The Science of Maintenance

In the philosophy of UNISM, an object is a living presence. Whether crafted from brass, aluminium, or oak, our pieces are designed to develop a unique narrative through time and touch. To preserve their sculptural integrity, we recommend a maintenance ritual grounded in tailored conservation practices.

Each material reacts uniquely to its environment. Maintaining the living finish of your object requires a nuanced approach to cleaning, protection, and preservation.

Below you will find a step-by-step guide to each material & finish.

Care Guide by Material & Finish

Note: Mentioned specialised maintenance products will soon be available for purchase directly via our online store. In the meantime, we recommend sourcing conservation-grade microcrystalline wax and restoration products from Picreator Renaissance England.

General guidance: Always test any cleaning or protective product on a discreet area before applying it to the visible surface. Use clean, soft cloths only, avoid excessive pressure, and allow surfaces to dry fully before applying any protective wax.

Polished Brass

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from marking the polished finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Do not rub aggressively, as loose particles may scratch the polished surface.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, avoiding excess moisture. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth.

Phase 4: Burnish only if needed
If marks, light tarnish, or residues remain, use Pre-Lim Metal Burnisher carefully. Apply with a soft cloth using light pressure only. Work evenly and avoid over-polishing one area. Allow the surface to air-dry for a few minutes, then remove the chalky residue with a clean, soft cloth.

Phase 5: Protect the finish
Once the surface is fully clean and dry, apply a very thin protective layer of Renaissance Wax. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth to create a clear protective coating. Avoid heavy buffing, which may create uneven shine.

Polished Aluminium

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from marking the polished finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Do not rub aggressively, as loose particles may scratch the polished surface.

Brushed / Satin Brass

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from marking the satin finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Where a visible grain is present, wipe in the direction of the brushed finish.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, following the direction of the grain where possible. Avoid circular rubbing. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth.

Phase 4: Burnish only if needed
If marks, light tarnish, or residues remain, use Pre-Lim Metal Burnisher with particular care. Apply with a soft cloth using light pressure only, following the direction of the brushed grain. Do not rub in circles and do not overwork the surface, as this may polish the satin finish or create brighter patches. Allow the surface to air-dry for a few minutes, then remove the chalky residue with a clean, soft cloth.

Phase 5: Protect the finish
Once the surface is fully clean and dry, apply a very thin protective layer of Renaissance Wax. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth, following the direction of the grain where possible. Avoid heavy buffing, as this may change the satin sheen.

Brushed / Satin Aluminium

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from marking the satin finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Where a visible grain is present, wipe in the direction of the brushed finish.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, following the direction of the grain where possible. Avoid circular rubbing. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth.

Phase 4: Burnish only if needed
If marks, light tarnish, or residues remain, use Pre-Lim Metal Burnisher with particular care. Apply with a soft cloth using light pressure only, following the direction of the brushed grain. Do not rub in circles and do not overwork the surface, as this may polish the satin finish or create brighter patches. Allow the surface to air-dry for a few minutes, then remove the chalky residue with a clean, soft cloth.

Phase 5: Protect the finish
Once the surface is fully clean and dry, apply a very thin protective layer of Renaissance Wax. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth, following the direction of the grain where possible. Avoid heavy buffing, as this may change the satin sheen.

Textured Brass

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from settling into the textured finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. For recessed details, use a soft brush if needed. Do not scrub the texture aggressively.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, taking care not to flood recessed areas. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully. Make sure no moisture remains in recessed areas.

Phase 4: Burnish only if needed
If marks, light tarnish, or residues remain on raised areas, use Pre-Lim Metal Burnisher very carefully. Apply with a soft cloth using light pressure only. Avoid forcing the product into recessed areas and do not overwork raised details, as this may create uneven highlights or alter the texture. Allow the surface to air-dry for a few minutes, then remove all chalky residue with a clean, soft cloth or soft brush.

Phase 5: Protect the finish
Once the surface is fully clean and dry, apply a very thin protective layer of Renaissance Wax. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth. Make sure no excess wax builds up in recessed or textured areas, and remove any visible residue before use.

Textured Aluminium

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent fingerprints, oils, and moisture from settling into the textured finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. For recessed details, use a soft brush if needed. Do not scrub the texture aggressively.

Phase 4: Burnish only if needed
If visible marks or residues remain on raised areas, use Pre-Lim Metal Burnisher very carefully. Apply with a soft cloth using light pressure only. Avoid forcing the product into recessed areas and do not overwork raised details, as this may create uneven highlights or alter the texture. Allow the surface to air-dry for a few minutes, then remove all chalky residue with a clean, soft cloth or soft brush.

Aged Brass

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. Aged brass has a natural patina that should be preserved and protected. Avoid unnecessary rubbing or polishing.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Wipe gently and avoid polishing raised areas, as this may brighten the patina.

Phase 3: Clean without burnishing
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and avoid soaking the surface. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth.

Do not use Pre-Lim, metal burnishers, abrasive cleaners, abrasive cloths, or abrasive sponges on aged brass, as these may disrupt or remove the natural patina.

Phase 4: Protect the patina
Once the surface is fully clean and dry, apply a very thin protective layer of Renaissance Wax. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth, taking care not to disturb the aged finish or brighten raised areas.

Natural Wood

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent oils, moisture, and dirt from transferring onto the wood.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Follow the direction of the grain where possible.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap only where needed. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and avoid soaking the wood. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth. Do not allow moisture to sit on the surface.

Phase 4: Leave uncoated
No protective wax coating is required. Allow the surface to dry fully before use.

Stained Wood

Phase 1: Handle with care
Always wear clean gloves before touching the surface. This helps prevent oils, moisture, and dirt from transferring onto the stained finish.

Phase 2: Dust the surface
Remove loose dust with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Follow the direction of the grain where possible and avoid unnecessary rubbing.

Phase 3: Clean the surface
Clean gently using diluted Vulpex Liquid Soap only where needed. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and avoid soaking the wood or disturbing the stained surface. After cleaning, wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry fully with a soft cloth. Do not allow moisture to sit on the surface.