Care & Maintenance

Proper care preserves the craftsmanship and natural beauty of your custom live edge table for generations. These guidelines are written specifically for the all-natural finishes I use — follow them and your piece will continue to look and feel its best.

Wood Tables

Your custom live edge table is finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil, a premium, plant-based hardwax oil. This advanced formula bonds at a molecular level with the wood fibers. It creates a durable, protective bond that offers excellent resistance to water, heat, and daily wear, while leaving the surface with a soft, natural tactile quality that develops a beautiful patina over time.

Because this finish interacts directly with the wood rather than forming a hard surface coating, consistent care is important. The following guidelines apply to both your solid wood tables and epoxy resin river tables, which share the same finish on the wood portions.

Everyday Care

1. Dust regularly with a dry microfiber cloth or blue shop towel.

2. For light cleaning: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth.

3. For thorough cleaning: Use mild dish soap in warm water, rinse with a clean wet cloth, then dry immediately.

4. Avoid harsh or concentrated cleaners that can strip the natural oil finish.

5. Ensure the surface is fully dry after cleaning — no standing water.

6. Bases (metal or wood): Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. For wood bases, follow the same care as the tabletop. Avoid excess moisture around joints to prevent rust or swelling.

How to Apply Maintenance Oil

Use only the specific maintenance oil I recommend to preserve the natural finish and longevity of your table.

Follow these steps every 3–6 months, or whenever the surface appears dry or dull:

1. Prepare the surface: Ensure the tabletop and live edges are clean and completely dry. Follow the Everyday Care guidelines first to remove dust, spills, or residue.

2. Apply the oil: Using a clean microfiber cloth or blue shop towel (preferred over paper towels, which can tear and leave lint), apply a small amount of maintenance oil evenly to the entire surface and live edges. Work in sections if the table is large. The goal is to lightly coat the wood — avoid over-saturating.

3. Buff in the oil: Immediately buff the oil into the wood using circular motions. This helps it penetrate evenly and enhances the natural grain.

4. Let it absorb: Allow the oil to sit for 5 minutes so it can soak in.

5. Buff off excess: Using a fresh, dry shop towel, buff away any remaining oil until the surface feels completely dry and non-tacky. If excess oil remains, continue buffing firmly — it will release with additional effort.

6. Bases (metal or wood): Wipe metal bases and legs with a dry microfiber cloth. For wood bases, follow the same everyday care as the tabletop. Avoid excess moisture around joints.

Tips For Best Results

• Always test a small, inconspicuous area first if you’re unsure.

• Apply in a well-ventilated space at room temperature.

• For ring stains or light marks, this oil application often revives the finish effectively. The oil helps re-nourish the wood and lift minor discoloration without sanding.

• Reapply as needed to maintain the soft, natural feel — frequency depends on use and environment.

Epoxy Resin River Tables

Your custom epoxy resin river table combines the natural beauty of live-edge wood with durable, vibrant epoxy pours, creating a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.

Maintenance for these tables follows the same guidelines as solid wood tables for the wood portions and live edges. The epoxy river itself is non-porous, highly durable, and resistant to stains once fully cured, but gentle care ensures the entire surface retains its shine and clarity over time.

Everyday Care for Epoxy Resin River Tables

1. Follow the same Everyday Care steps outlined for the wood portions and live edges above.

2. Dust regularly with a dry microfiber cloth or blue shop towel.

3. For light cleaning: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth.

4. For thorough cleaning: Use mild dish soap in warm water, rinse with a clean wet cloth, then dry immediately.

5. Avoid harsh or concentrated cleaners that could dull the epoxy’s gloss.

6. Clean spills promptly to prevent potential marking.

7. Bases (metal or wood): Wipe metal bases and legs with a dry microfiber cloth. For wood bases, follow the same everyday care as the tabletop. Avoid excess moisture around joints to prevent rust or swelling.

How to Apply Maintenance Oil

Apply maintenance oil to the wood portions and live edges of your epoxy resin river table following the exact same steps as for solid wood tables (every 3–6 months, or when the wood appears dry or dull).

Use only the recommended maintenance oil. Apply sparingly, buff in circular motions, let absorb for 5 minutes, then buff dry.

Scroll up and follow the Everyday Care section for wood tables for the full detailed instructions.

Additional Tips for Epoxy Resin Tables

• Avoid direct heat (hot pots/pans) and prolonged sunlight to prevent yellowing or softening — always use trivets, coasters, or placemats.

• For extra shine on the epoxy river: After cleaning, buff gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

• The epoxy is tough and low-maintenance once cured, but treat the entire surface with the same care as the wood to preserve the seamless hybrid design.

Pro Tip

Minor surface marks or dullness on the epoxy can often be revived with gentle buffing or the regular cleaning routine — no harsh abrasives needed.

Care & Maintenance Flyer

This printable guide is included with every custom table. Print it or save it for easy reference.

Disclaimer

Your custom table is built to become a lasting heirloom. Proper care helps preserve its beauty for generations, though some natural evolution is inevitable.

Wood and stone are living, organic materials that respond to their environment. Minor cracking, checking, cupping, color changes, fading from sunlight, or small surface marks are inherent characteristics of genuine live-edge and stone pieces — not defects, but part of the material’s natural beauty and ongoing evolution.

This care guide provides general guidance to help maintain the finish and appearance of your handcrafted table. Results may vary based on usage, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, direct sunlight), and individual care practices.

Kristopher Kirkpatrick assumes no liability for damage, discoloration, or changes resulting from:

• Improper cleaning methods or use of unapproved products

• Exposure to extreme heat, moisture, direct sunlight, or harsh environmental conditions

• Accidents, misuse, or neglect

• Natural movement or characteristics of the wood or stone

For questions, refinishing services, or personalized advice, please contact me via the form on the Contact page.

Stone Tables

How to Maintain Your Stone Table

Your custom stone table is crafted from premium, hand-selected natural stone for enduring beauty and durability. Stone is naturally resilient, but gentle, consistent care prevents etching, staining, or dulling over time.

Everyday Care

1. Wipe the surface regularly with a soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge dampened with warm water and mild dish soap (pH-neutral preferred).

2. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots or residue.

3. Clean spills promptly — especially acidic substances like wine, citrus, coffee, or vinegar — to avoid potential etching or staining.

4. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach, ammonia, vinegar-based products), or acidic foods/drinks directly on the surface.

5. Use coasters, trivets, or placemats for hot items, liquids, or anything that could scratch or mark the finish.

6. Bases (metal or wood): Wipe metal bases and legs with a dry microfiber cloth. For wood bases, follow the same everyday care as the tabletop. Avoid excess moisture around joints to prevent rust or swelling.

Annual Professional Maintenance

To keep your stone table performing and looking its best, schedule professional sealing and restoration once per year. This typically includes deep cleaning, re-sealing to protect against moisture and stains, and filling any natural voids or minor cracks.

Professional services ensure optimal results and preserve the stone’s natural character. Contact me for recommendations in your area.