Caring for Your Ceramic Christmas Trees and other items
How to Care for Your Ceramic Christmas Trees Heirloom
Cleaning:
Your Ceramic Christmas Tree heirloom, should never be washed in the dishwasher. The electrically-wired bases should never be placed in the sink or dishwasher.
If the lights are glued in your tree, as we do as standard, dust by gently brushing in a downward tapping stroak with a large, soft paint brush or duster. If just brushing is not getting the job done, place the tree top in a dry sink and run water over the pieces gently rubbing around the lights. In this case, some of the lights may come loose.
If the lights become loose:Once the tree is dry, the glue on the lights may reset. Otherwise, decorate and glue the lights back by placing a small amount around the stem and setting it back in the hole in the tree. Never use super glue or anything stronger, as this causes tremendous difficulty if the light actually breaks, and the stem remains in the tree. Use only white glue, such as Elmer’s brand. This will hold the light with enough adhesive and allows the light to come out intact if the glue should age or the light is bumped. NEVER GLUE IN THE STAR.
NEVER place a newly cleaned, wet tree top on the electrically-wired base and plug it in.
Storage: Store your trees on a shelf with a plastic bag or cloth over it to keep dust off. Or wrap each glazed piece individually with bubble wrap or kraft paper and gently place in a box. Be mindful of extreme temperature changes if storing in an attic. This can change the finish or worse the thermal shock from high heat to very cold can possibly damage it.
Light Bulbs: Be sure to use the correct light bulb to match the size of your tree. You don't want it to get too hot and melt your lights or burn you. Call us with any questions. 919.718.5108
Never remove or disassemble the wired light fixture. DO NOT throw away the protective cardboard sleeve. That is there for your protection. Any tampering with the light fixture is DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Call us for assistance 919.718.5108
If the lights are glued in your tree, as we do as standard, dust by gently brushing in a downward tapping stroak with a large, soft paint brush or duster. If just brushing is not getting the job done, place the tree top in a dry sink and run water over the pieces gently rubbing around the lights. In this case, some of the lights may come loose.
If the lights become loose:Once the tree is dry, the glue on the lights may reset. Otherwise, decorate and glue the lights back by placing a small amount around the stem and setting it back in the hole in the tree. Never use super glue or anything stronger, as this causes tremendous difficulty if the light actually breaks, and the stem remains in the tree. Use only white glue, such as Elmer’s brand. This will hold the light with enough adhesive and allows the light to come out intact if the glue should age or the light is bumped. NEVER GLUE IN THE STAR.
NEVER place a newly cleaned, wet tree top on the electrically-wired base and plug it in.
Storage: Store your trees on a shelf with a plastic bag or cloth over it to keep dust off. Or wrap each glazed piece individually with bubble wrap or kraft paper and gently place in a box. Be mindful of extreme temperature changes if storing in an attic. This can change the finish or worse the thermal shock from high heat to very cold can possibly damage it.
Light Bulbs: Be sure to use the correct light bulb to match the size of your tree. You don't want it to get too hot and melt your lights or burn you. Call us with any questions. 919.718.5108
Never remove or disassemble the wired light fixture. DO NOT throw away the protective cardboard sleeve. That is there for your protection. Any tampering with the light fixture is DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Call us for assistance 919.718.5108
Caring for Dry-Brushed Trees & Figurines
Dry-brushed items should have had a matte, glossy or procelain spray coating added to them when created. This protects the paint and allows for some cleaning as the years go by.
Cleaning Cleaning dry-brushed pieces should never involve the dishwasher or even the sink. They should always just be dusted with a brush or clean cloth. A damp cloth can also be used, but only sparingly and very gently.
Light Bulbs: Be sure to use the correct light bulb to match the size of your tree. You don't want it to get too hot and melt your light or burn you. Call us with any questions. 919.718.5108
Packing: Wrap with heavy kraft paper first, then bubble wrap if required. Plastic has the potential to rub the piece and damage the finish/paint.
Cleaning Cleaning dry-brushed pieces should never involve the dishwasher or even the sink. They should always just be dusted with a brush or clean cloth. A damp cloth can also be used, but only sparingly and very gently.
Light Bulbs: Be sure to use the correct light bulb to match the size of your tree. You don't want it to get too hot and melt your light or burn you. Call us with any questions. 919.718.5108
Packing: Wrap with heavy kraft paper first, then bubble wrap if required. Plastic has the potential to rub the piece and damage the finish/paint.
Caring for Functional and Decorative Glazed Ceramics
While, glazed ceramic earthenware functional and decorative artware does have a glass-like surface and can be dishwasher safe, to keep them perfectly safe from dings, etc, it is best to wash them by hand. Use Top Shelf Only of the dishwasher if you must.
Pieces with fired gold and decals should always be washed by hand to keep them looking like new.
Items with fired gold, white-gold, platinum or silver, should never be placed in the microwave.
Pieces with fired gold and decals should always be washed by hand to keep them looking like new.
Items with fired gold, white-gold, platinum or silver, should never be placed in the microwave.
Directions for Outdoor Use
Ceramics may be used outdoors with special care...
1. Stake down to hold upright. Insert 1/2” dowel rod through pour holes in bottom of piece. DO NOT FORCE. Allow 4-5” of dowel rod to insert into the ground. The piece should sit on the ground, not hang on the dowel rod.
2. Do not allow to freeze.
3. Wipe off bird droppings.
1. Stake down to hold upright. Insert 1/2” dowel rod through pour holes in bottom of piece. DO NOT FORCE. Allow 4-5” of dowel rod to insert into the ground. The piece should sit on the ground, not hang on the dowel rod.
2. Do not allow to freeze.
3. Wipe off bird droppings.