Material Information, Care & Maintenance

Thank you for shopping with CANCAN! Below is helpful information about the nature of the key materials that we use in our products and how to care for them so that you can enjoy them for years to come. Please read them carefully. By placing an order with us you are deemed to have read, understood and agreed with the information below. Please feel free to reach out to us if you require any further information and we will be happy to assist!

WOOD FURNITURE

By the very nature of both the wood materials we use and the handmade nature of our manufacturing process, there will be varying shades and grain patterns in the wood, including knots, rings, eyes, waves, pores and stripes. In addition, mineral streaks/deposits appearing as light gray, brown or black specks, bands and waves may be visible. Such organic colour variations and grain patterns will be more visible in light coloured wood compared to wood that is stained a darker tone. Patina will develop on natural wood. These features should be expected within each piece and we cannot offer refunds, reimbursements, discounts or compensation for them. 

For illustration:

Wood is a hygroscopic material and will continuously react to changes in its environment by absorbing/releasing moisture. Wood shrinks as its moisture content decreases and swells as its moisture content increases. This movement can result in the wood warping, shakes opening/closing and joint separation. The rate at which wood absorbs moisture in the air is influenced by temperature along with the air humidity. All types of wood can react to exposure to sunlight, changes in temperature and air humidity. We do design our pieces with wood movement in mind to try minimise the effects. We cannot be held responsible for changes in the wood due to environmental factors, once delivery has been received. This would not be deemed a manufacturing fault under the terms of the item’s warranty.

Please contact us if you are unsure on the terms or what to expect with the above.  

Certain CANCAN products are finished with wood veneer, including our consoles and the Thierry, Edison, Gemma, Luna, Fari, Carmel, Natalie, Palmer, Brahm, and Clint series. The veneer that we use is a thin layer of hardwood (walnut, oak and/or ash wood) bonded to the solid plywood layers beneath, and finished with a layer of clear lacquer.

General care

  • Do not place hot objects (e.g. cooking pans, plates and dishes straight from the oven or stove, candles, and portable induction stoves) onto your wood furniture as this will damage the surface.
  • Do not place your wood furniture under direct sunlight. If exposed to direct sunlight over long periods of time, the colour of your natural wood furniture can change. Protect the natural wood veneer with blinds, curtains or UV screens and films. 
  • There is a clear protective layer of lacquer on your natural wood furniture. The finish is water resistant (and not waterproof) so we would suggest wiping up any spills straight away. Excessive use of water, or fluid left on the surface will penetrate the lacquer and result in damage to the wood. If you spill any liquid on your wood veneer furniture, wipe this up quickly. If left to sit, liquids can seep through the wood veneer and loosen the glue from the surface. Use non-porous coasters and placemats to avoid water rings from drinks and food. Don’t place a potted plant on a wood surface unless it’s in a water-tight container or in a drip tray.
  • To prevent scratches, ensure that a protective mat is placed underneath objects. Objects should be lifted instead of dragged across a surface. Protective pads should be used under items with a rough bottom, like ceramic plates and pottery. Denting, caused by pen pressure when writing, can also damage wood and veneer. Use desk pads or some other protection where paperwork is done.
  • Do not use abrasive, acidic or alcoholic cleaning agents or equipment (e.g. steel wool and scouring pads) on your wood furniture as this could result in scratches and discolorations. Cleaning solutions or equipment with acids, alcohols or other types of solvents will affect the paint and lacquer coating. 
  • Do not use any furniture cleaners, polishes or conditioners that contain wax or silicone. Wax can build up and lead to a cloudy and uneven appearance. Silicon may leave behind a white residue that damages the furniture finish. 

Day-to-day normal cleaning - Dust regularly with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth. If necessary, use a mild diluted soapy solution to remove grease. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain.

Once a month - Clean the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a quality cleaner formulated for wood furniture. Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints. Wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Once every six to eight months - Apply a good quality wood furniture polish with a soft cloth and follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not use furniture cleaners, polishes or conditioners that contain wax or silicone.

 

TRAVERTINE and MARBLE FURNITURE

Every piece of natural stone will vary in terms of colour shade, texture and stone pattern due the naturally occurring mineral deposits. As with all natural stones, marble and travertine have pits and fissures (i.e. naturally occurring lines that may resemble cracks) as well as texture and colour tones variations. These are not considered faults or defects. These features should be expected within each piece and we cannot offer refunds, reimbursements, discounts or compensation for them. Please contact us if you are unsure on the terms or what to expect with the above.  

