Product Care and Warranty

Care and Maintenance

At the heart of each FrancoCrea collection is a commitment to timeless, heirloom-quality design.

Please find below a comprehensive plan to help care for your new investment. With the proper care and maintenance outlined below, you can expect your investment to last a lifetime.

 

Timber — Lacquered Finish

Timber is a natural product and is therefore subject to changes in the environment. Any structural movement in timber as a result of changes in air moisture content or fluctuating temperatures cannot be guaranteed. Regularly wipe the lacquered timber surface with a soft, damp cloth, always with the grain, to remove dust and dirt. We recommend placing your product away from extreme variations in temperature and humidity as well as contact with liquids and heat. Liquids left sitting on the surface of the product will penetrate the surface and may cause staining. Remove these spills immediately with a damp soft cloth. The colour tone of the timber will alter over time with exposure to UV light. This is a naturally occurring beautiful process of genuine solid wood. If you prefer to slow down this natural process, we recommend protecting the timber from direct or reflected sunlight.

Liquid/paste cleaners and polishes may cause permanent damage to your furniture and may result in accelerated degradation of the finished surface thus their use should be avoided. Hard or abrasive items may scratch the surface of your product; rather than sliding, lift and move these items to ensure the safety of the lacquered surface.

 

Timber — Stain or Painted Finish

Timber is a natural product and is therefore subject to changes in the environment. Any structural movement in timber as a result of changes in air moisture content or fluctuating temperatures cannot be guaranteed. Regularly wipe the stained or painted timber surface with a soft, damp cloth, always with the grain, to remove dust and dirt. We recommend placing your product away from extreme variations in temperature and humidity as well as contact with liquids and heat. Liquids left sitting on the surface of the product will penetrate the surface and may cause staining. Remove these spills immediately with a damp soft cloth.

The stained or painted timber or MDF is sealed with a protective polyurethane lacquer, the only maintenance required is to regularly wipe the timber surfaces with a clean, damp, soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. For more stubborn stains use hot water and mild liquid soap, then rinse with clean water. Repeat several times if necessary. Oils or other polishes are not necessary. Avoid contact with liquid, heat, and direct sunlight.

Abrasive cleaning products are not recommended as they may damage the surface. Hard or abrasive items may scratch the surface of your product; rather than sliding items across the surface, lift and move these items to ensure the safety of the stained or painted surface.

 

Fabric

For best performance, we recommend positioning your furniture out of direct UV light. Vacuum fabric surfaces regularly to remove contaminants. Loose feathers which may occasionally pop out from the upholstery can be removed by hand.

If a surface spill occurs, treat it by wiping it with a damp cloth. If a stain is difficult to remove, we recommend contacting a specialist fabric cleaner. Engage a specialist fabric cleaner once a year to prolong the life of your product. Please refer to the care label on your product for care information specific to your fabric. Chemical cleaners or scrubbing can damage the fabric, thus their use should be avoided. Avoid direct sunlight as it may change the colour and prematurely age the fabric.

 

Leather (premium select European cowhide)

Only the very best raw hides are used for Semi-Aniline leathers. Natural characteristics such as insect bites, fat wrinkles, growth marks and healed scars may be visible and are a great indication of a superior quality natural leather with its own individuality. Semi-Aniline leathers are dyed like full-aniline but have a thin protective topcoat added to protect them from wear and staining.

Premium semi-aniline leather is evenly coloured with a very light pigment applied to the surface. Designed to make the leather more resistant to stains without completely concealing the natural characteristics of the leather hide, whilst retaining its natural aesthetic and soft breathable touch.  

Colour fading from direct sunlight affects all leathers, therefore we recommend placing your leather furniture away from direct sunlight. Conditioning of the leather can be kept to a minimum due to the natural oils present in semi-aniline leather that inherently retain suppleness.  Cleaning & conditioning approximately twice per year is preferable using a professional water-based leather cleaning kit. For any immediate spills, a quick spot clean using a soft colourfast cloth is recommended, refraining from scrubbing the affected area.

