Care & Character

At Trew and Bold we believe furniture should be lived with, not tip-toed around. The beauty of solid wood is that it can handle life’s knocks and scrapes, provided it’s cared for properly. Over time, your piece will develop a gentle patina that tells its story — something we see as part of its natural character, not a flaw.

We never over-finish our work. Wood is a living, breathing material, and it should look and feel like wood — warm, tactile, and natural. You won’t find glassy, plastic-like coatings here. Instead, we use Osmo hardwax oils, made from plant oils and waxes, which soak into the timber, protecting it from within while still letting it breathe. This sympathetic finish resists everyday spills when wiped up promptly, and it can be renewed over time without harsh chemicals or waste.

Everyday care

  • Wipe up spills with a damp cloth as soon as you notice them.

  • For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth with warm water, or a gentle cleaner such as Osmo’s spray cleaner.

  • Avoid harsh sprays, solvents, or abrasive pads — they can damage the finish.

Keeping the finish strong

  • Once a year (or when your furniture looks a little dry), refresh the surface with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner. Test it on a hidden patch first to check you’re happy with the look, then apply sparingly.

  • Because our finishes penetrate into the wood, they can be spot-repaired or re-oiled without stripping everything back.

Long-term care

  • Solid wood isn’t veneer — if your piece gets more heavily marked or tired, it can always be re-sanded and re-finished. We’re always happy to advise on the best approach, and we’ve helped many clients bring their pieces back to life years after the original commission.

  • Keep your furniture in a stable environment — avoid extreme humidity, damp, or direct heat sources. Use coasters or pads for very hot, cold, or wet items.

Above all, remember: wood is a natural material. It will shift slightly with the seasons, deepen in tone, and pick up subtle signs of use. For us, this is the joy of living with real wood — it’s not frozen in time, but quietly evolving alongside you.