How should I maintain the finish on my new purchase?
Your product has been finished with - at least - three coats of boiled linseed oil. Depending on frequency of use and your geographic region, your finish may require refreshing from time-to-time.
To refresh the finish on your product:
Option 1: Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with linseed oil and rub into your item. As soon as you begin to do this, your item will take on a shiny appearance. When the entire item is coated, allow it to stand for 10 minutes. Then, wipe all the oil off the item and buff with a fresh, soft cloth. Your item is now ready to be put back into service. Of course, linseed oil and flax seed oil are the same thing (flax seeds grow into the plant from which linen is made - hence the name). So if you keep flax seed oil on hand in your kitchen, it is fine to use this as well.
Option 2: Paste wax. If you choose to use paste wax, follow the directions on the can.
Option 3: Howard's Feed-n-Wax is a pre-softened, easy-to-use beeswax and lemon oil product formulated specifically for the care of fine furniture. It is available online, or in hardware stores or home centers. Follow the directions on the label.
Is it safe to burn candles in a wooden candle holder?
Yes.
Wood is a combustible material; different species burn differently. That said, a good rule-of-thumb is to extinguish the candle before the bottom of the flame is 1/2" from the wood. Allowing a candle to burn down until it self-extinguishes will scorch, or char, the wood - some species more than others. Charring can add to the character of the candle holder; it is to the User to decide if "added character" is an attribute.
What is the best way to remove wax drips from a wooden candle holder?
To remove wax drips, chill the candle holder in the freezer (or outside, if the weather is freezing cold) until the wax is brittle, and the wood itself is cold to the touch. Then chip the wax off with a fingernail (a supple guitar pick or similar plastic object may be used).
If desired, you may then rub the piece with 0000 (4-aught) steel wool.
What kind of / size candles should I buy?
It would be impossible for us to identify a specific candle maker's product and say if it will or won't fit our candle holders.
Rather, buy your candles based on the size of the bore, AKA candle hole.
Our bores sizes are as follows:
Tea lights 1 1/2"
Tapers 7/8"
Mini-tapers / Menorah candles 3/8"
Can I use a candle insert with these candle holders?
Yes.
Inserts vary greatly in material and style, and offer differing levels of protection from flames. To select a correct insert, base your choice on the size of the hole, or candle bore.
Tapers 7/8"
Menorah candles / mini-tapers 3/8"
Tea Lights 1 1/2"
Is it OK to put water in a wooden vase?
Yes.
Your vase has been finished with - at least - three coats of boiled linseed oil, and it is resistant to water. After using the vase with water, simply empty the remaining water and allow the vase to dry.
If you use the vase frequently with water in it, occasionally - after drying - simply re-coat the bore - AKA the hole - with boiled linseed oil, or a high quality paste wax.
For further touch-up tips, see FAQ #1.
When will I receive my order?
Your order will be shipped as soon as we can get it packed - or crated - and into the hands of the carrier. Because we travel, this can take as long as a week, or it may happen the same day. We will always keep you apprised of the status of your order via email, so that you can plan accordingly. Actual shipping times will depend on your location.
If your order is time-sensitive, please communicate this before placing the order. We will endeavor to work with you.
If you wish to ship an order outside the continental U S, please reach out to us before placing the order, and we will arrange appropriate shipping on an as-needed basis.
Does The Shop - Studio Woodworking Allow returns?
Yes, we accept returns within 30 days of your receipt of the item(s).
To begin the process of returning unwanted or damaged merchandise, you must first email us: info@theshop-studiowoodworking.com. (We travel, so it's essential to contact us so you know where to send your returns!)
If you have changed your mind about an item, the purchase price will be refunded - less 10% restoration fee - Provided the item(s) returned are in the same condition they were received, and provided you have reached out to us within 30 days. If unwanted items are used or damaged, the amount of the refund will be at our sole discretion, based on the condition of the item. Buyer pays shipping.
If an item was damaged in shipment, you must let us know right away! please include pictures of the damage when you contact us.
A shipping label will be provided for the return, and we will refund the complete purchase price, once we have received the damaged item back.