Everyday Use
A short guide to everyday use, cleaning, and maintenance of your SnapCo concrete piece. Concrete is a living material; these notes will help you keep it looking its best.
- Use protective covers such as placemats or coasters when in use.
- Wipe spills as soon as possible.
- Avoid placing very cold or hot objects directly on the surface as this may cause discolouration.
- Similar to natural stone, avoid acidic substances.
- Do not put adhesives directly on the product.
- Do not cut directly on the concrete surface.
- Hairline cracks may occur when exposed to soaring temperatures outdoors. Like all concrete products used for furniture and in building construction, these are part of the natural curing process and are not considered a defect.
Cleaning Procedure
Regularly clean with warm soapy water or a pH neutral cleaner using a soft sponge or cloth.
Sealer
Although concrete products are sealed to reduce risk of staining, it won't completely protect against liquid penetration, scratches caused by sharp objects, acidic substances or prolonged moisture. Similar to natural stone, the surface will develop a patina over time and will change appearance depending on how it's used.
No Chemicals
The sealer does not protect against acid attack. Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive and high-acidity products and nail polish remover. If any of these come into contact with the surface, rinse immediately with water and follow the normal cleaning procedure.
No Scourers
Avoid using a scouring pad, steel wool or brushes as they will scratch the sealer. Use a soft sponge or cloth. Immediately dry with a fresh cloth to remove residual moisture and prevent streaking.
Everyday Cleaning + Maintenance
To maintain your concrete product's appearance, regularly clean with warm soapy water or a pH neutral cleaner, using a soft sponge or cloth. Concrete should be rinsed thoroughly and dried after cleaning. As with most natural stone products, the surface will patina over time when exposed to running water, resulting in minor erosion.
- Use protective covers when in use (placemats or coasters).
- Use felt or rubber feet pads for objects left indefinitely on the surface (e.g. pot plants).
- Avoid placing hot objects directly on the surface as this may cause discolouration. Use a trivet where possible.
Common Questions
Care: what people ask.
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Do I need to do anything to a concrete table when I first receive it? +
No. Pieces are delivered fully cured, finished, and sealed. Use it the day it arrives.
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What's the worst thing I can do to concrete furniture? +
Long-term harsh-chemical exposure: bleach used daily, acetone or paint stripper, citrus left to dry on the surface for hours. None of these will harm the concrete itself, but they'll strip the seal faster than the seal is designed to handle.
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Can I cut directly on the surface? +
Don't. Use a board. The seal will mark; the concrete won't, but the seal protects the concrete from staining over time, so keeping the seal intact matters more than the immediate surface mark suggests.
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What does patina look like over time? +
Lighter pigments warm slightly toward bone over a decade in full sun. Heavily-used surfaces develop a soft sheen at the most-used corners. Outdoor pieces in full exposure show subtle texture variation. Most clients describe the patina as a feature; if you want gallery-permanence, concrete probably isn't the right material.