecologically sustainable and material loss to a minimum. At Artek, we see the variability of woodgrain as one of birch’s most beautiful qualities. Sometimes, it yields striking flame patterns, which are enhanced through staining, as different parts of the wood absorb different quantities of stains.

Birch and other types of wood are organic, living materials that react to atmospheric humidity. This can cause swelling or shrinking and may change the form and measurements of the item. All wooden Artek products are manufactured in dry and controlled conditions so that their structure is as quality-consistent and stable as possible. But while we pay close attention to raw material selection, treatment, and storage conditions during production, the products are exposed to variation in humidity after they leave the factory.

In Finland, atmospheric humidity may vary harshly according to the season, and variation occurs indoors, too. It is impossible to completely control or avoid this variation.

Stain removal

In case wiping does not clean the surface, you can try to remove unwanted stains using un diluted neutral detergent. Remove colour and water insoluble stains with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol, proceeding carefully since not all surfaces can withstand this treatment. To be safe, test the impact of the substance of choice on a small area that’s not very visible. After removing the stain, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, then dry it. Dark streaks caused by metal or rubber can often be removed with an eraser (India rubber).

Scratch removal

If you would like to treat small scratches, use a small, pointy brush to apply a water-based, clear furniture lacquer with gloss level 20–25. This will make the scratch less visible and reinstate the protective layer. For surfaces with strong patina, use a cloth to apply furniture wax instead, since wax usually matches better the darker and more yellow tones of aged wood. After the indicated drying period, remove all excess wax with a cloth to prevent a sticky surface. Heavy or old and coloured scratches can only be fully mended by sanding off and re-lacquering the entire surface, for which we recommend the help of a professional restorer.

Lacquered and stained wood surfaces

Artek furniture is lacquered to make its surfaces more durable; light damage is nearly undetectable on a clear lacquered surface. Before lacquering, the surface may also be stained. Staining highlights the wood grain and evens or intensifies the colour. Due to UV radiation, the colour of a clear lacquered or lightly stained product will change over time.

Protection and care

Wipe the product at regular intervals using a soft cloth dampened with a solution of water and neutral detergent. Keep chemical exposure to a minimum. Dry the surface after wiping to eliminate any remaining moisture but avoid rubbing in order to prevent polishing. If you leave appliances on the surface, replace rubber pads with felt or another material that does not stain. Scratches made by sharp objects are more visible on surfaces with pigmented lacquer than those with clear lacquer.

Avoid

• Cleaning by rubbing. Uneven mechanical rubbing on a surface often causes an uneven polish.
• Abrasives, including “the magic sponge”.
• Strong alkaline and acid detergents.
• Strong solvents, such as acetone and thinner.
• Using wax, which is hard to remove.
• Hot objects and hot water.
• Abundant use of liquids and long-term exposure to liquids.
• Liquids that stain, such as coffee and red wine.
• Textiles that stain, such as bleeding jeans, especially on light surfaces.
• Strong skin lotions, such as self-tanning and medicinal creams.
• Sharp and scratchy objects; grease and dirt may be absorbed by the wood through scratches.
• Strong variations in temperature and humidity.