Preserve the Beauty of
Your Handcrafted Piece
A piece made entirely by hand from natural wood is a living material — it responds to its environment, ages beautifully with care, and can last generations. This guide tells you exactly how to give it the attention it deserves.
20–50 yrs
Lifespan with proper care
6–12 mo
Between oiling treatments
5 mins
Weekly dusting routine
100%
Natural, improveable materials
Handmade Pieces
Are Made to
Last Lifetimes
"I've seen pieces I made in 1998 come back to our workshop for a refinishing — the wood was in perfect condition. The family just wanted it to look new again. That's what handmade means to us: pieces that outlive the occasion they were made for."
— Damodar Lal Kumawat, Master Craftsman, ArtisanKart
30+ years
The expected lifespan of a well-maintained Sheesham or teak piece from our workshop — often passed down as a family heirloom.
Wood is a living material
Even after it's been shaped and finished, wood continues to breathe — expanding and contracting with humidity and temperature. This responsiveness is what gives it character. Care keeps that relationship healthy.
It genuinely improves with age
Sheesham and teak develop richer, deeper grain tones over years of proper care. The patina on a well-maintained wooden piece after a decade is impossible to replicate artificially — it's earned.
Your artisan's work deserves it
The piece you hold took days to make — wood selected by hand, shaped without machines, inspected at every stage. A five-minute dusting once a week honours that effort and keeps it looking as intended.
Prevention is almost free
A ₹150 bottle of food-grade mineral oil, used once a year, will extend a wooden piece's life by decades. The cost of neglect — cracking, splitting, dulling — is far higher and sometimes irreversible.
Wooden Product Care —
Complete Guide
Four categories of care: cleaning, storage, protection, and maintenance. Each has a natural rhythm — follow these and your piece will improve, not deteriorate, over years of use.
Cleaning
Weekly- 01Dust with a dry, soft microfiber cloth — always wipe with the grain, not against it
- 02For light soiling, use a cloth barely dampened with water. Dry immediately with a second cloth
- 03For sticky residues, a drop of white vinegar on the damp cloth; wipe, then dry thoroughly
- 04Avoid spraying water directly onto the piece — apply to the cloth first
- 05For carved or engraved grooves, a soft natural-bristle brush removes trapped dust safely
Storage
Long-term- 01Store in breathable cotton or linen covers — never plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mold
- 02Keep pieces horizontal where possible to avoid stress on joints during long storage
- 03Place silica gel packets nearby in enclosed storage to manage humidity
- 04Keep away from concrete floors (they retain moisture) — use a wooden shelf or raised platform
- 05Do not stack pieces directly on each other; use cloth or felt separators to prevent scratches
Protection
Ongoing- 01Position away from direct sunlight, which fades finish and bleaches natural grain colour over time
- 02Keep at least 50 cm from heat sources (radiators, room heaters, AC outlets)
- 03Use felt pads under lamps, vases, or any objects placed on wooden surfaces
- 04In high-humidity spaces (kitchen, bathroom), ensure adequate ventilation
- 05Apply a light coat of beeswax polish after cleaning for a water-repelling barrier layer
Maintenance
Every 6–12 months- 01Apply food-grade mineral oil or natural beeswax polish with a soft cloth; let soak for 15 minutes, then buff off excess
- 02Test oil in an inconspicuous spot first — different finishes accept oil differently
- 03For kitchen items (cutting boards, trays), oil monthly; for decorative items, annually
- 04If the finish looks dull or ashy, it's telling you it's thirsty — oil immediately
- 05After oiling, allow 24 hours before heavy use so the oil fully penetrates the grain
Note: Use only food-grade mineral oil for kitchen/tableware items
Displaying Your
Decorative Pieces
Where and how you display a decorative piece affects how it ages. These guidelines help you get the most from the artisan work on display in your home.
Display Positioning
- Place at eye level or slightly below — oblique lighting (lamp at an angle) brings out grain and carving detail best
- Keep at least 30 cm from walls where condensation forms during monsoon season
- Group pieces with complementary natural materials (stone, linen, ceramic) — they balance humidity exchange
Light Considerations
- Diffused natural light enhances the warmth of wood; direct harsh sunlight fades it within months
- Rotate pieces every 3–6 months so all sides age evenly; one-sided sun exposure creates colour variation
- UV-filtering window film is worthwhile if you have a particularly cherished piece near a sunny window
Air & Environment
- Avoid placing directly under or in front of air conditioning vents — rapid dry airflow causes micro-cracks in finish
- Rooms with consistent moderate humidity (40–60%) are ideal; extremes in either direction stress the wood
- Near-kitchen placement requires more frequent dusting — cooking vapours coat surfaces and attract grime
Photo Frames & Wall Art
- Use proper wall anchors for heavy frames — wooden frames should never be held by a single small nail
- Clean the glass with a soft cloth dampened with water only — ammonia-based glass cleaners damage wood frames
- Check frame backing and hanging hardware annually; wood expands and can loosen fixings over time
Caring for Your
Personalised Piece
Engraved, calligraphy, and logo-finished pieces have a few additional care considerations beyond standard wooden product care. They're not fragile — just worth knowing about.
