Care & Maintenance

No matter the material (i.e. wood, fabric, plastic, metal), all furniture requires maintenance to ensure a long life. The lifespan of the material and finish will vary in relation to the conditions and type of use it is subject to. To help maximize the lifespan of our furniture, please note the following guidelines.

 

Powder Coated Metal


Mild Soap and Water
All powder coated products should be cleaned with either a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush, using a solution of mild soap and (preferably warm) water. The best type of soap to use for this purpose is one that has emulsifiers that can break down the most common types of stains, like a pH-neutral liquid hand-dishwashing detergent. Exposed surfaces of powder coated products that are deemed the most critical should be cleaned regularly (on either a weekly or a bi-weekly schedule). These can be wiped down and rinsed with filtered water.
 
Avoid Solvents & Abrasives
Solvents and petroleum-based cleaning products are very effective at removing dirt and grease from surfaces, but they are not the right choice for powder coated surfaces. These types of cleaners will remove dirt, but they also remove layers of the finish from the surface of the object they are cleaning. While it’s inevitable that coated surfaces that are exposed to the weather will undergo physical aging, exposure to harsh chemical products will only accelerate this process. Neither abrasive sponges nor powders should not be used to scrub powder coated surfaces.
 
Avoid Use Damage
Take every precaution to protect RAD furniture from any knocks or bumps that could cause chipping or scratching to the finish.
 
Repair Use Damage
When powder coated steel does incur chips in its finish, try to apply touch-up prior to any rust forming. Touch-up paint can be requested from RAD, or use a like-color outdoor paint.
 

Sunbrella Fabric Care


Per the manufacturer: Brush off loose dirt, spray on a cleaning solution of water and mild soap, use a soft bristle brush to clean, allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric, rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed and air dry.


Wood Care


Woods Used for Exterior Applications
Kebony: Clean periodically with a damp cloth. Unfinished wood will weather to a natural gray patina. Kebony requires no treatment, and as such, RAD does not apply treatment in the manufacturing process. Use of treatment of any kind may result in an ongoing need for re-treatment and is not recommended.

Woods Used for Interior Applications
Ash, White Oak, Walnut, & Others: Clean periodically with a damp cloth. If sanding is required to remove stains, etc., inquire with RAD as to what product should be used for refinishing after sanding.

No Pressure Washing or Abrasive Pads
Neither pressure washing, nor steel wool/wire brushing is recommended for use on any wood surface.

No Secondary Finishes
Neither the addition of stain, varnish, nor paint is recommended for wood products, since weathering will make constant refinishing a necessity, and incompatible finishes may produce undesirable effects.


Fastener Care


Chair glides and bumpers should be inspected periodically for wear and replaced as needed. Wood fasteners should be inspected every 6-12 months, and either tightened or replaced as necessary. Request replacements from RAD Furniture.