Material Care Guide

Preserve the beauty of your Seraph Casa pieces...

MARBLE

A stunning metamorphic rock formed from limestone under intense heat and pressure. No two pieces are ever identical with distinct veins as "nature’s fingerprints," created by mineral deposits trapped during the stone's formation. A porous material, marble requires thoughtful preservation care.

Protect the Surface

Marble is highly sensitive to acidic substances. Items like lemon juice, wine, or coffee can cause a chemical reaction that eats away at the surface, leaving dull, cloudy marks.

  • Use coasters and placemats: Do not place glasses or plates directly on the marble. Even condensation can leave a permanent ring.
  • Blot, do not wipe: If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a soft cloth. Wiping spreads the liquid into the pores, increasing the risk of a deep stain.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Use pH-neutral cleaners: Clean with a damp microfiber cloth and a drop of mild dish soap.
  • Dry it off: Never leave water to air-dry; it can leave mineral deposits. Always buff the surface dry to maintain its luster.

Long-Term Protection

Treat your marble with a penetrating sealer annually to buy critical time to clean up spills. Avoid scouring pads or abrasive creams, as these create microscopic scratches that turn the finish matte over time.

 

TRAVERTINE

A sedimentary rock formed near hot springs and limestone caves and defined by small cavities created by trapped gas bubbles during its formation. Travertine is mainly left "unfilled" for an organic, architectural texture. As a highly porous stone, it requires diligent care to preserve its structural integrity.

Protect the Surface

Travertine is chemically sensitive to acids. Items such as citrus, or coffee will etch the stone, leaving dull, permanent marks.

  • Use coasters and placemats: Always protect the surface from hot or cold containers.
  • Blot, do not wipe: Spills should be blotted instantly. If liquid settles into the natural pores, it can cause deep-seated discoloration.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Gentle touch: Use a damp microfiber cloth with a drop of pH-neutral soap. Avoid generic household cleaners.
  • Buff dry: Never leave moisture to sit. Buff the stone dry immediately to maintain its soft, matte glow.

Long-Term Protection

Travertine can be sealed with a penetrating stone sealer to prevent liquids from entering the pores. Never use abrasive pads or acidic "lime-scale" removers, which will eat into the stone and create actual holes in the surface.

 

WOOD

Wood is a living material that adds warmth and character to any space. Wood is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it responds to humidity by expanding and contracting. While exceptionally durable, it requires specific care to prevent warping, cracking, or fading.

Protect the Surface

  • Wood is sensitive to heat, moisture, and sunlight. Prolonged exposure can dry out the fibers or cause the finish to peel.
  • Use coasters and trivets: High heat can damage the finish and leave "white rings." Always use protection for drinks and hot plates.

Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV rays from fading the natural tones or drying out the grain.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain.
  • Use damp, not wet: use a cloth slightly dampened with water and mild soap. Follow immediately with a dry cloth; standing water can cause the wood to swell or the finish to cloud.

Long-Term Protection

Nourish the wood with a high-quality furniture wax or oil every few months. Avoid products containing silicone or ammonia, which create a cloudy buildup. Aim to keep your home’s humidity levels consistent to prevent the wood from shrinking or warping.

 

WOOD VENEER

Wood veneer is a thin layer of genuine hardwood bonded to a high-quality MDF core. This provides exquisite grain patterns with greater stability than solid wood. Because the surface is real wood, it possesses natural beauty but requires specific care to protect the bond between the wood and the core.

Protect the Surface

Veneer is sensitive to moisture and heat, which can affect both the fibers and the adhesive.

  • Use coasters and placemats: Protect your item from hot or cold drinks. Excessive moisture can cause the veneer to "bubble" or lift (delaminate).
  • Protect the edges: Avoid leaning heavy objects against the corners or edges, as this is where the veneer is most likely to chip or peel.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Dust regularly: Use a dry microfiber cloth to prevent dust from creating scratches.
  • Damp, never wet: For cleaning, use a cloth only slightly dampened with mild soap. Always buff the surface dry immediately to prevent the MDF core from swelling and cracking the wood layer.

Long-Term Protection

Avoid wax-based polishes or silicone sprays, which create a film that interferes with the adhesive. Maintain a stable environment; extreme dryness can cause the veneer to shrink, while high humidity weakens the bond.

 

BRASS

A timeless alloy of copper and zinc, a "living" material that develops a unique personality over time as it reacts with oxygen to create a darkened, antique character. This finish requires specific care to maintain its sophisticated appeal.

Protect the Surface

Brass is a relatively soft metal, making it susceptible to scratches and chemical reactions.