Never use detergents, soaps or chemicals to clean the surface of the leather. If a stain is difficult to remove, we recommend contacting a specialist leather cleaner.

Engage a specialist leather cleaner once a year to prolong the life of your product.

 

Powder Coat Metal — Indoor Use

Wash regularly with warm soapy water or mild detergent using a soft cloth. Always rinse well with water to remove the remaining detergent. Avoid scratching the surface by dry dusting. Do not allow dirt to accumulate, dry out and harden. Abrasive cleaning agents are not recommended.

 

Powder Coat Metal — Outdoor Use

A textured powder coat, for outdoor use, is applied to our aluminium and stainless steel products. The textured powder coat is high mar and scuff resistant however not scratchproof. We recommend lifting and moving hard or abrasive items to avoid scratches and scuffs.

To aid in avoiding minor corrosion spots on the underside of your product, clean and dry the required surfaces regularly. Take due care to avoid surface damage, especially if used in harsh conditions.

 

Stainless Steel

Wash regularly with soapy water or detergent using a soft clean cloth, and if necessary, a 3M Scotch-Brite pad. Remove non-washable deposits on stainless steel surface with an approved cleaner e.g. 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner. Clean in one direction only, along the original polish lines. Rinse well with water. Abrasive cleaning products are not recommended. Do not allow dirt to accumulate, dry out and harden.

Please Note: tea staining will occur on the stainless steel when in proximity to the coast. It does not affect the strength or longevity of the material. Clean monthly to maintain.

 

Fenix Nanotech Laminate

FENIX NTM is an anti-fingerprint surface. No special maintenance is required: a damp cloth with warm water or a mild detergent is sufficient. Almost all regular household cleaning products or disinfectants can be safely used.

Thermal healing of superficial micro-scratches is also possible. By using an iron and a damp towel or cloth, thermal healing can be applied to the relevant area of the product if minor scratches have not penetrated the surface layer. To learn more about cleaning and maintenance, please contact our customer service specialist team.

 

Corian Solid Surface

By its design and its nature, Corian is easy to clean and easy to care for. As a general rule, when cleaning Corian always start with a simple clean. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads for routine cleaning.

If food or liquids (e.g. wine or coffee) spill onto the surface, wipe your Corian surface with a damp sponge or soft microfibre cloth — thanks to the non-porosity of Corian, this will hygienically clean your Corian surface.

For most dirt and grime, use hot soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner along with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse clean. You can also use hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar, applied with a non-scratch sponge. Rinse clean afterwards, using a clean soft cloth.

Hard water leaves visible watermarks on Corian, just as on glassware, which is why it should be wiped dry with a soft microfibre cloth. If marks remain, please contact our customer service specialist team to personally discuss other care alternatives.

Please be aware that using abrasive cleaners on your Corian surface may change your matte sheen level. By routinely cleaning the entire surface consistently the sheen should return to its original state over time.

 

Brass — Brushed Finish: Coated

Regularly wipe the surface gently with a soft cloth to remove surface contaminants. Rubbing too hard on the lacquered finish may cause the lacquer to rub off and break away from the underlying surface. A damp sponge can be used to wipe over, but ensure a clean, dry, soft non-abrasive cloth is used afterwards so the metal is not left damp.

 

Brass — Polished Finish: Uncoated

Our brass products are natural metals and if they are left uncoated will require cleaning from time to time — if you wish to remove marks and discolouration caused by the natural oxidisation process. It is a simple process by which to maintain the surface’s natural polished finish. A readily available metal polish such as Brasso or Silvo is to be applied on a dry soft non-abrasive cloth. Refer to the specific instruction for each individual metal polish cleaner.

