Care of bowls after sale

[Dan Wiggin]

Happy New Year to all!…. So… I seal most of my utility bowls with shellac then either the Beall’s system, Ack’s Paste or Tried and True. What would you tell your potential customers as for the care once there in there new home, pertaining to cleaning them and maintaining the luster?

 

[Brian Gustin]

Absolutely no soap & water, (for cleaning, just wipe dry/ polish out with paper towels) never let liquids stand in bowls (unless they don't care about staining or discoloration and eventual leakage/seepage), if they like the lustrous natural finish restored they'd need to get some Board Butter or wipe down regularly with mineral oil.

- most of all that is just common sense (knowing soap washes away oils & grease, for example, and that wood is porous so of course it will absorb liquids eventually, and left to stand, it does eventually dry out, and oil does evaporate though very, very slowly)

 

[John K Jordan]

For things sealed/finished with shellac I tell people to keep alcohol away. (Prob not the best finish for wine bottle stoppers.)
Clean and polish with a soft cotton cloth. I sometimes give people a small plastic container with Renaissance Wax.

Raffan says:
"Any wooden bowl in daily use can be hand-washed in hot water and detergent and set on a drainer to dry."

Bowls - Richard Raffan

www.richardraffan.com.au

 

[robo hippy]

Hand wash only, no dishwasher. Do not soak in water. Do not store food in them, especially in the refrigerator, which is a dehydrator. Oil them if you want, but generally my personal one gets oiled when new and that is it. If you have some food residue building up on the bowl, then time for soap, water and a scrub pad. Walnut oil from the stores does work, some times. Olive oil is not bad for the bowls, but make sure to wipe away any excess.

robo hippy

 

[Vincent Vogel]

For utility bowls I mostly use polymerized tung oil or sometimes rubio monocoat. I tell people do not put in refrigerator overnight, no microwave oven, do not put in dishwasher, do not immerse in water to wash. Use mild dish detergent with warm water and wash with a rag and rinse. Dry immediately. So far from what I've heard this works good.

 

[hughie]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance. The blurb is well received and appreciated and I have been meaning have it in a QR code

 

[Dan Wiggin]

Thank you all for your responses ! Very helpful ! I think a hand out is a great idea !

 

[John K Jordan]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance.

Hey, I was thinking the same as Dan, an excellent idea.

Is that handout something you’re able to share? Many others could find it useful without having to recreate it from scratch.

JKJ

 

[Dave Landers]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance. The blurb is well received and appreciated and I have been meaning have it in a QR code

I had my simple bowl care info printed on the back of one run of my business cards. I finish most utility pieces with walnut oil (Mahoney's).

Utility Bowl Care: Your bowl has been finished with oil. You can use it for just about anything - bread, nuts, popcorn, salad, vegetables, etc.
Wash by hand with mild soap or just warm water. Do not soak in water or wash in the dishwasher.
Do not use in the microwave oven.
Occasionally wipe with oil. I suggest walnut oil or sunflower oil, available in the grocery store.
Some bowls have "worm holes" or other natural features. Be careful with liquids like salad dressing, as it may collect in the holes.

 

[hughie]

Hey, I was thinking the same as Dan, an excellent idea.

Is that handout something you’re able to share? Many others could find it useful without having to recreate it from scratch.

JKJ

Care and looking after your bespoke Australian Native timber candle holders.[ or whatever the item is ]

All species of wood move with the seasons this is natural and will incrementally harden over time, so the trick is keep the movement to a minimum you can’t avoid it but with a little care it and by avoiding the extremes of our climate this will maintain its integrity for many years to come. Especially Native timbers they are best kept away from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures and excessive moisture. So don’t leave it in strong sunlight and avoid getting it wet, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. All the pieces have been fully seasoned in the traditional method of air drying and will be finished in either a Polyurethane varnish or a Danish Oil both are enduring finishes that requires little maintenance other than a wipe over with a damp rag.

All the timber used has been responsibly taken, some of it has come renovations to old homes, Suburban tree felling and wind falls from areas such as the Southern Highlands

Depending on which piece you take home they all have a story to tell and each is signed by the artist with the species clearly marked.
This heavily orientated to Australian species and it also comes with a further blurb on the species actually for sale along with a brief statement about the artist. What I have found if there is any history around or about the wood , write it up and present it with the piece it make a big difference to sales. You could say a great deal more and rant on, but simple and to the point works well, to a large extent you have to know your market, this works for me in my location which is a tourist precinct.
I use a lot of wood from old house renovations, large old stumps etc I spend as time as I can gleaning the history. On old stumps etc its fairy easy to get some idea of age and you can tie to historical moments. Its give the piece I guess more provenance and the buyers love hold a piece of history in their hands especially recounting this to friends and family. The idea is that through this you enter into the conversation going on in the prospective buyers head. The market down under is very tight after covid and so you have to be very proactive, rather just plonking the piece on the shelf and walking away. OK if it gallery type sales you will have to organise this with the gallery, to date I have found the galleries love this approach as you have much of their work in sales.

 

[Gregory Hickman]

I would think this would be a good idea for anyone selling there work. The whole bit about the story resonates as well. People in the market for craft products definetly want the story. If you take the time to tell it, I'm sure the customer will forward that story to anyone who comments on the piece.

I'm a new turner, therfore probably years from selling anything. But the idea of providing this type of information will be filled away for that future date. Thanks for providing a clear and articulate example to use for us all, @hughie.

 

[John K Jordan]

would think this would be a good idea for anyone selling there work.

Yes, selling (or giving away). I’ve never been movated to try to sell things (although I’ve accidentally made a few thousand here and there) but I give away most of what I make. I’m definitely going to write up something.

Thank you @hughie.

JKJ