UNFOUND

Every Unfound work is built to last. These guidelines help ensure your piece remains in the condition it left our studio — and in many cases, improves with age. Following this guidance is a condition of the 24-month warranty.

 

If you are unsure about any cleaning product, treatment, or maintenance procedure for your specific piece, contact us before proceeding. Damage caused by inappropriate products or methods is not covered by warranty.

 

01

General Care — All Works
 

• Clean with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid bleach, harsh detergents, solvents, or any product containing acidic or highly alkaline compounds

• Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, or high-pressure water jets on any finished surface

• Protect works from prolonged direct contact with standing water unless the piece was designed for water exposure

• For outdoor works, inspect annually and address any surface changes promptly — early intervention prevents minor surface issues from becoming structural concerns

• Do not modify, drill, cut, or attach anything to any Unfound work without first consulting us — structural modifications will void the warranty
  
  
   

02

Material-Specific Guidance
 

GRC / GFRC Concrete

Rinse acid spills (vinegar, citrus, sauces) immediately with clean water, then clean gently with a damp cloth. Do not use acidic cleaners of any kind — concrete surfaces are alkali-sensitive to sustained acid exposure.
 

For sealed outdoor works, reseal with an appropriate penetrating concrete sealer every 12–18 months, or as conditions require. For unsealed or raw-finish works, contact us for specific guidance before applying any treatment.
 

Do not cut directly on concrete benchtop or table surfaces. Use appropriate cutting boards at all times.
 

Timber

Dust regularly with a dry or lightly damp cloth. For occasional deeper cleaning use a mild, solvent-free wood soap appropriate to the specific timber species and finish — contact us for product-specific recommendations for your piece.
 

Avoid prolonged contact with moisture — do not place wet objects directly on timber surfaces or allow water to pool. Keep away from direct heat sources and direct sustained sunlight where possible.
 

Oiled or waxed timber finishes benefit from periodic re-oiling or re-waxing. We will advise the appropriate product and frequency for your specific piece.
 

Metal Finishes

Wipe with a soft dry cloth. For finished or patinated metal surfaces, avoid water pooling and do not use abrasive pads or high-pH cleaning products.
 

Bronze powder and metallic-finish treatments should be cleaned with a soft cloth only. Avoid polishing compounds unless specifically recommended for your finish type.
 

For outdoor metal elements, an annual application of a clear protective wax will extend the surface life. Contact us for product recommendations specific to your piece's finish.
 

Acrylic & Resin

Clean with a soft damp cloth and mild, non-abrasive cleanser only. Acrylic surfaces scratch easily — avoid any abrasive contact including rough cloths, paper towels, or abrasive pads.
 

Avoid solvents including acetone, methylated spirits, and alcohol-based products — these will damage the surface irreversibly.
 

Protect from prolonged direct sunlight where possible, as UV exposure can cause colour shift in some resin formulations over time.


 

03

Outdoor & Public Works
 

Works designed for outdoor installation are fabricated and finished to withstand New Zealand climatic conditions including UV exposure, temperature variation, and rainfall. However, all outdoor works benefit from regular inspection and maintenance to ensure longevity.
 

• Inspect annually — look for surface cracking, delamination, finish wear, or structural movement at fixing points

• Clear any debris, biological growth (moss, lichen), or standing water promptly

• For works in coastal environments, rinse salt deposits with fresh water after storm events and inspect more frequently — at least twice yearly

• For large-scale public works, maintain a maintenance log. This may be required to support any warranty claim

• Any structural concerns — movement, cracking, or damage to fixing points — should be reported to Unfound immediately and the work should not be used until inspected
   

Unfound is available to conduct maintenance inspections and carry out remedial work on all completed commissions. Contact us to arrange an assessment.


 

04

Warranty & Maintenance
 

Our 24-month warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. Following the care and maintenance guidance in this document is a condition of the warranty. Damage resulting from failure to follow these guidelines, from misuse, vandalism, impact, or from modifications made by any party other than Unfound is not covered.
 

The warranty does not cover normal weathering, patination, or surface changes consistent with the specified material and outdoor conditions. Many materials — GRC, bronze, copper, timber — develop surface character over time. This is a quality of the material, not a defect.


 

05

Questions & Support
 

We stand behind every piece that leaves our studio. If you have questions about caring for a specific work, are unsure about a product or treatment, or want to arrange a maintenance inspection, please contact us.
 

We are always available to provide guidance specific to your piece — its materials, finish, environment, and age. Please reach out before attempting any repair or treatment you are uncertain about.