 

Brass with Patina Effect

The patina effect is a clear, matte-lacquer coating that ensures the colour of the brass is retained and protects against oxidisation. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth regularly to remove dust and dirt particles. Please be aware that rubbing too hard on this lacquer may cause the lacquer to rub off and break away from the underlying material. A damp sponge can be used to wipe over, but please ensure a clean, dry cloth is used afterwards so the metal is not left damp.

Over time, the lacquer will be worn down by coming into contact with hands. If you wish to retain the original finish of this product, you will need to contact us so we can organise to have the brass recoated in the clear lacquer. Do not use brass cleaners as they will remove the lacquer and patina.

Warranty information

Our approach to furniture design is marked by precision and intention and has been since 2013. We are a team of local designers and artisans passionate about preserving true craftsmanship. All of our products are designed and crafted on Australian soil in Adelaide and Melbourne and constructed to last a lifetime.

For your ease of mind, all our products are covered by comprehensive warranties. If an issue does arise, we never shy away from delivering a timely, satisfying solution.

 

General

We guarantee the quality of the design and workmanship of all our products and expect them to provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

The warranty covers the initial purchaser of FrancoCrea products and is valid for as long as the product is owned by the original purchaser. The warranty is not transferable.

The warranty covers faulty workmanship in furniture that is subject to normal domestic or commercial application, and which has been carefully maintained and sensibly used. It does not cover damage sustained by substantial knocks/force or improper use.

The warranty excludes materials from other manufacturers. If such materials are agreed to be defective, we will use reasonable endeavour to assist in negotiating a satisfactory settlement with the supplier on your behalf. Such suppliers can provide warranties relating to the performance of materials supplied by them.

The warranty excludes any claims of damage at the time of delivery that aren’t identified by the buyer in writing to the seller on the day of delivery.

During the warranty period, FrancoCrea will repair any defective products without charge if the damage has not arisen from improper, inadequate, or incorrect usage, including but not limited to the following:

  • improper adjustment or modifications of the product by the buyer which were not authorised in writing by the seller;
  • the use of accessories that were not manufactured by, or approved in writing by, the seller;
  • any contamination or leakages caused or induced by the buyer;
  • damage sustained by knock/force to the product by the buyer;
  • improper use of the product by the buyer or anyone for whom the buyer has legal responsibility (including a minor);
  • any use or operation of the product outside of the physical, electrical, or environmental specifications of the products;
  • inadequate or incorrect site preparation; and
  • inadequate or improper maintenance of the product.

 

Upholstered Furniture Indoors — 5 years

Our five-year warranty covers the frames and support elements of all upholstered models of FrancoCrea seating. The warranty covers the reasonable use of your product/s for suitable applications. Upholstery is not covered under warranty.

 

Seating, Tables and Storage — 3 years

Our three-year warranty covers the frames of all models of FrancoCrea seating, tables and shelving units. The warranty covers the reasonable use of your product/s for suitable applications. Finishes are not covered under warranty. If a finish wears out, the product can be re-finished by FrancoCrea at the client’s expense. Changes to the performance and/or aesthetic of your product caused by adverse environmental conditions cannot be covered under warranty.

 

Outdoor — 3 year

Our three-year warranty covers the frames and structural support elements of all models of FrancoCrea outdoor products. Damages to powder-coated finishes — e.g. scratches, chipping, fading, or corrosion caused by scratches and chips — cannot be covered under warranty.

 

Fabric and Leather — 1 year

Our one-year warranty covers all manufacturing faults for all fabric and leather upholstery. We cannot offer a warranty on the customers’ material.

 

 Warranty Claim

To make a claim, email us at hello@francocrea.com.au

An inspection of the product will be required to determine the nature and cause of the alleged defect. This will be conducted by a member at FrancoCrea and you will be advised whether the claim is covered by this warranty.

All transportation charges incurred in returning defective products, or any of their parts, for repair, together with the cost of returning them to the buyer, must be paid by the buyer.

 

Australian designed and made since 2013.