CANDLES AND SOLID WOOD SURFACES
“I love thee to the level of everyday’s most quiet need, by sun and candle light…
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Poet 1806-1861
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Poet 1806-1861
There is nothing as good for the heart as warm candlelight flickering from the surface of a polished and welcoming dining room table, especially if it is a solid wood creation from the Amish. That is until that same candle has caused irreversible damage to the finish of your heirloom investment. In the past we may have had them on display, perhaps in a dining room buffet’s candelabra, but only recently have home owner’s begun to actually light them daily for ambience in their homes. The comforts of the flame, reminding us of hearth and home, coupled with the aromatherapy qualities, mean candles are here to stay and use.
Unprotected candles, like pillar style or tapered, are dangerously alluring. While the naked candle and lit flame are visually appealing the hot wax can cause puddles and splattering from sputtering flames or aggressively being blown out. Always use protection for your wood surfaces with a tempered glass or ceramic base under them. Be sure your candle is in a draft-free area; protecting Amish furniture from splatters as well as smoke damage. In a drafty room try turning the candle half way around every hour. Instead of blowing out the flame try a snuffer, a device used to extinguish a candle, available at many candle retailers.
Using a candle encased in glass is best. This containment prevents the spillage of hot wax on your fine Amish furniture. Use caution here. When the manufacturer recommends not burning to the bottom it is because of the dangers of the glass becoming overheated and damaging or even destroying furniture. Worse yet, there is a risk of the glass becoming so hot it actually explodes, causing a surface burn or worse a full fledged fire.
If it is only the aroma you are seeking try a warmer instead. Available at many department and crafts stores these warmers keep the wax softened but safe. Consider the use of custom pads from AmishTables.com, available in many custom sizes and colors, to help insure the surface of your prized Amish table tops.
Tags: AMISH, Candles, Candlewax, Furniture Surfaces, Hardwood, SOLID WOOD, Table Top Damage, Wax
November 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 am
Sometimes finding a creative post about candles is quite hard amongst all the rubbish around these days. I came across your post Sunday whilst searching about Candles. Take care now and keep up the creative writing….