• How do I take care of my Wendell August piece?

Aluminum and Pewter:

We recommend you care for your aluminum and pewter Wendell August giftware by dusting it with a soft cloth. To remove any light surface scratches and add shine to your piece, use four ought (0000) steel wool. Make sure you go with the grain (or fine lines which go from left to right) of the metal. Follow-up with a very small drop of furniture wax on a soft cotton cloth and use in a circular motion, polishing to the desired sheen. The longer it is buffed the greater the sheen. Aluminum and pewter will dull or darken with age, especially if it isn’t used. Under normal use and care, your aluminum and pewter pieces should last for several generations.

For minor refinishing we recommend our Wendell August Restoration Kit, found in our product section. For deep scratches and badly marked pieces, we do offer refinishing on Wendell August pieces in your collection. Please call customer service at 1-800-923-4438 for more information.

Bronze, Copper and Sterling Silver:

Each piece of our bronze, copper and sterling giftware is covered with lacquer finish to prevent the piece from tarnishing. This coating will be damaged if subject to heat (especially hot water) and harsh chemicals. Once the lacquer is penetrated, the item will tarnish (usually dark spots appear). Therefore, we recommend that any piece with a lacquer finish be used only as a display piece. To dust or remove any smudges or fingerprints, hold the piece with a soft cloth and gently wipe it clean with a second soft untreated cloth.

However, for those who do wish to use your Wendell August pieces for serving, we recommend one of our convenient Tray Protectors, shown in our product section, or use a piece of plastic wrap over the item before placing food on the piece. All Wendell August pieces should be used for serving "cold" items only (cookies and sandwiches). However, if serving cake with icing or cold cuts and cheese, a protector is a good idea.

Note: Any Wendell August piece can be damaged if cut on, used as an ashtray or put in the dishwasher.

• Can my Wendell August pieces be washed?

Your aluminum and pewter Wendell August pieces may be rinsed in plain, warm water and gently wiped dry with a soft cloth. Do not put through the dishwasher.

Your bronze, copper and sterling silver pieces should not be washed. This includes hand washing and in the dishwasher. These metals have a lacquer finish (to retard tarnishing) and water will penetrate the lacquer. These items should not be used for serving pieces, or as ashtrays, as the heat will penetrate the lacquer. Once the lacquer is penetrated, the item will tarnish (usually dark spots appear). You may dust these metals with a soft untreated cloth.