  • Use coasters and placemats: Prevent moisture and heat from contacting the metal. Oils and acidic spills can leave permanent marks or dark spots.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or vinegar-based cleaners. These can strip protective lacquers or cause "pitting", tiny holes in the metal surface that are difficult to repair.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Soft dusting: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust, which can contain abrasive particles.
  • Gentle washing: For a deeper clean, use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Buff the surface dry immediately; standing water leads to tarnishing or unsightly water spots.

Long-Term Protection

Lacquered brass should never be polished with abrasive cleaners (steel wool or silver polish), as this will peel the coating. For unlacquered brass, use a specialized brass polish sparingly to restore shine, testing an inconspicuous area first.

 

ALUMINIUM & POWDER COATED METAL

Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal with a natural resistance to corrosion. When finished with a powder coating, it gains a vibrant, uniform color and a finish tougher than conventional paint. These materials require simple but specific care to prevent the finish from chipping or fading.

Protect the Surface

While resilient, powder-coated surfaces should not be exposed to physical impact and chemical exposure.

  • Prevent Scratches: Avoid sliding objects with rough bottoms across the surface. Minor scratches can allow moisture to reach the metal underneath.
  • Avoid High Heat: Do not place hot pans directly on the surface. Excessive heat can cause the coating to soften or lose its bond with the metal.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Use Gentle Cleaners: Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral dish soap. Avoid "heavy-duty" cleaners that can make the coating brittle.
  • Rinse and Dry: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue and buff dry to prevent "water spotting", especially visible on dark or matte finishes.

Long-Term Protection

Never use steel wool or wire brushes, as these strip away the protective coating. While UV-resistant, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause colors to fade, so position your furniture to avoid harsh midday sun.

 

PORCELAIN

Porcelain (Sintered Stone) is the pinnacle of engineering, created under extreme pressure and heat. It results in a slab that is virtually non-porous and harder than granite. It provides the beauty of marble with a resilience that makes it nearly impervious to daily hazards.

Protect the Surface

Porcelain is durable but lacks flexibility. Protection focuses on preventing impact damage.

  • Mind the Edges: While the surface is scratch-proof, the edges can chip if struck by a heavy metal object.
  • Thermal Management: Although highly heat-resistant, avoid placing items directly from a high-heat oven on a cold tabletop. Use trivets for very hot items to protect the adhesive bonding of the slab to the frame.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Easy Cleanup: Use a damp microfiber cloth and warm water and for grease, a pH-neutral detergent.
  • Streak-Free Shine: To avoid "ghosting" or water spots, always finish by buffing the surface with a dry cloth to remove mineral residue.

Long-Term Protection

Porcelain is unaffected by acids like wine or vinegar and never needs to be sealed. Avoid cleaners containing hydrofluoric acid. Do not use metal scouring pads; because porcelain is harder than metal, the "scratch" you see is often metal rubbing off onto the surface. A cream cleanser can usually lift these marks.

 

GLASS

Glass is known for its clarity and ability to give a sense of light and openness. Created by melting natural sand at extreme temperatures, it is both durable and elegantly delicate. Because it is non-porous, it does not stain like stone, but its reflective surface requires specific care to remain free of imperfections.

Protect the Surface

Glass is susceptible to scratches and thermal shock from rapid temperature changes.

  • Use coasters and placemats: Very hot items can cause "thermal stress," leading to cracks. Protection also prevents fine scratches from the rough undersides of ceramics or metalware.
  • Handle with care: Avoid impact with hard objects. The edges are the most vulnerable points.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Use microfiber cloths: to remove fingerprints and oils without leaving streaks or lint.
  • Avoid ammonia: Use a mixture of water and a drop of dish soap or a pH-neutral glass cleaner. Ammonia can damage specialized coatings and edges.

Long-Term Protection

Always buff the surface completely dry after cleaning to prevent permanent water spots. Never use steel wool or abrasive powders, as these will permanently haze the surface.

 

LEATHER

Leather is a luxurious material valued for its comfort and the unique character it develops over time. As an organic hide, its pores breathe and absorb substances. To ensure your Seraph Casa item ages beautifully, it requires regular "hydration" to prevent drying and cracking.

Protect the Surface

Leather is susceptible to damage from heat, sunlight, and oils.

  • Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to radiators or intense sunlight strips natural oils, causing leather to become brittle and fade.
  • Mind Sharp Objects: Leather can be scratched by pet claws or jewelry.

Daily Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Dry Dusting: Wipe the leather weekly with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from the creases.
  • Gentle Wipe: For minor spots, use a cloth slightly dampened with distilled water. Avoid tap water if it is "hard," as minerals can leave white rings. Never soak the leather; allow it to air-dry naturally.

Long-Term Protection

Apply a high-quality leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months to keep the hide soft. Avoid all-purpose cleaners or furniture polish, which destroy the finish. If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a dry cloth—do not rub, as this pushes the liquid deeper into the grain.