Engraved Text & Logos
Cleaning engraved text
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe the surface — engraved grooves can trap dust. A soft natural-bristle toothbrush is ideal for clearing debris from deep engraving without scratching the surrounding finish.
Avoiding moisture in grooves
Water sitting in engraved recesses can cause localised grain-raising. Always dry immediately after any damp wipe — ensure the cloth reaches into engraved areas, don't let moisture sit.
Oiling engraved surfaces
Apply oil across the whole surface including engraved areas. Grooves benefit from oil — it prevents grain-raising from humidity exposure. Don't skip engraved sections when doing your annual maintenance.
Gold or painted fill engraving
Some pieces have gold or coloured fill in the engraved text. Avoid abrasive cleaning over these areas. Wipe gently with a damp cloth only — no polishing compounds over filled engraving.
Hand-Painted Calligraphy
- Hand-painted calligraphy is protected by a lacquer topcoat applied after painting. Treat it as you would any finished surface.
- Avoid direct water contact with calligraphy areas — the lacquer protects, but persistent water at the edges can lift it over time.
- Do not polish or buff calligraphy areas. Use a dry or very slightly damp cloth only.
- If calligraphy shows minor fading after years of sunlight exposure, contact us — we can refinish the piece.
Need a refinish?
We offer refinishing services for ArtisanKart pieces — including re-engraving if surface damage has affected the text depth. Contact us with your order number for a quote.
What To Do — And What Not To
Pin this. Print it. These eight rules will keep any wooden piece in excellent condition for decades.
DO — Always
8 habits that extend product life
- Dust weekly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
- Oil with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax once a year
- Wipe spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry
- Keep in a well-ventilated space with stable humidity
- Use coasters and felt pads under objects placed on surfaces
- Apply a thin, even coat of beeswax polish every 6–12 months
- Store in breathable fabric covers if putting away long-term
- Rotate display position periodically to ensure even ageing
DON'T — Avoid
8 mistakes that cause damage
- Soak or submerge in water (except food-safe cutting boards — rinse only)
- Use harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or ammonia-based products
- Leave in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV fades finish and grain
- Place near heat sources: radiators, direct AC vents, or open ovens
- Use rough cloths, abrasive pads, or steel wool on finished surfaces
- Put wooden kitchenware in the dishwasher — high heat warps wood rapidly
- Let standing water sit on the surface — even for short periods
- Wrap in plastic film for long-term storage — wood needs to breathe
Common Issues &
How to Fix Them
Most common wood issues have simple home remedies. Click any issue below for step-by-step resolution guidance and prevention tips.
Care That Changes
With the Season
India's dramatic climate swings — from 45°C summers to 80%+ monsoon humidity — affect wooden products more than most countries. This section is written specifically for our climate.
Summer
April – June
Heat and AC create rapid moisture fluctuation
- Dry indoor air (from AC) pulls moisture from wood quickly — oil more frequently, every 4–6 months
- Keep pieces away from direct AC vents, which cause localised drying and surface cracking
- Avoid leaving products in cars or near windows with strong direct sun — temperatures can exceed 50°C
- If you notice the wood feels rough or looks lighter, it needs oil immediately
Monsoon
July – September
High humidity causes expansion, swelling and mold risk
- Place silica gel packets (or activated charcoal) near wooden pieces in enclosed storage
- Ensure pieces are in well-ventilated spaces — still air at high humidity invites mold on unfinished undersides
- Wipe down surfaces lightly every 2 weeks; moisture condenses on finished surfaces in humid rooms
- If a drawer or lid swells and sticks, do not force it — wait for humidity to drop, then address the fit
Winter
November – February
Dry cold causes wood to contract; brittle joints risk
- Dry winter air causes wood to shrink — thin gaps at joints are normal, but oil before the season starts
- If you heat your home with a room heater, keep pieces at least 2–3 metres away from direct heat
- Apply an extra coat of oil or wax before storing summer items for the season — protection during rest
- Blanket covers (breathable fabric, not plastic) help maintain micro-humidity around stored pieces
Climate guidance applies to all natural wood products. Bamboo and mango wood are slightly more humidity-tolerant than teak and sheesham.
Preserving Gifts That
Mean Something
Handcrafted gifts carry stories — wedding dates, children's names, years of service. The wood holds them permanently. What you do with the surrounding material determines whether those stories are still legible in 20 years.
"I still have it."
The most common thing customers tell us when they reorder — they lead with the piece they received years ago, still in use, still beautiful. That's the goal every time we make something.
— From our customer stories archive
Keepsake Gifts
Pieces received as gifts carry emotional weight beyond their material value. Display them where they'll be seen and appreciated — not stored. Regular gentle cleaning honours the intention behind the gift.
