Care & Maintenance

Expert guidelines to protect your custom live edge table for generations

Thank you for your purchase. Congratulations on your new custom live-edge table. This piece is crafted from premium kiln-dried wood and finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Pure — a premium plant-based hardwax oil designed to last for generations. Follow this guide to protect your investment.

What Your Table Can Handle

Your table is finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Pure — a durable, natural-looking hardwax oil that provides excellent liquid resistance when properly maintained.

• Daily use — Your table is meant to be used and enjoyed.

• Spills — Liquids will bead up; wipe immediately with a soft, dry cloth.

• Warm dishes — Coffee cups, dinner plates, and warm serving dishes are generally fine.

• Hot cookware — Always use trivets for extremely hot items straight from the stove or oven.

Note: Small dents, dings, and scratches are natural over time and add character — just like a fine leather product.

The 3 Enemies of Live Edge Tables

1. Extreme Temperature Changes Avoid direct heating vents, fireplaces, or rapid temperature swings. These can cause wood to warp, cup, crack, or split. Use a humidifier in dry climates (such as during Santa Ana winds) to maintain stable humidity.

2. Direct Sunlight Avoid placing your table in direct sunlight or near uncovered windows. UV exposure can fade the wood tone and dry out the finish over time. Consider UV-blocking window treatments if needed.

3. Direct / Prolonged Moisture Wipe up all spills immediately. Avoid standing water, excessive moisture, or outdoor exposure. While the finish is water-resistant, no wood finish is 100% waterproof. Prolonged moisture can penetrate the wood.

Caring for Your Rubio Monocoat Finish

Your table is protected with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Pure, a premium plant-based hardwax oil that enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing lasting durability. When cared for properly, this finish will look beautiful for generations with minimal effort. There’s no need for messy re-sanding or re-coating over time.

Daily Cleaning & Care Keeping your table clean is the foundation of proper care. Dust and vacuum regularly to remove grit and dirt — this simple step does more than anything else to protect the finish.

You have two good options for cleaning:

• A lightly damp cloth with clean water works for everyday wiping. Remember, wood and water don’t mix well — use a cloth that is damp, not dripping wet, and avoid daily wet cleaning.

• Recommended: Use Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Spray (ready-to-use) or properly diluted Rubio Monocoat Universal Soap. These are the cleaners I recommend because they remove dirt and grease effectively without leaving residue or affecting the natural matte look of the finish.

Mixing Universal Soap: Use a ratio of 1:100 (for example, 1.3 fl oz per gallon of water). Spray or wipe with a microfiber cloth or soft rag.

Periodic Maintenance Even the best oil finishes benefit from occasional refreshing. Depending on use and climate, refresh the surface every 2 to 6 years (more often on high-traffic areas like tabletops).

• Rubio Monocoat Renew is my go-to product for this. It restores and protects the finish, bringing it back to a fresh, nourished state. Apply Renew to any areas that start to look or feel dry, rough, or where liquids no longer bead up nicely. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off excess. It’s perfect for spot maintenance on dining tables.

• For a slightly higher sheen (a soft velvet look), you can use Universal Maintenance Oil instead.

If the finish ever becomes heavily worn or you want to restore a specific area completely, a light cleaning followed by a spot application of Oil Plus 2C Pure will bring it back to new. No full sanding is usually required.

Affiliate disclosure: Some product links on this page are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Stain Removal

For spills or marks, always wipe up liquids immediately.

• For dark/black spots (tannin stains from metal, pots, etc.): Use Tannin Remover Spray.

• For white/cloudy rings (typically from moisture on an uncured finish): Start with Rubio Monocoat Renew — this often resolves the issue. If needed, perform a light renovation: Abrade the area gently with a maroon pad, clean off the dust, and reapply a thin layer of Oil Plus 2C Pure.

Always follow the product instructions, then clean the whole surface and refresh as needed.

Outdoor Furniture (If Applicable)

Outdoor pieces are finished with a UV inhibitor to slow — but not prevent — natural weathering. Direct exposure to sun, rain, and snow will accelerate weathering.

• Cover with a table cover when not in use.

• Protect under shade structures, overhangs, or covered patios.

• Expect some cracking and color fading over time (this is natural for outdoor wood).

A Note From the Shop

Your live-edge table is a natural, handcrafted piece — it will develop character over time with proper use and care. Following these simple maintenance steps will help it remain beautiful for many years to come.

For Epoxy Resin River Tables or Stone Tops

Resin River Tables

The wood portions and live edges follow the same guidelines above. Epoxy rivers are non-porous and durable — wipe gently and avoid harsh abrasives.

I use Superclear Epoxy on my custom river tables — the exact product I trust and use for client work.

Use code Kristopher5 at checkout for 5% off.

Stone Tables

For stone tops, use pH-neutral cleaners and wipe spills immediately to prevent etching.

Schedule professional sealing and restoration once per year for best long-term results. This includes deep cleaning, re-sealing against moisture and stains, and addressing natural voids or minor cracks. Professional services preserve the stone’s natural character.

Ready for a Professional Refresh or Your Next Custom Piece?

If your table needs refinishing or you’re ready to commission another heirloom, I’m here to help.

Disclaimer

Your custom table is built to become a lasting heirloom. Proper care helps preserve its beauty for generations, though some natural evolution is inevitable. Wood is a living material that responds to its environment. Minor cracking, checking, cupping, color changes, or small surface marks are inherent characteristics — not defects.

This guide provides general guidance. Results may vary based on usage, environment, and care. Kristopher Kirkpatrick assumes no liability for damage resulting from improper cleaning, extreme conditions, accidents, misuse, or natural wood movement.

For questions, refinishing services, or personalized advice, contact me via the form on the Contact page.