Introduction: An Heirloom, Not a Toy

We often say that ChessboArt boards are "furniture, not toys." This distinction is crucial for ownership. A plastic toy requires zero care until it breaks. A piece of fine furniture, made of solid Walnut or Ash, requires a relationship. It reacts to its environment.

1. Installation: Hang it Like a TV

In Vol. 4, we discussed the mounting systems. Now, let's talk about the safety of hanging heavy art.

For ChessboArt 800 (Heavy Boards ~15kg)

Do not treat this like a light poster. Treat it like a television.

• Permanent Anchors: Do not use simple picture nails or adhesive strips. Use heavy-duty wall anchors (rawlnuts) appropriate for your wall type (concrete, brick). If you have drywall, you must anchor into the studs or use specialized toggles.
• The 2-Hook System: We use two recessed hangers for stability. This means your drilling must be perfectly level. If the screws are not level, the board will hang crookedly.
• Flush Mount: Ensure the screw heads protrude just enough to catch the hanger but allow the board to be pulled firmly flush against the wall.

For ChessClub (Light Boards ~3kg)

These lighter composite boards can be mounted using adhesive mirror hangers or standard hooks. This allows for mounting on glass walls or in rental spaces where drilling is restricted.

2. Environment: Sun, Heat & The "Shadow Effect"

Wood is hygroscopic—it absorbs and releases moisture. It also reacts to light.

• Indoor Use Only: Our boards are designed for controlled indoor environments.
• Humidity: Keep humidity between 40-60%. Extreme dryness (e.g., hanging directly above a radiator) can cause the wood to check or warp over time.
• The "Sun Tan" Warning: UV light darkens and enriches wood over time. This is a beautiful, natural process. However, if you leave pieces in the exact same position for 2 years in direct sunlight, the wood under the pieces will remain lighter, creating "shadows."

Pro Tip: If your board hangs in a sunny spot, rotate the position of the pieces occasionally, or simply accept that the wood will tell the story of your games.

3. Cleaning & Renewal (The 2mm Rule)

Cleaning: Never use wet cloths. This is 100% wood. Use professional wood cleaning products or a dry/slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Renewal (After 10 Years): One of the greatest advantages of solid wood is that it can be renewed. If the surface looks tired after a decade, you can refresh it.

• Manual Sanding Only: You can lightly sand the surface by hand to remove scratches.
• The Limit: Remember that the magnets are hidden just 1-2mm below the surface. This is enough for several renewals, but you must use a light touch. Do not use electric sanders, which remove material too aggressively.
• Re-waxing: After sanding, apply a fresh coat of hard wax oil to restore the glow.

4. Serviceability: The Manufacturer Advantage

Accidents happen. A dog chews a Knight. A child loses a Pawn. In a mass-produced set, the game is over. At ChessboArt, because we manufacture everything ourselves, the system is serviceable.

• Spare Parts: We keep stock of our standard woods. We can supply a single replacement piece.
• Magnet Life: Neodymium magnets lose less than 1% of their power every 10 years. They will outlast the wood, and likely, us.

5. Summary

We have now covered the entire technical journey: History (Vol 1), Physics (Vol 2), Figures (Vol 3), Construction (Vol 4), and Care (Vol 5).

You now know exactly what this object is and how to keep it alive for generations. But the final question remains: "Which one is for me?"

In Volume 6, we will showcase the Social Proof: Who actually buys these boards? We will look at stories from Grandmasters (Judit Polgár), prestigious tournaments (Grand Chess Tour), and interior designers.