General care

  • Blot spills immediately to avoid permanent damage.
  • Do not place hot objects (e.g. cooking pans, plates and dishes straight from the oven or stove, candles, and portable induction stoves) onto your natural stone furniture as this may result in cracks and breakage.
  • Acid substances like wine, coffee, vinegars and fruit juice may cause staining.
  • Food with dyes, whether naturally occurring or synthetic, such as turmeric, red wine, spice powders and beetroot may cause staining. 
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or equipment (e.g. steel wool and scouring pads) on your natural stone furniture as this could result in scratches and discolorations.
  • Do not use acidic or harsh cleaning agents such as vinegar or ammonia on your natural stone furniture as this could result in discolorations.
  • Do not drop heavy or sharp objects (e.g. candle holders and mugs) on your natural stone furniture. This may result in cracks and possibly breakage. Care should be taken in the case of using natural stone tables with young children around.

Day-to-day normal cleaning - Dust regularly with a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe dry with a dry, soft cloth.

Once every six to twelve months - Apply a good quality stone sealer according to the packaging instructions. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer and test on a small inconspicuous spot first.

 

TERRAZZO FURNITURE

A composite material of marble chippings set into epoxy and/or cement, terrazzo originated in ancient Italy as a way to reuse stone offcuts. Other elements which terrazzo may include are chips of quartz, glass and/or granite.

Since it is a composite material, terrazzo is sensitive to wear and to external elements, as a result, over time superficial cracks could appear. Superficial cracks are normal and do not affect the stability of the table.

Every piece of terrazzo will vary in terms of colour shade, texture and stone pattern due the natural materials comprising the terrazzo. Terrazzo, being a composite material made using natural stones, will contain pits and fissures (i.e. naturally occurring lines that may resemble cracks) as well as texture and colour tones variations. These are not considered faults or defects. These features should be expected within each piece and we cannot offer refunds, reimbursements, discounts or compensation for them. Please contact us if you are unsure on the terms or what to expect with the above.  

General care

  • Cleaning of terrazzo can simply be done with a soft cloth to remove dust or with a cloth or sponge moistened with water and a mild detergent for spots and fingerprints.
  • Blot spills immediately to avoid permanent damage.
  • Do not place hot objects (e.g. cooking pans, plates and dishes straight from the oven or stove, candles, and portable induction stoves) onto your terrazzo furniture as this may result in cracks and breakage.
  • Acid substances like wine, coffee, vinegars and fruit juice may cause staining. 
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or equipment (e.g. steel wool and scouring pads) on your terrazzo furniture as this could result in scratches and discolorations.
  • Do not use acidic or harsh cleaning agents such as vinegar or ammonia on your terrazzo furniture as this could result in discolorations.
  • Do not drop heavy or sharp objects (e.g. candle holders and mugs) on your terrazzo furniture. This may result in cracks and possibly breakage. Care should be taken in the case of using terrazzo tables with young children around.

 

CUSHIONS and FABRICS

 

Seat cushions will soften and lose some resilience with usage over time. To keep your cushions  looking full and fluffed, rotate and gently pound your cushions in different directions to redistribute the fillings. It is normal for the fillings to settle and soften with usage.

Some of our cushions, sofa seats and backrests contain feathers. Occasionally feather quills can pierce through the covers, particularly fabric covers. They can be removed by pulling the feather.

Some fabrics will have pilling (clumping of fibers that form into lint balls) with normal usage over time, especially in high-touch areas such as seats and armrests. This is likely to happen in fabrics that have natural fibers such as cotton, wool and bamboo. This is normal and can be removed with a fabric shaver. 

 

RUGS and CARPETS

  • Vacuum on low-power with a flat nozzle attachment.
  • Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush.
  • Shedding of loose fibers occurs in the beginning and will dissipate.
  • Never pull loose threads or yarn. Trim carefully with scissors.
  • Absorb a stain promptly with a clean, undyed cloth. Do not rub.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals as this can discolor the rug.
  • For tougher stains, contact a rug cleaning professional.
  • The carpet may be delivered with slight fold marks and creases. These will resolve over time as usage and vacuuming will relax the fibers.

 

LEATHER

Some imperfections such as insect bites, scars, streaks, roughness or even slight variations in colour and shine are inherent in leather. Leather is a natural material and, therefore, there will be variations in colour, grain pattern and texture appearing on the same piece. Patina will develop with use. These features should be expected within each piece and we cannot offer refunds, reimbursements, discounts or compensation for them. Please contact us if you are unsure on the terms or what to expect with the above.