PRODUCT CARE & SAFETY GUIDE

1. GENERAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS

All custom-engraved items require delicate handling to preserve the integrity of the design and the material.

• Hand-Washing Recommended: For most CarvingTree.art items, hand-washing is the safest option. Dishwashers, long soaks, and high heat can shorten the life of finishes, adhesives, and engravings.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose products to extreme heat, cold, or rapid temperature fluctuations, as this may cause warping, cracking, crazing, or peeling.
• Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may fade engravings and discolor natural materials like wood.
• Chemical Exposure: Avoid using harsh chemicals (including bleach), solvents, and abrasive scrubbers on any engraved or coated surface. When in doubt, use mild dish soap and water.
• Dry Promptly: After cleaning, dry items right away with a soft towel to help prevent water spots, swelling, rusting, and premature wear.

2. MATERIAL-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

A. Wood (Cutting Boards / Coasters / Signs)

Wood is a natural, porous material that reacts to moisture, heat, and airflow. Proper care will help prevent warping, cracking, staining, and raised grain.

• Hand Wash Only: Never place wooden items in a dishwasher and do not soak or leave them submerged. Excess water and heat can cause swelling, warping, splitting, and glue-line failure.
• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild dish soap. Rinse quickly (do not soak) and dry immediately with a soft towel. Stand the item on its edge to finish air-drying.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, vinegar soaks, degreasers, or abrasive scrubbers; these can strip finishes and roughen engraved areas.
• Conditioning (Longevity Tip): For food-contact items like cutting boards and some coasters, apply a food-grade mineral oil or board balm as needed (often every 3–4 weeks, more frequently in dry climates). Oil helps reduce drying and cracking and makes cleanup easier.
• Heat & Moisture Protection (Longevity Tip): Use coasters for hot/cold drinks to limit condensation rings. Keep signs and décor away from steamy areas (e.g., above kettles, near humidifiers) and avoid hanging in direct sun for long periods.
• Natural Variation: Wood grain, knots, and color tones vary. Engraving contrast will also vary by species and board characteristics—these are natural traits, not defects.

B. Metal / Tumblers

Metal and powder-coated drinkware are durable, but finishes and engraved contrast can wear faster with heat, harsh detergents, and abrasion.

• Hand-Washing Strongly Recommended: Even if a tumbler is labeled “dishwasher safe,” hand-washing (mild soap + soft sponge) best preserves the powder coat, engraved detail, and any seals.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Abrasives: Do not use bleach, strong degreasers, or citrus solvents. Avoid steel wool and scouring pads; they can scratch the coating and dull the engraving.
• Dry After Washing: Towel-dry and store with the lid off until fully dry to help prevent odors and protect gaskets.
• Temperature & Use Tips (Longevity Tip): Avoid rapid temperature changes (e.g., pouring boiling liquid into an ice-cold tumbler). Do not freeze sealed tumblers.
• Microwave Safety: Stainless steel and metal-lined products are not microwave-safe.

C. Acrylic

Acrylic is lightweight and eye-catching, but it can scratch and may “crazing” with the wrong cleaners.

• Cleaning (Gentle Only): Use a clean microfiber cloth with mild soap and water, or a cleaner specifically labeled safe for acrylic.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex), alcohol-heavy cleaners, acetone, or other solvents on acrylic. These can cause clouding or “crazing” (tiny cracks).
• Scratch Prevention (Longevity Tip): Avoid paper towels and rough fabrics. Store with a soft protective layer between acrylic pieces and keep away from keys, tools, or other hard items.

D. Glass

Glass is easy to clean but can chip or crack with impact or thermal shock.

• Hand-Washing Recommended: Wash with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh scrubbers, which can scratch or dull etched areas.
• Avoid Thermal Shock (Longevity Tip): Do not move glass quickly between extreme temperatures (e.g., freezer to hot water). Let glass warm or cool gradually to reduce cracking risk.
• Handling & Storage: Handle with care and keep away from sharp/metal objects that can chip edges. Dry with a lint-free cloth to reduce water spots.

3. SAFETY WARNINGS

• Not a Toy / Small Parts: Unless explicitly stated, products from CarvingTree.art are intended for decorative or functional adult use. Some items may include small parts (magnets, keyrings, hooks, standoffs, caps, or similar components) that can present a choking or injury hazard. Keep products and loose components out of reach of children and pets, and use adult supervision where appropriate.
• Food-Safe Finishes & Food Contact: Only items specifically sold or described by CarvingTree.art as food-safe are intended for direct food contact (for example, certain cutting boards). If you plan to use a wood item with food, maintain it with food-grade oil/balm (e.g., mineral oil/board butter). Do not use industrial coatings, non-food-safe sealants, or harsh chemical cleaners on food-contact surfaces. If you are unsure whether your specific item/finish is food-safe, please contact us before use.
• Laser Edges / Sharp Surfaces: Laser-cut acrylic, wood, and some glass pieces may have sharper edges than mass-produced products. Handle with care and consider light sanding (where appropriate) only if it will not affect the design.
• Heat, Flame & Combustibility: Wooden signs and décor should be kept away from open flames, candles, stovetops, fireplaces, and other high-heat sources. Do not place engraved items on or near active heat sources.

4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

CarvingTree.art provides these products and guidelines as a service to our customers. By purchasing and using our products, the customer acknowledges the following:

1. Improper Care: CarvingTree.art is not responsible for damage resulting from failure to follow the care instructions provided (e.g., dishwasher damage, failure to oil wood).
2. Natural Aging: We are not liable for the natural aging process of materials, including wood silvering, copper patina, or minor surface scratches through normal wear and tear.
3. Misuse: CarvingTree.art shall not be held liable for any personal injury, property damage, or financial loss resulting from the misuse of our products or the failure to supervise children around our products.

5. CONTACT US

If you have questions regarding the specific care requirements for your order or if you require a recommendation for maintenance products, please contact us at:

CarvingTree.art
Website: https://carvingtree.art
Customer Support: info@carvingtree.art / (318)319-0002

Effective Date: May 13, 2026