Prolonged exposure to sunlight—even through a window or fabric shade—can cause wood furniture and decorative objects to fade or change color over time. Fine wood subtly reflects its surroundings, and ultraviolet rays gradually break down the natural oils and pigments within the wood and finish—the same process that fades paintings, book covers, and fabrics. To preserve your piece’s rich character, keep it out of direct sunlight or use UV-filtering glass.

Installing hinges and aligning the lid so it fits perfectly with the lower half of the box can be a delicate process. Before each box is shipped, I check the lid alignment and fine-tune the hinge screws for a precise fit. If the hinges feel slightly loose, that is intentional—tightening them further may cause the lid to shift out of alignment.

When you receive your box, you may notice a light oil residue on the surface—feel free to wipe it off. I use a food-safe cutting board oil (mineral oil) on the interior surfaces, and some of it can transfer to the exterior during packaging. A cloth or paper towel is all you need to remove it. For long-term care, the exterior does not require oiling. If you’d like to refresh the interior wood, you can use Howard’s Cutting Board Oil or any similar food-safe mineral oil.