A small framed care reminder card near a keepsake display is a thoughtful touch for gift-givers to include.
Anniversary & Memorial Pieces
Engraved dates, names, and dedications are permanent — but the surrounding wood needs ongoing care to remain a dignified vessel for that memory.
Make the annual oiling of memorial pieces a small ritual. It's 10 minutes once a year and keeps the piece story-worthy for the next generation.
Corporate Gifting Pieces
Engraved corporate gifts (award plaques, branded organisers, pen holders) often live on desks or display shelves in offices — environments with direct AC, varying humidity, and fluorescent light.
A quick weekly dusting and annual oiling will keep corporate pieces looking premium for years rather than months.
Festival & Occasion Pieces
Seasonal decorative pieces often spend 10 months of the year in storage. The quality of storage determines how they emerge: fresh and warm, or cracked and dull.
Oil before packing away for the season. Store in cotton, not cardboard or plastic. Add a silica gel packet for the monsoon months.
Understanding What
Your Piece is Made Of
Each material in our workshop has its own personality, care needs, and ageing story. The wood your piece is made from is listed on your order page. Find it below.
Sheesham
Indian Rosewood
Northern India
Colour
Rich golden-brown to dark walnut
Care difficulty
The most common wood in our workshop. Extremely dense and durable. Natural oils make it somewhat self-protecting. Improves dramatically with age — 30-year pieces develop a depth that new wood cannot replicate.
Care note
Annual oiling is enough. Very forgiving of environmental variation compared to softer woods.
Teak
Tectona Grandis
South and Southeast Asia
Colour
Golden-yellow to medium brown
Care difficulty
Teak contains natural silica and oils that make it highly weather-resistant. Originally used in shipbuilding — it doesn't absorb water readily. Considered the most low-maintenance premium hardwood.
Care note
Teak almost cares for itself. Occasional oiling maintains colour; untreated, it weathers to a beautiful silver-grey.
Walnut
Juglans regia
Central Asia, sourced sustainably
Colour
Chocolate brown with purple-grey tones
Care difficulty
The most sought-after wood for premium gifting — its dark, rich colour photographs exceptionally well and feels luxurious in hand. Slightly softer than teak or sheesham, making it more susceptible to surface dents.
Care note
Oil more regularly than teak (every 6 months). Protect surface from hard impacts and sharp objects.
Mango Wood
Mangifera indica
India — sustainable secondary use
Colour
Warm golden with pink and brown streaks
Care difficulty
A genuinely sustainable choice — mango trees that no longer produce fruit are harvested rather than wasted. Unique colour variation in each piece; no two mango wood items look exactly alike. Moderately hard.
Care note
More porous than teak or sheesham — absorbs oil well. Oil every 4–6 months. More sensitive to humidity fluctuation.
Bamboo
Dendrocalamus strictus
Northeast India
Colour
Natural straw to caramel
Care difficulty
Technically a grass, not a tree — grows to harvestable size in 3–5 years vs 40+ for hardwoods. Harder than most hardwoods by Janka rating. Our most eco-sustainable material. Resists moisture better than most wood.
Care note
Avoid prolonged water exposure — bamboo splinters along its lamination lines if repeatedly wetted and dried. Clean promptly and dry thoroughly.
Oak
Quercus robur
FSC-certified European sources
Colour
Pale cream to light tan
Care difficulty
Pale, clean-grained oak suits modern and Scandinavian aesthetics. Its tight grain makes it ideal for cutting boards and food-contact items — minimal porosity means it absorbs oil gradually and doesn't harbour bacteria.
Care note
Ideal for cutting boards. Oil monthly for kitchen use. The pale colour shows surface marks easily — dust and wipe regularly.
Frequently Asked
Care Questions
The questions our customers ask most about maintaining their pieces — answered directly from the workshop.
Not answered here?
Send us a photo of your piece on WhatsApp and we'll give specific advice.
WhatsApp us →Questions About Your
Specific Piece?
Every piece is different — wood type, finish, personalisation, age. Send us a photo and we'll give you care advice specific to your product, not generic guidance. Our artisans know exactly what went into making it.
+919876543210
Replies within 30 minutes
Send us a photo of your piece and we'll give specific care advice
care@artisankart.shop
Within 4–6 business hours
For refinishing quotes and detailed care questions
Phone
+91 98765 43210
Mon–Sat, 10 AM – 7 PM
Workshop visits welcome — see the care process in person
Handmade With Love,
Preserved With Care
The artisan who made your piece spent days choosing the right grain, shaping by hand, and finishing to a standard that machines cannot replicate. A few minutes of care each month ensures that work endures for the next 30 years.
43 years
Making things that last
Est. 1983, Jaipur
15+
Master artisans
Each specialised by wood type
4,800+
Pieces crafted
Many still in daily use
2 years
Warranty on all pieces
Against manufacturing defects