Product Care

To maintain the finish quality of your Mater product, please follow the care and cleaning procedures provided below. The instructions for the care and maintenance are provided to you as a service. No warranty is implied since results may vary.

 

Wood

Lacquered or stained wood
Lacquered or stained wood offers a stronger surface than oiling and is also effective when coloured surfaces are desired. Compared to natural or oiled wood, lacquered and stained wood is easier to clean and requires very little maintenance.

For daily care it is recommended to dust the furniture with a soft cloth. Lacquered and stained wood can be cleaned with a soft cloth wrung in a mild solution of lukewarm water and a universal cleaning detergent. Always follow the wood grains and always dry with a soft dry cloth immediately after cleaning.

Avoid use of abrasive cleaning agents and aggressive cleaning detergents as this will damage the surface of the lacquered or stained wood. Avoid placing wooden furniture in direct sunlight, excessive heat or humidity.

We always recommend use of trivets under hot objects, such as coffee pots and cups to prevent the lacquer or stain to react to the heat. 

Soaped wood
Soaped wood requires a gentle and daily care for not to gain permanent stains. Clean with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth and follow the wood grains and always dry with a soft dry cloth immediately after cleaning.

In case of stains on soaped wood, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper grade 220 or 240. Then wipe with a dry soft cloth and follow the wood grains and apply the white soap following the wood grains.

Avoid use of abrasive cleaning agents and aggressive cleaning detergents as this will damage the surface of the lacquered or stained wood. Avoid placing wooden furniture in direct sunlight, excessive heat or humidity.

  

 

Leather

As a natural material, leather requires looking after. If you care for the leather in the right way, it will become even more beautiful over time. Like most natural materials, it does need some care and looking after to ensure its long-lasting appeal year after year, generation after generation.

 

Only vacuum clean with a soft brush. Never use soap or water otherwise the velvety look and feel will disappear. Do not apply leather grease or soak the leather. Avoid any chemical products, such as saddle soap, other leather cleaners or household products. Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sharp objects.

 

 

Textile

Vacuum frequently, ideally every week, at half power where appropriate.  In case of stains; If you act quickly, it is not difficult to remove spills and prevent stains from forming. However, we cannot guarantee complete stain removal. First, scrape off any liquids or hardened residues with a spoon or a scoop before you proceed. Any loose particles must be vacuum cleaned before further cleaning. Liquids must be soaked up with an absorbent napkin or cloth. Remove non-greasy stains by carefully dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge wrung out in warm water. 

When used commercially professional cleaning is recommended 2-3 times a year. When used in private households the textile usually need less frequent cleaning. 

 

 

Aluminum

Polished aluminum
A polished aluminum surface is durable and requires very little maintenance. It is recommended only to use a soft dry cloth to clean polished aluminum surfaces or if necessary a soft cloth wrung in lukewarm water can be carefully applied.

In case of large scale stains; mix 1 tablespoon cream of tartar with one quart of lukewarm water. Apply the mixture on the aluminum with a soft cloth. If necessary scrub gently with a steel wool pad in a back and forth motion. Avoid using a circular motion as this can cause an uneven look. Be cautious not to scrub too hard with the steel wool as this can scratch the aluminum. Finish by applying a little bee wax on the surface to obtain the shine.

Powder coated aluminum

A powder-coated aluminum surface is durable and require very little maintenance. It is recommended only to use a soft dry cloth to clean powder coated aluminum surfaces but in case more severe cleaning is necessary, a soft cloth wrung in lukewarm water can be carefully applied. Always dry immediately after cleaning with a soft dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents or aggressive cleaning detergents on powder coated surfaces as this may permanently damage the surface.

 

 

Stainless steel

Dust stainless steel products for daily care using only a soft dry cloth. Cleaning of stainless steel should be done only by using a cleaning detergent specifically for stainless steel. Cleaning agents not developed specifically for stainless steel may permanently damage the surface of the stainless steel and should never be used.

 

 

Brass

Dust brass products for daily care using only a soft dry cloth. Polished brass must be routinely maintained to retain the desired appearance. The darkening or black spotting on the surface is simply oxidation taking place. If left untreated brass will eventually turn entirely, but unevenly, dark. Should be treated with metal polish, such as ‘Brasso’, to remove tarnish. Frequency of the treatment depends on use and abuse, location and oxygen exposure.

 

 

Glass

All glass in the Mater lighting collection is mouth blown and hand crafted by skilled craftsmen in the Czech Republic, which ensures that each item is unique and has its own character. Examples of characteristics of mouth blown glass are minor air bubbles and variations in form and thickness. Since the process is performed by hand, slight deviations in colour may occur from item to item. 

Daily cleaning of glass is best done using a dry soft cloth. If more severe cleaning is necessary, it is recommended to use a soft cloth in combination with a standard glass cleaning detergent and dry off with a soft dry cloth afterwards. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents on glass as this will damage the surface.