Soap Treatment
SOAP TREATMENT of untreated beech and oak

The treatment described below will fill out the pores of the wood. The result will be surface that is smoother and more resistant to dirt than untreated wood. A new table should be treated 2-3 times at intervals of one week. Soap treatment of beech and oak will maintain the light colour of the tabletop.

Soap Mixture:

Beech: approximately 100 grams of soap flakes to one litre of water for the first treatments.

Oak: approximately 25 grams of soap flakes to one litre of water. 

(NB: Excessive use of soap will darken oak.)

We recommend the use of demineralised water because water containing iron can sometimes discolour the wood.
 		 Application:
Wring a sponge or cloth in the soapy water. Apply the soap in the direction of the grain so that it is evenly spread and is not lumpy. Avoid applying thick stripes of soap. Then wring the sponge or cloth out until it is merely damp, and wipe the table dry after a few minutes. If you apply the soap unevenly, the wood can discolour. Remember to moisten the underside of the tabletop with soapy water when applying the first two or three treatments to prevent the wood from warping.

Sanding:
After treating the table the first few times, the grain can rise slightly. Therefore, we recommend that you sand the table. When the tabletop is dry, sand it with 180-240 grain sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Never use steel wool!

Care:
Every once in a while, the surface of the table will need to be retreated. Mix 25 grams of soap flakes with one litre of water (use the same mixture for beech and oak) and follow the previous instructions.