WOOD CARE GUIDE

Keep your wooden items looking their best

Wood is a natural material, and with everyday use it can gradually become dry, dull or lose some of its natural character.

With a little regular care, your wooden items can continue to look great and develop their own character over time.

At GS Bespoke Woodwork, I use a variety of finishes depending on the item, the type of wood and how it is intended to be used. The correct care will depend on the finish, but regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your wooden items looking their best.

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🧈 GS BESPOKE SWEET ORANGE WOOD BUTTER

If your wooden item is starting to look dry or dull, my GS Bespoke Sweet Orange Wood Butter is designed to help bring the natural character of the wood back to life.

Made using:

🐝 Beeswax

🪵 Food-grade mineral oil

🍊 Sweet orange essential oil

The combination of beeswax and mineral oil helps condition the surface of the wood while leaving a protective wax layer.

And, of course, it has that lovely sweet orange aroma.

80g Tin — £10

Made in the UK by GS Bespoke Woodwork.

If you have wooden items that need a little TLC, why not give them the GS treatment?

BUY GS BESPOKE SWEET ORANGE WOOD BUTTER

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🪵 HOW TO APPLY WOOD BUTTER

Applying wood butter is simple.

1.⁠ ⁠Make sure the surface is clean and dry

Remove any dirt, crumbs or residue and allow the surface to dry completely before applying the wood butter.

2.⁠ ⁠Apply a small amount

Using a soft cloth or kitchen roll, apply a small amount of wood butter to the surface.

You don’t need much — a little goes a long way.

3.⁠ ⁠Work it into the wood

Spread the wood butter evenly across the surface, following the direction of the grain where possible.

4.⁠ ⁠Leave for 10–20 minutes

Allow the wood butter some time to settle into the surface.

5.⁠ ⁠Buff

Using a clean, soft cloth, buff away any excess until the surface feels smooth.

The finished wood should feel nourished and smooth rather than greasy.

Top tip: Start with a small amount. It is much easier to add a little more than to remove too much.

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✨ WHEN SHOULD I USE WOOD BUTTER?

There isn’t a strict schedule for applying wood butter.

Instead, let the wood tell you when it needs some attention.

It may be time for some maintenance if your wooden item:

•⁠ ⁠Looks dry or dull

•⁠ ⁠Has lost some of its natural sheen

•⁠ ⁠Feels less smooth than usual

•⁠ ⁠Is regularly handled or used

•⁠ ⁠Looks like it needs a little refresh

Frequently used wooden items may need attention more often than decorative pieces.

Regular light maintenance is generally preferable to waiting until the wood becomes extremely dry.

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🛢️ WOOD OIL OR WOOD BUTTER?

Wood oil and wood butter have different purposes and can both form part of a wood-care routine.

WOOD OIL

Oil can be useful when timber is particularly dry and needs conditioning within the wood.

For some items, oil forms part of the original finishing process.

WOOD BUTTER

Wood butter is particularly useful for ongoing maintenance.

The mineral oil helps condition the wood while the beeswax leaves a protective wax layer on the surface.

If your wooden item has been treated with an oil finish, allow that finish to fully cure before applying wood butter.

Always check compatibility with the existing finish and, if you’re unsure, test on a small inconspicuous area first.

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🧽 EVERYDAY WOOD CARE

A few simple habits can make a big difference to the life of your wooden items.

DO

✔ Wipe spills up promptly

✔ Use a soft cloth for cleaning

✔ Dry wooden surfaces after they become wet

✔ Use coasters and mats where appropriate

✔ Keep wooden items away from prolonged direct heat

✔ Give the wood some maintenance when it starts looking dry

✔ Allow damp wooden items to dry naturally

DON’T

❌ Leave wooden items sitting in water

❌ Submerge wooden items unless specifically designed for it

❌ Use abrasive scourers or steel wool

❌ Use harsh cleaning chemicals

❌ Place very hot items directly onto wooden surfaces

❌ Leave wet or damp objects sitting on wood for prolonged periods

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💧 WATER, HEAT & HUMIDITY

Wood naturally responds to changes in temperature and humidity.

This is completely normal and is one of the characteristics of a natural material.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to water and excessive heat.

