Wood Maintenance Guide: Protecting and Preserving Your Wall Panels

Wood wall panels bring a sense of sophistication to any room in your home, which is why you need to understand wood maintenance to stay beautiful and always bring warmth to your space.

Once you take care of your panels, you don’t just preserve their good looks, but you also protect them from moisture and discoloration. Without proper care, panels can crack or warp, which loses their functionality as well.

Cleaning and Dusting

Never underestimate dust and dirt. They might not look like much, but they can affect the wood’s natural glow over time.

1. Use the Right Tools

Start with simple cleaning. You can use a soft cloth or feather duster to sweep away dust on the surfaces without scratching the finish. Avoid rough fabrics or sponges, since they can leave tiny marks on the woods.

2. Skip the Harsh Chemicals

Go for a gentle wood cleaner, or you can simply use warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, which you already have in your kitchen. Never use alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage the wood.

3. Clean Regularly

Consistency is key. To keep wood wall panels in great shape, schedule a quick dusting at least once a week and deeper clean every month. This routine can prevent grime from building up around windows or near the kitchen.

Polishing and Sealing

After you make sure your panels are clean, you can bring back their natural glow to protect the wood and keep it looking good. You can also explore our wood panel collection for more options with a natural finish.

1. Bring Out the Shine with Polish

You can choose a high-quality wood polish or wax to make your panels shine and add more protection. Apply it with a soft cloth and buff along the grain until the surface is smooth and refreshed.

2. Seal Against Moisture

If you live in a place where the humidity is high, you need to pay more attention to your wall panels. Apply a wood sealant or polyurethane, since moisture can lead to warping, swelling, and mold growth.

3. Reseal When Needed

Humidity also can cause dull patches, fading, or uneven color. If you notice one of them, it’s a sign that your panels need a fresh coat. A regular polishing and sealing routine keeps your woods protected for years to come.

How to Repair and Restore?

Some things are inevitable, and natural wear and tear is one of them. But don’t worry, as long as the damage is minor, you can easily repair it.

1. Fixing Scratches and Dents

Use a wood touch-up marker that matches your panel’s tone for small scratches, or fill them with wood filler and let it dry for deeper dents or cracks. These simple fixes can make your panels look new again.

2. Sand and Refinish

When you notice that the panels are starting to lose their shine, act as soon as possible. Use sandpaper to smooth out any uneven spots, then reapply polish or stain. This step brings back the original glow and preserves the wood grain.

3. Re-Stain or Repaint

There might be a time for you to get inspired and want to change the decor to refresh your wood wall panels. You can re-stain to give the panels a richer tone, or paint it to completely modernize the space. 

How to Prevent Damage?

It’s undeniable that the best wood maintenance is to prevent damage before it happens. Keep your wood wall panels elegant before it’s too late.

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight

The position of your furniture or curtains matter, as it can protect wood wall panels from sunlight. Otherwise, your wood wall panels can be exposed with direct light, which can lead to fading or uneven discoloration.

If areas like your living room or bedroom get sunlight easily, you can use a UV-protective finish to protect the wood and preserve its color.

2. Control Humidity Levels

Season plays a more important role than you think.  Without the right temperature, wood wall panels will expand due to humidity and contracts when the air gets too dry. You can maintain indoor humidity around 40-60%.

3. Prevent Impact Damage

Always be mindful of scratches and scuffs from furniture. That’s why the position of your furniture matters, as it can cause wood wall panels without realizing it. If your wood wall panels are installed in high-traffic areas, you can use felt pads, coasters, or bumpers behind chairs or decor.

4. Maintain Airflow

There’s nothing better than good airflow, as it keeps your wood panels dry and healthy. If you plan to install wall wood panels in humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms, make sure there is prover ventilation available. Make sure there’s a bit of space between the panels and the wall.

Conclusion

Wood maintenance starts with your habits. Always treat your wood wall panels as an investment, which you have to keep their natural beauty and protect them from daily wear and environmental changes through regular care.

Always pay attention to your wall panels over time. You can also explore our collection page to find the best wood wall panels that make your home feel warm.