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All woven fibers are not created equal. Most inexpensive weaves are made from polypropelene and, with exposure to UV, it will fade, crack and fail. Our woven furniture is made from High Density Polyethelene Resin and branded under various trade names such as “Hularo”, “Viro” etc.. This highest quality resin fibre is through-dyed, and then handwoven on powder-coated aluminium frames. This beautiful fiber is not only UV and weather resistant, but also 100% recyclable and non-toxic, making it a greener solution for outdoor living. Needless to say it is also elegant enough for indoor use. Our fiber is resistant to sun, rain, salt and chlorine and will stand up to food and drink spills. While this durable material will not mildew, contaminants on its surface could Wash it with a non-abrasive soap and water solution and a soft cloth, then dry with a soft towel or let air-dry. Where moving parts exist (for example a back rest for a chaise recliner), periodically check for looseness in hardware, and apply a dry silicone lubricant. Back to Page Top. Our mesh slings are made from Batyline. These are virtually maintenance free under normal conditions. Wash it with a non-abrasive soap and water solution and a soft cloth, then dry with a soft towel or let air-dry. Back to Page Top. We recommend cushions for outdoor usage to be made with Sunbrella Fabrics or other 100% solution dyed acrylics. Solution dyed acrylic is so durable that soaking in Bleach does not affect the fabric. Sunbrella fabrics come with a 5 year warranty. This hard wearing acrylic fabric is warranted against mold, mildew and color fading which makes it the ideal choice for outdoor use. To enhance color fastness, an application of a UV protectant is encouraged once outside the warranty period. Spot treat with a mixture of soap and water. Bring inside if heavy rain expected. If wet, put on edge to drain. Our custom cushions are made with zippers, which makes it very simple to remove the internal core, rezip and put into a washing machine with regular laundry detergents. Air dry – do not tumble dry (subject to the heat of the drier). Please find attached a chart of common stains and the Sunbrella’s recommended solvent for removal. Back to Page Top. Our teak is plantation harvested premium hardwood. Teak is a close-grained hardwood with a high natural oil content. This makes it hard wearing, highly resistant to decay, and almost impervious to the effects of sun, rain, frost, or snow. Like a good wine, teak actually improves with age. Even in our Hawaiian climates with its constant sun and at times pounding rain, teak endures a long life while gradually fading to a soft silvery grey color as it naturally settles into its environment. For those, however, who prefer to retain the warm golden brown color of new teak, we offer a full range of teak care options and products (see below). Natural means little-to-no maintenance required. The pale blonde coloring of new teak will gradually change to a silver grey patina over time. Many people prefer this natural silver-grey color as it blends naturally into the surrounding environment — in which case all that is required is simple periodic cleaning of the furniture when needed with a soft brush, mild soap, and water. Initially, natural teak will absorb watermarks and oils that may be inadvertently left on it, however these marks will fade over time as the teak itself is left to naturally weather. Stain removal. Stains on natural teak will gradually fade over time with exposure to the elements. However, if one wishes to remove stains quickly, or to return a weathered piece to its original coloring, first clean the teak with a mild soap and water or a biodegradable teak cleaning product. Light sanding will remove scratches or light stains. Next, apply a brightening solution to restore weathered grey teak back to its original blonde color. This solution will also aid in removing any mold and mildew from the surface. The wood will lighten where it is applied; over time, the teak will weather to an even hue. Finishes only act to maintain the aesthetic effect of new teak; they are not required to maintain the strength and durability of the wood itself. The inherent oiliness and density of teak is the reason it can outlast even synthetic materials in the outdoor environment. There are two reasons to finish teak:
Some people prefer the color of new teak to the natural silvery patina of aged teak. With today’s technology, there are products available to repel the effects of UV and precipitation while preserving the golden color of new teak without the complications associated with the oiled finishes of the past. Especially in Hawaii’s humid climate, oiled finishes tend to trap moisture on the surface of the wood thereby aiding in mold and mildew growth. We use water-based finishes for a variety of reasons — easy to apply, non-toxic, longer lasting, breathable finish, and better for the environment. Liquid stains. Teak is a timber, therefore the cells are open. Although the application of a water-based finish will repel the effects of UV and give some protection to liquids, we recommend the use of our TeakShield product to fully protect against food and drink stains. A naturally water-based and totally solvent-free application, TeakShield provides is an invisible wood impregnator that makes it difficult for most spills to seep into the teak. Once applied, the surfaces can be simply wiped with a damp cloth to clean. Can be used on natural teak as well, where liquid but not UV protection is required. Other finishes. We do not recommend oiling, painting or varnishing teak. Paint may not adhere properly due to teak’s high oil content, and normal varnishes require constant maintenance to prevent cracking and peeling with exposure to the elements unless they are designed specifically for outdoor use. Even traditional oils have been found to be problematic in our humid Hawaiian climate, trapping moisture underneath and causing mold and mildew to appear. Instead we routinely recommend water-based treatments, which allow the teak to breathe while preserving its golden hues. There are times that a sturdier finish is required or when the color of teak needs to be altered for aesthetic reasons. In these cases we offer Premium Grade petroleum-based finishes which feature UV inhibitors for outdoor use and are available in a variety of different tones. Commercial applications are also common, such as frequently cleaned tabletops and high traffic furniture. Commercial Grade outdoor finishes are then used, available in a variety of stained colors. Note that versus the matte finish of natural or water-base finished teak, petroleum-based finishes appears slightly glossy. Leave it to us. Even with the best of intentions, all of us find ourselves with limited time to handle it all. If you find yourself needing our help, we are happy to offer Spa Treatments for your teak. Whether it be periodic finishing to maintain the original golden color of your teak, or the dramatic restoration from heavily weathered and silvered teak back to its as-new golden tones, we can offer you a service that meets your need. Please contact us for more information. What is stainless steel? Stainless steel is the generic name for a number of different steels used primarily for their resistance to corrosion. The term “stainless” implies a resistance to staining, rusting and pitting. Stainless steel generally has a higher resistance to the effects of exposure. However, stainless steel performs best when clean. Cleanliness is essential for the optimal resistance to corrosion. The unique advantage of stainless steel. The success of stainless steel is based on the fact that the chromium in the stainless steel has a great affinity for oxygen, and will form on the surface of the steel at a molecular level a film of chromium oxide. This layer is described as passive, tenacious and self renewing. Passive means that it does not react or influence other materials; tenacious means that it clings to the layer of steel and is not transferred elsewhere; self renewing means that if damaged or forcibly removed more chromium from the steel will be exposed to the air and form more chromium oxide. This means that over a period of years a stainless steel knife can literally be worn away by daily use and by being re-sharpened on a sharpening stone and will still remain stainless. Routine Cleaning. In normal exterior applications stainless steel should be washed once or twice per year. In Hawaii, where exposure to ocean air, high temperatures, and high humidity exist, washing three or four times per year may be required to maintain the aesthetic standard.
If heavier soiling has occurred and “flying rust” has appeared, a very effective cleanser for stainless steel is Bar Keepers Friend, a scouring powder that is readily available in most grocery and hardware stores. Other cleansers, which are still effective, but less aggressive include Comet, Shiny Sinks Plus, Luneta, Soft Scrub, Mr. Clean and Flitz. Apply with a soft sponge rather than abrasive products such as steel wool pads, as these may scratch off the protective layer of chromium oxide. After cleaning, an option application of oil (any type will do) on the stainless steel can delay the effects of any pollution and provide additional protection. |
