Inlay Handmade Pieces
As with all things made by hand, these pieces are all unique and small flaws may be present, which adds to the intrinsic character and beauty of each piece. Bone inlay furniture and décor are exquisite additions to any space, blending craftsmanship and intricate design. To maintain their timeless beauty, follow these simple care tips:
1. Gentle Cleaning Only
Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth to preserve the finish and avoid scratches. For a deeper clean, lightly dampen the cloth with water and dry immediately.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Strong cleaning products can damage the delicate inlay and resin. Opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners when necessary. Please do not use regular cleaning products (surface cleaners, glass cleaners) to care for bone inlay. They are very harsh to use on inlay pieces.
3. Protect from Heat and Moisture
Bone inlay furniture is sensitive to heat and humidity. Always use coasters, placemats, or protective layers under hot or wet items to prevent damage.
4. Handle with Care
The intricate craftsmanship makes these items both stunning and delicate. Refrain from placing heavy or sharp objects on the surface to avoid cracks or chips.
5. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the inlay’s vibrant colours over time. Position your pieces in shaded or indoor areas to maintain their elegance. If your piece is under direct and constant sunlight, the bone pieces may have the potential to turn a slightly yellow tone over time, and little exposure to sunlight can be useful to help them stay light for a longer duration. Please be careful that you don't put your inlay piece under extreme heat or directly under the sun.
6. Consider Adding a Sealant
Bone and mother of pearl inlay furniture has a porous surface, so items in high-use situations - such as coffee tables - should be sealed prior to use. Grout or polyurethane sealant (available from any hardware store) is suitable for this . For example, Cabot's Clear Polyurethan Varnish.
Whilst this sealant is clear, when you are sealing your piece, we recommend using a very soft cloth in a circular motion (rather than a paint brush) in order to avoid any potential brush strokes left on your piece.
Sealant can be added as the final step in the workshop before dispatch. Please let us know if you would like this on your piece. The additional cost is around $200 depending on the size of the item.
7. High Use Items
If your inlay products may be used often (tray, drawers for example), the bone pieces may fall from edges during the use. The wood and bone both are naturally contracting and expanding materials but not at the same pace, so during season/weather change this could happen. Please use all-fix or super glue available locally to easily fix yourself if this may happen.
For our vase products, we would recommend covering your vase base prior to using or sing a vessel inside the vase, as these vases are not 100% waterproof.
At Mahlia Interiors, we cherish the artistry behind bone inlay décor and are here to help you make the most of your treasured pieces. With proper care, they’ll remain as stunning as the day you first brought them home.
Unpacking
Inlay products are delicately handmade and heavy in weight, which is why our products are very carefully bubble wrapped and then packaged and bolted carefully within a crate. During the transit and customs process, our products can be moved around numerous times, and hence it is safe to package with extra precaution to eliminate any damage.
When the larger furniture crate arrives at your home, you will require two tools to open the crate. This includes a crow bar and hammer, or as a third additional option you can use a cordless drill with Phillips head attachment (or a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the screws is a perfectly fine alternative). Here is a video displaying a simple way to open your crate: https://youtu.be/c_73cP5dFWM
