Keeping your handcrafted wood piece(s) looking sharp

The Long Haul: Keeping it Looking Sharp
Danish oil is awesome, but it's not magic--it'll wear down over time, especially if your piece is getting some serious action. While that worn-in look can give your wood a sweet, aged patina, you'll still want to keep an eye on it to make sure it's staying protected.

Give it a check every few months--look for dull spots or places where it's not repelling water like it used to.
Got outdoor furniture or stuff hanging in sunlit or humid areas? Hit it with a fresh coat of Danish oil more often to keep moisture and damage at bay.

Bottom Line
Hardwoods finished with Danish oil are the definition of "low-maintenance chic", but they still need a little TLC. Dust 'em off regularly, wipe up spills pronto, and give them an oil refresh from time to time. Do that, and your handcrafted pieces from Crafted by KvG will keep looking stunning for years. The wood's natural richness and grain depth? Yeah, that's not going anywhere--as long as you show it a little love.

When it comes to finishing my handcrafted pieces, Danish oil is my go-to, giving that silky smooth, natural vibe everyone loves. But hey, if you’re planning to put it up against food or the daily grind of moisture—think cheese slicers, cutting boards, or coasters—I switch gears. For those, I go all-in with a soak and a hand-rubbed, two-coat treatment of food-safe mineral oil, followed by a slick coat of butcher block conditioner. We’re talking next-level protection and shine.

Why Danish oil? Simple. It makes hardwoods pop! This finish doesn’t just sit on top—it dives deep, enhancing the wood’s grain and giving it that irresistible, hand-rubbed, soft-to-the-touch finish. Your piece gets the royal treatment and the kind of durability that lasts. But, just like anything high-end, a little love and care go a long way in keeping that beauty intact.

As for bigger projects, like a custom table or chair, the finish depends on how you’re going to use it. Let’s talk during the consultation and figure out what works best for your piece. We’ll make sure it’s as tough—or as fancy—as it needs to be.

Routine Cleaning: Keep it Fresh
Want your hardwood furniture or custom, handcrafted wood pieces looking top-notch? Regular cleaning is key. Grab a soft, dry cloth or microfiber duster and swipe away dust and dirt. No harsh chemicals allowed here—they’ll mess up the finish. For a deeper clean, lightly dampen a cloth with water, wipe, and then dry it off immediately to avoid any moisture drama.

• Dust on the regular to keep things tidy.
• For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth (but make sure to dry it ASAP).
• Stay away from harsh cleaners and never put handcrafted hardwood pieces in the dishwasher—unless you want to trash your piece. Please don't!

Cutting Boards and Cheese Slicers
When it comes to stuff like cutting boards and cheese slicers, rinse with water and mild dish soap, but don’t forget to clean both sides evenly! Dry them thoroughly and store them vertically, away from the sun. NEVER store them flat unless you’re trying to warp them on purpose! And, NEVER put them in the dishwasher...that's a no, no!!!

Wash both sides evenly with mild dish soap and warm water - then rinse it like you mean it.
Towel it off, stand it tall, and let it fully air dry like a pro before you stash it away vertically.
Dishwasher? Nope. Never. Not even once!
Storing it flat? Fuggedaboutit! Always keep it standing tall unless you want it warped like your Uncle Harry.
Hey…I know it's gorgeous, but don’t just stare at it - use it!

Protect from Spills & Moisture: Be Smart
Danish oil offers some defense, but don’t push your luck—water and wood aren’t best friends. Keep your furniture safe by:

• Wiping up spills ASAP—watermarks and stains are not your friends.
• Use coasters, placemats, and trivets to shield surfaces from hot dishes, moisture, and liquids.
• Don’t park wet items (glasses, plants, etc.) directly on the wood. Water rings and damage? No thanks.

Pro Tip-Cutting Boards, etc.: Pieces made for food or high-moisture use, like cutting boards or coasters, get the special treatment with mineral oil and wax. They’re tougher against moisture, but still, don’t let them sit in water forever or you might mess with the finish or cause them to warp.

Keeping Scratches at Bay
Danish oil gives some decent protection, but let's be real--wood isn't invincible. If you want your hardwood pieces looking pristine, handle with care. No one wants ugly scratches or dents!

Keeping that Shine On Point
Want your wood to keep glowing like it just walked off the runway? A little buffing goes a long way. Grab a soft cloth and give the surface some love with gentle motions in the direction of the wood grain. That'll bring back the luster without needing a full oil makeover.

Buff the surface regularly with a clean, soft cloth to keep that natural glow shining bright.
If things start looking dull, a light sanding with 220 grit or higher, followed by a fresh hit of Danish oil will have it looking brand new.

When It's Time for a Re-Oil
Heavy-use spots like tabletops and armrests can take a beating, and eventually, that Danish oil finish might lose its luster. The fix? A fresh coat of oil every 6-12 months (or whenever you feel like it's time for a refresh).

Here's how to get it done...

Clean the surface to wipe away any dirt and dust.
Lightly sand with the direction of the grain with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or higher) to smooth things out and open up the wood's pores.
Dust it off, then apply a thin coat of Danish oil (or mineral oil if food-safe is needed) with gloved hands or a soft cloth. Rub it in with the grain--don't go against the flow!
Wait 10-15 minutes, then wipe off any extra oil with a lint-free cloth. You don't want it to look greasy.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before you start using it again--checking it occasionally to see if any oil has leeched to the surface. Wipe it clean, if so. If you're feeling extra fancy, hit it with another coat!

A recent finishing job. Click on image for full view.

Six piece coaster set and box made from Black Walnut, Purple Heart and maple. Click on image for full view.

Nope. Not my hand. Clicking on this image will do nothing.