Wood, one of the most significant gifts of nature to man. Wood is acquired from the woody parts of plants, usually from tree stems (which, when cut down and sawn into logs, is referred to as timber), and has been, is being, and will continue to be used as a vital resource and raw material. Wood is useful because of some properties it possesses, which include, but are not limited to, its relative hardness, workability, flammability, buoyancy, and, in some cases like bamboo, flexibility. These qualities have made this material indispensable to human communities, where it has found its use as a source of fuel, raw construction material, tool- and vehicle-making resource, amidst other uses. But perhaps the most important advantage of wood is that it is renewable; forests can be grown to produce much-needed timber, and if managed correctly, can be exploited without fear of exhaustion, unlike mineral resources.
Wood restoration is the process of working on an article of wood to return it to a new, or as new as possible, state.
Despite wood’s worth and versatility, it must be remembered that it is an organic material, and most organic materials are either bio-degradable or serve as food sources for other life-forms. This means that a lot of organisms, mostly micro-organisms (which are almost always saprophytic fungi) and small invertebrates like wood lice, termites, and beetles, are capable of compromising the structural integrity of the wood. This can be done by their feeding habits, which will render such wood useless and possibly dangerous, especially if it has already been used as a support structure in buildings or furniture, or as part of a tool. Even if the degradation of wood does not present a hazard to human life or limb, the loss of its aesthetics is still a cause for consternation, as humans are known to be attracted to matters appealing to the senses, of which sight is arguably the most important, in those without impairments. As wood articles are often used in daily activities, they tend to be exposed to dirt, dust and other staining factors, which, coincidentally, often harbor wood-degrading microbes. Furniture, especially old articles of wood, usually tend to face the problem of wood degradation and disfigurement by microbes or dirt, leading to the search for a solution to this insalubrious situation.
Enter Wood Restoration
Wood restoration is the process of working on an article of wood to return it to a new, or as new as possible, state. It often involves cleaning the wood, checking for, and repairing structural defects, if any, as well as treating said wood article against microbial and arthropod attacks. Restoration is usually concluded by the application of paint or oil stains to give the wood a beautiful finish, as well as shield it against nature, organisms, and even fire, in some instances. The type of aesthetic quality of the restored wood preferred by the wood owner will determine what sort of finish will be used. Paints are better at protecting the wood against the elements, as well as hiding ineffaceable blemishes and giving the wood a more solid look to it. Oil stains are preferred for making the finished wood look more natural, glossy and, depending on the nature of the oil stain finish, providing deeper protection against microbe damage, as the oils seep into wood pores.
In any case, it always promises the best results to get advice and services from an expert in the field of wood restoration, especially as regards the procedures, and nature of wood finish options that may best be applied to individual situations. Are you in need of quality professional help as far as wood restoration is concerned? Why not contact Wash N Seal, and get the quality wood restoration you desire and deserve?