Caring for Your Custom Wood & Epoxy Table: A Finish-Specific Guide

Your custom table from Robert Russell Designs is a handcrafted heirloom — built with locally sourced hardwoods and finished to highlight its natural beauty and durability. Whether your table features a hard wax oil, oil-based urethane, or catalyzed varnish, proper care ensures it remains stunning for generations.
​
Here’s how to care for your table based on its finish, with recommended brand-name products to make maintenance easy and effective.

Hard Wax Oils
​Brands Used: Rubio Monocoat, Woodaddy
Hard wax oils penetrate the wood, enhancing its grain and texture while providing a matte, water-resistant finish.
Care & Maintenance:

• Daily Cleaning:
  Use a soft microfiber cloth with a mild wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap (diluted per label instructions).
  For finish-specific cleaning, try Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Spray or Woodaddy Natural Cleaner.
• Spill Protection:
  Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining or water marks.
• Periodic Maintenance:
  Refresh the finish when it's no longer repelling water using Rubio Monocoat Universal Maintenance Oil or Woodaddy Maintenance Oil.
• Avoid:
  Steam mops, abrasive pads, and harsh chemical cleaners.

Oil-Based Urethane Wipe-On
​Brand Used: General Finishes Arm-R-Seal
Arm-R-Seal offers a warm, hand-rubbed appearance with excellent durability and resistance to moisture and wear.
Care & Maintenance:

• Cleaning & Polishing:
  Use General Finishes Orange Oil Furniture Polish or a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution.
• Scratch Prevention:
  Use felt pads under objects and avoid dragging items across the surface.
• Rejuvenation:
  Lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper and apply a fresh coat of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal to restore luster.
• Avoid:
  Ammonia-based cleaners and silicone polishes.

Catalyzed / 2K Conversion Varnish
​Brand Used: General Finishes Enduro Conversion Varnish
This industrial-grade finish offers superior resistance to moisture, chemicals, and wear — ideal for high-use surfaces.
Care & Maintenance:

• Cleaning:
  Use a diluted dish soap solution with a soft cloth, or refer to the General Finishes Exterior 450 Cleaner as part of their Exterior 450 system.
• Protection:
  Avoid prolonged exposure to standing water and direct sunlight to prevent fading or clouding.
• Durability:
  This finish rarely needs reapplication but benefits from regular gentle cleaning.
• Avoid:
  Abrasive cleaners, bleach, and wax-based products.

General Tips for All Finishes

• Climate Control:
  Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55% to prevent wood movement.
  
• Sunlight Protection:
  Although each of the products I use increase the UV protection level using UV-filtering window treatments to reduce fading.
  
• Heat & Moisture:
  Always use coasters, trivets, and placemats.
  
• Dusting:
  Use a dry microfiber cloth regularly to prevent buildup.