If a wooden item becomes damp, allow it to dry naturally rather than placing it directly next to a radiator or other strong heat source.

Rapid changes in temperature or humidity can sometimes cause wood to move, shrink, expand or develop small changes over time.

This is normal behaviour for natural wood.

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🍴 CUTTING, CHOPPING & SERVING BOARDS

Wooden chopping, cutting and serving boards need a little extra care because they are regularly exposed to moisture, food and cleaning.

After use:

•⁠ ⁠Wipe the board clean

•⁠ ⁠Avoid soaking or submerging it

•⁠ ⁠Dry it thoroughly

•⁠ ⁠Allow it to air dry naturally

•⁠ ⁠Avoid putting it in a dishwasher unless the product has specifically been designed for it

When the wood begins to look dry, it may benefit from appropriate maintenance.

For boards that are suitable for food-contact use, make sure any products you apply are appropriate for that intended use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Never leave a wooden board soaking in water.

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🔧 MINOR SCRATCHES & MARKS

Wooden items are designed to be used, and over time they may naturally develop small marks, scratches and changes in colour.

These are part of the character of natural wood.

For some minor surface marks, light sanding and reapplication of a suitable finish may be appropriate.

However, the correct repair will depend on the type of wood and the finish already applied.

Always test any treatment on an inconspicuous area first.

If you’re unsure about caring for one of your GS Bespoke Woodwork items, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to advise where I can.

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🍊 WHY SWEET ORANGE?

I wanted my wood butter to be more than just another wood-care product.

The addition of sweet orange essential oil gives the wood butter its distinctive fresh citrus aroma, making the process of maintaining your wooden items a little more enjoyable.

It’s now part of the GS Bespoke Woodwork range:

Wood care with a little bit of orange. 🍊

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❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often should I use GS Sweet Orange Wood Butter?

There isn’t a fixed schedule.

Apply it when the wood starts looking dry, dull or in need of a refresh.

Frequently handled or regularly used items may require maintenance more often than decorative pieces.

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How long should I leave the wood butter before buffing?

Allow approximately 10–20 minutes, then buff away any excess with a clean, soft cloth.

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How much wood butter should I use?

Start with a small amount and spread it evenly across the surface.

You can always add more if necessary.

A thin, even application is generally all that is required.

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Can I use the wood butter over Danish oil?

Wood butter may be suitable as a maintenance layer over a fully cured compatible finish.

Make sure the underlying finish has completely cured and test a small, inconspicuous area first.

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Will the wood butter change the colour of my wood?

Wood butter can enhance the natural appearance of timber and may deepen the appearance of the grain.

Different species of wood can react differently, so if you’re unsure, test it on an inconspicuous area first.

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What does the wood butter smell like?

Sweet orange. 🍊

The sweet orange essential oil gives the wood butter its distinctive citrus aroma.

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What is GS Sweet Orange Wood Butter made from?

The current formulation contains:

Beeswax

Food-grade mineral oil

Sweet orange essential oil

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Does a little wood butter go a long way?

Yes.

A small amount can cover a surprisingly large area, so start with a thin application and add more only if needed.

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Can I use it on any type of wood?

Wood butter can be suitable for many finished wooden surfaces, but different woods and finishes can behave differently.

If you’re unsure, test a small hidden area first.

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Can I use it on furniture?

It may be suitable for many wooden furniture surfaces, depending on the existing finish.

Always check the existing finish and test a small inconspicuous area before treating the whole piece.

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🧈 GIVE YOUR WOOD A LITTLE TLC

Your wooden items deserve a little care too.

Whether it’s a serving board, chopping board, tray, gift, decorative piece or one of your favourite wooden items, a little regular maintenance can help keep it looking its best.

GS Bespoke Sweet Orange Wood Butter

80g — £10

🐝 Beeswax

🍊 Sweet orange

🪵 Designed for wooden items

🇬🇧 Made in the UK

Give your wood the care it deserves.

BUY GS BESPOKE SWEET ORANGE WOOD BUTTER

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🌳 GS BESPOKE WOODWORK

Every piece of wood is different.

Grain, colour, knots and natural markings will vary, and that’s part of what makes wooden items unique.

Look after your wood, enjoy its natural character, and let it develop its own story over time.

GS Bespoke Woodwork — made to be enjoyed