How do you correctly clean chess sets?

All of our products have been finished and waxed or polished before they reach you. These are some tips for caring for your prized chess set.



Wooden Chess Pieces

Natural chess pieces are easy to maintain. Use another cloth to dry.

If the lacquer coating on wooden chess pieces becomes sticky or is contaminated with bonded contaminants, you can clean it easily with a damp cloth. Use a damp cloth with a little detergent to remove the contaminants.

If the lacquer has scratches, you can polish it. However, strong ammonia- and petroleum-based scratch removals or rubbing compounds such as T-Cut(tm) are not recommended. They can damage the lacquer and discolour it.

Clear lacquer is used to protect metal chess piece from tarnishing and staining. Wipe away any sticky or bonded metal pieces with a damp cloth.

Metal parts that don't have a lacquer coating are usually made of a material that is resistant tarnish. When the pieces are bonded you will need to clean them with a damp cloth.

ABS and reconstituted Plastic Chess Pieces

Plastic pieces don't require any aftercare or polishing. They can be dried.

Resin crushed stone chess pieces

For semi-synthetic or synthetic moulded pieces, aftercare is minimal. We discourage the use waxes or chemicals on the poly-resin pieces. Instead, dust them with a dry, lint free cloth, then wipe off any dirt and contaminants with a damp cloth.

Solid Wood Chess Boards

Most solid wood boards have a thick coating of lacquer such as melamine or nitrocellulose.

The sheen of lacquer can wear over time and get scratched.

Do not use strong ammonia, petroleum-based scratches removers, or rubbing compounds such as T-Cut. They can crack and discolour lacquer.

Wood Satin and Lacquered Chess Boards

These boards can be cleaned in a similar manner to gloss lacquered boards. You should not polish or remove scratches on matt or satin lacquered boards. However, rubbing will make them shiny and glossy. You are effectively turning satin into gloss.

Solid Wooden Chess Boards

Solid wood polished boards are usually finished with wax.

We don't recommend waxes that contain turpentine. They can be dangerous to the environment.

This is easy. Simply use a small amount of wax to coat a dry, clean rag. Use a circular motion to lightly rub the wood.

Gloss Lacquered chess Boards

Veneer gloss-lacquered boards can be treated in the same manner as solid wood boards with the same lacquer thickness. Polishing products must be used with caution to remove minor scratches and blemishes.

Satin Lacquered Chess Boards

Satin varnished veneer boards require the same care as solid wooden boards made from satin varnished material. To remove dirt and marks, wipe the boards with a dry cloth. Use mild dishwashing detergent to rinse the cloth. This will prevent shiny or unsightly areas.

Wood Polish Chess Board

Naturally polished veneer wooden boards are the same as solid wood boards, but require less product wax.

Portable Folding Sets

A naturally polished wooden folding chess sets are often finished in light rub of Beeswax.