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IMPROVEMENT TREATMENT FOR COUNTER TOPS WITH NATURAL
HARD-WAX OIL
The surface must be clean and dry. Vedum uses Osmo hard-wax oil 3032,
colourless satin finish, art. no. 37005, which is ready for use without diluting;
shake/stir carefully before use. Apply a thin layer of hard-wax oil in the
direction of the grain with a lint-free cloth (not included in the delivery from
Vedum). Apply once only, in a thin layer. Be careful not to leave behind any
excess. Avoid carrying out the work in direct sunlight. Take care to ensure
that the hard-wax oil does not come into contact with anything other than the
counter top, especially the doors, as it is very difficult to remove. Allow to dry
for 8–12 hours in normal climatic conditions at a temperature of approximately
+18-22°C and a relative humidity of 40–60%, and make sure it is
well ventilated.
IMPROVEMENT TREATMENT FOR COUNTER TOPS WITH WHITE
HARD-WAX OIL
For normal maintenance or as required, use Osmo Top Oil 3068 Natural, art.
no. 37008, for a white painted counter top. If the counter top is damaged or
the surface wears down so much that the natural colour of the wood starts to
show, use white hard-wax oil 3188 Snow, art. no. 37006, as a base coat in the
damaged area. Sand the damaged section of wood clean using sandpaper
with a grit size of 180–240. Then clean the surface of dust before beginning
treatment. Add the pigmented hard-wax oil in the same way as the colourless
oil. Allow to dry for 24 hours in normal climatic conditions at a temperature of
approxi18–22°C and a relative humidity of 40–60%, and make sure it
is well ventilated. Then, above the base coat, add hard-wax oil 3068 Natural,
art. no. 37008, to the white painted counter top according to the instructions
above. Allow to dry for 24 hours in normal climatic conditions at a temperature
of approxi18–22°C and a relative humidity of 40–60%, and make sure
it is well ventilated. The hard-wax oiled counter top should be used with care
for the first week.
WARNING:
The hard-wax oil contains oxidising oils, which may cause organic
material to self-ignite. Cloths and other textiles that have been in contact with
the product should therefore always be placed in water immediately after
use, soaked in water and wrapped in air-tight wrapping, or ignited under
controlled conditions. When dry, Osmo hard-wax oil is completely non-toxic
and approved in accordance with EN71.3 and DIN 53160.
IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS
If the surface of a solid wood board has become damaged or discoloured, you
can always sand the counter top. That is the advantage of solid wood.
However, after sanding, a waxed board must be treated with primer and wax as
if it had not yet been treated. The required materials can be found at a
building material supplier or paint supplier. Impact marks and scratches can
often be repaired with warm water, which will make the wood swell and recover
its shape. This is easiest with wood that has been treated with raw linseed oil
and most difficult with a waxed surface, but it is always worth trying. If the
surface has been sanded, the oil can always be switched to wax or vice versa,
but the surface must be treated as if it had not yet been treated. If oil is
selected, treat it as previously described. If wax is selected, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. Solid wood is a living material, so it will move with
the changing seasons. Up to +/- 2.5 mm depthwise. Mats must always be used
when placing cooking pots or frying pans on the counter top.
CUTTING BOARDS
The cutting boards are made from a moisture-resistant veneered particle
board. The edging strips are made from ABS plastic so that moisture cannot
penetrate into the edges. When cleaning, use a damp cloth. Use washing-up
liquid if needed. Never wash it in the dishwasher. Wipe the cutting board dry
after cleaning. DO NOT let it drip dry on a drying rack. The cutting board is
treated in the same way on both sides. Turn it from time to time for even wear.
GRANITE COUNTER TOP
Granite is a natural material, which changes its appearance from time to time.
However, most varieties do not change significantly in appearance. In certain
varieties of granite, cracks may occur. This is natural for certain varieties
and has no impact on quality. All varieties of granite have pores (holes) in
the surface. Some granites have more and some have hardly any. However,
this has no impact on quality. Pores are more usual than unusual in granites.
Unlike marble and limestone, granite is a highly watertight material, but grease
should not be allowed to stand on the stone for any length of time as it can
penetrate into the counter top. Unlike water, which evaporates, grease stains
can become permanent. A grease stain must always be soaked away in order
to be removed from the granite board. The granite boards are waterproofed
on delivery and do not need special protection other than cleaning when
needed with normal soapy water. Mix natural soap or stone soap with 70–80%
water in a spray bottle. Spray the counter top with soapy water and allow to
soak for three minutes, then wipe off. The counter tops can also be kept free
from stains and dirt in this way. The granite boards must be soaped enough
so that water forms beads on the surface. If the granite board absorbs water,
more maintenance is required. If a grey membrane forms on the surface and
is not removed by soapy water, this means that the surface is too oily or
oversaturated. This can usually be fixed with window cleaner.
LIMESTONE OR MARBLE COUNTER TOPS
Marble and limestone have a carbonate mineral (calcite) as their primary mineral,
and both types of stone have similar technical properties. Marble and limestone
are both sensitive to acids, which can etch into and make marks in the stone.
Acids can be found, for example, in acidic cleaning fluids, wine, vinegar,
carbonated liquids, fruit juices etc. Stone has a certain absorbency. It should
therefore not be exposed to coloured liquids, which may penetrate the stone.
If spillage occurs, this should be wiped away immediately. For daily cleaning, a
damp cloth is generally sufficient. If a cleaning agent is required, use soap, mild
washing-up liquid or special agents designed for marble and limestone.
COMPOSITE STONE COUNTER TOPS
This is a material that is very similar to granite, but with a completely water-
proof surface structure. Although the composite is heat-resistant, it should not
be exposed to heat shocks. Care should therefore be taken not to place hot
cookware directly on the stone. Cutting directly on the stone is not advised.
For daily maintenance, use a normal dishcloth with a little washing-up liquid.
STAINLESS STEEL OR BRASS SINK
The sinks are made from a material that does not absorb odours or tastes. It is a
simple matter to keep your sink looking fresh for years, as long as you remember
to rinse and wipe the sink after use. Do not allow chlorine-containing liquids to
stand in the sink for several hours, as chlorine can damage the sink. Stainless
steel and brass surfaces should be wiped after every use. Do not allow water or
other liquids to dry on the surface themselves. Use a sponge or dishcloth and, if
necessary, a mild soap/washing-up liquid and water. Stains that do not disappear
with normal wiping can be removed with a soft brush or stainless steel cleaning
liquid. Do not use a cleaning agent with an abrasive or a cleaning agent
containing chlorine, iodine, fluorine or chemical solutions that affect stainless
steel. Do not use hard or sharp objects, acids, steel wool or similar. Discolouration
of the stainless steel surface may also occur if iron-containing substances are
allowed to lie on the surface while it is damp. The water in certain areas can also
cause discolouration. The discolouration is not caused by the stainless material.
After any cleaning, the sink must be rinsed with water and wiped dry. Always
follow the instructions provided with the sink regarding cleaning agents. If you
are not sure, test on a non-visible area first (e.g. the underside of the sink). NB: It
is important to wipe and rub along the length of the sink.
Stainless steel sinks:
matt areas will recover their shine if you sprinkle a little
chalk on them and rub them with a soft cloth.
Brass sinks:
never use silver, brass or copper polish. This produces stains that
cannot be removed.
7. Maintenance instructions
