Wood is a living material: it responds to light, heat and humidity. The good news is that a well-made board needs very little to stay beautiful. These simple habits will keep your handmade chess or backgammon set looking its best for decades.
Keep it away from heat and direct sun
Strong sunlight can change the colour of wood unevenly, and heat dries it out. Avoid leaving your board on a sunny windowsill or near radiators, fireplaces and air-conditioning vents.
Keep humidity steady
Sudden changes in humidity make wood swell and shrink, which can stress joints and hinges. Store your set indoors at normal room conditions, and never keep it in a damp basement, a bathroom or a hot car. If your board arrives in cold weather, let the box rest at room temperature for a few hours before opening it.
Clean gently
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- For fingerprints, use a cloth that is barely damp and dry the surface immediately.
- Use a soft brush to remove dust from deep carving.
- Avoid household sprays, solvents, alcohol and abrasive cleaners — they can damage the finish.
Refresh the finish with beeswax
Many of our boards are finished with natural beeswax. Once or twice a year, or whenever the surface looks dry, apply a thin layer of natural beeswax polish with a soft cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff to a soft sheen. Test any product on an inconspicuous spot first.
Care for the bronze hardware
Bronze hinges, locks and details naturally develop a warm patina over time, which many owners love. Wipe them with a dry cloth to remove fingerprints. If you prefer them brighter, use a polish made for bronze or brass, applied carefully so that it does not touch the wood.
Look after the pieces
Keep checkers and chess pieces in their bag or compartment when not in use, so they don't get lost or scratched. Velvet bases can be refreshed with a soft brush. Hold carved and bronze pieces by the body rather than by thin, delicate details.
Store and travel with care
Close and latch the board when it is not in use, store it in a dry place, and use a padded bag or the original packaging when travelling. Never place heavy objects on a closed board.
Quick care checklist
- No direct sun, no heat, steady humidity
- Dry cloth for dusting, soft brush for carving
- Beeswax once or twice a year
- Dry cloth for bronze — a patina is natural
- Pieces stored in their bag
With this little bit of attention, your board will only grow more beautiful with use. Browse our chess sets and backgammon sets, or ask us any care question.
