The Master Guide to Care and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

The Panel Hub (TPH) provides high-performance architectural systems engineered for a lifetime of use. Whether you have installed our flagship SoundPanel® slats or our 100% solid wood GroovePanel® series, your surface is protected by our proprietary ChromaShield™ UV-Guard. Because we utilize authentic timber and high-density recycled fibers, these products are living materials that respond to their environment. This comprehensive guide outlines the technical protocols required to preserve the structural integrity, acoustic performance, and color vibrancy of your panels.

Maintenance at The Panel Hub is defined by two goals: protecting the visual depth of the wood grain and ensuring the acoustic breathability of the 15mm AcuFelt™. By following these industry-standard care routines, you ensure that your TPH installation remains a premium asset that continues to add value to your property for decades to come.

American Smoke Acoustic Slat Wall Panels | 3-Sided Veneer | SoundPanel®-Indoor-The Panel Hub

General Maintenance Guide

To ensure your TPH panels maintain their premium architectural finish and acoustic integrity for decades, we recommend a proactive, tiered maintenance routine:

Bi-weekly surface care is the first priority; use a microfiber cloth or static duster to clear the 3D grooves of the ChromaShield™ Wood slats.
To preserve the high-performance sound absorption of the 15mm AcuFelt™ backing, perform a monthly vertical vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to ensure the acoustic pores remain clear of debris.
For occasional smudges or deeper marks, a deep clean can be executed as needed by blotting the surface with a damp cloth and a 5% mixture of pH-neutral wood soap.

American Golden Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels | SoundPanel®.

Advanced Dust Management

The 15mm AcuFelt™ is a sophisticated non-woven matrix. Its job is to trap sound waves, but it can also trap household dust. To maintain the 0.85 NRC rating, the felt must remain breathable. Here are some advanced tips to clean both the felt backing and wood surfaces:

Maintaining the 15mm AcuFelt™: We recommend a monthly vacuuming schedule using a soft-bristle brush attachment. It is vital to use a brush rather than a rigid plastic nozzle, as the bristles can reach deep into the fiber matrix without causing pilling or surface abrasion. This process removes allergens and maintains the deep, light-absorbing color of the felt.
Maintaining the Wood Surfaces: Real wood veneers, especially those in our American Walnut or Classic Oak collections, possess a natural grain that can hold onto fine dust. We recommend using a high-quality microfiber duster that utilizes static electricity to lift dust away rather than simply pushing it into the air. For our GroovePanel® series, which features intricate 3D carvings, a static duster is the only way to reach the interior corners of the geometric patterns without risking a scratch to the matte ChromaShield™ finish.

Protecting the ChromaShield™ UV-Guard Finish

Your panels are treated with our proprietary ChromaShield™ Technology, a medical-grade, UV-inhibiting topcoat that protects the wood from photo-oxidation and fading. Using the wrong chemicals can microscopically scratch or "cloud" this protective barrier. While ChromaShield™ is incredibly durable, its effectiveness depends on proper surface care:

Never use abrasive cleaning pads or "magic" sponges. These products act like fine sandpaper and will strip away the UV-inhibiting layers, leaving the wood vulnerable to sunlight. Furthermore, avoid any cleaning agents containing silicone or ammonia. Silicone creates a deceptive shine that eventually turns into a sticky, dust-attracting film. Ammonia is a harsh solvent that can break down the bond between the veneer and the CoreShield™ core, leading to premature delamination.
For persistent smudges, use a solution of 95 percent warm water and 5 percent pH-neutral wood soap. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth (never the panel directly) and blot the area gently. Following the grain of the wood during this process preserves the uniform matte finish of the ChromaShield™ topcoat. Immediately buff the area dry with a second, clean cloth to prevent moisture from sitting on the wood surface.

Maintenance Comparison: TPH Panels vs. Typical Market Panels

Everyday Cleaning Effort

Other Panels: Many budget wood slat panels use weak surface films or cheap laminates that attract dust and can show marks easily. These surfaces often require frequent wiping and gentle care, and aggressive cleaning can damage or peel the finish.

TPH Panels: Thanks to real wood veneer and a UV-resistant finish, TPH panels are naturally more resilient to daily dust and light smudges. A vacuum with a soft brush and occasional wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth keeps them looking fresh. You won’t spend extra time tip-toeing around delicate printed surfaces.

Felt Maintenance Over Time

Other Panels: Panels with thin, low-density felt can flatten or fuzz out over time. This makes dust cling more easily and calls for more frequent vacuuming or brushing to keep the surface consistent.

TPH Panels: The 15mm AcuFelt™ backing used in TPH not only delivers better acoustics but holds its density longer. Its structure resists matting and compression, meaning maintenance stays as simple as a routine weekly vacuum rather than intensive brushing.

America Golden Acoustic Wall Panels | 3 - Sided Wood Veneer | SoundPanel® - The Panel Hub

Moisture & Humidity Upkeep

Other Panels: In rooms like dining areas or bathrooms, low-quality MDF or particle board panels can swell, warp, or delaminate when exposed to humidity. This increases maintenance concerns because warping isn’t fixable, the panel has to be replaced.

TPH Panels: With Water-Resistant CoreShield™, TPH panels better withstand humid environments (outside of direct water contact). This reduces the need for repairs, panel swapping, and frequent inspections in moisture-prone spaces.

Long-Term Durability & Upkeep Costs

Other Panels: Because cheaper panels can warp, delaminate, or degrade faster, they often require replacement within a few years, which is the biggest form of maintenance: buying and installing again.

TPH Panels: Built with commercial-grade MDF and premium materials, TPH acoustic panels require minimal upkeep beyond regular cleaning. Their durability reduces lifecycle maintenance costs, saving time, effort, and money over the long term.

Feature	The Panel Hub (TPH)	Standard Industry Panels
Everyday Cleaning	Naturally resilient real wood veneers with ChromaShield™ UV-Guard to prevent dust-cling and surface wear.	Budget films or laminates that attract static dust and can peel or delaminate if cleaned aggressively.
Felt Performance	15mm AcuFelt™ is needle-punched for high density, ensuring it resists matting, compression, and "fuzzing" over time.	Low-density, thin felt that flattens and traps debris, requiring intensive brushing to maintain appearance.
Moisture Stability	Water-Resistant CoreShield™ prevents the substrate from warping, bowing, or "blooming" in humid environments.	Standard MDF or particle board that absorbs moisture like a sponge, leading to permanent swelling and failure.
Lifestyle Costs	Commercial-grade durability and UV-resistant finishes significantly reduce the need for replacements or repairs.	Lower initial cost but high maintenance, often requiring full replacement within a few years due to surface degradation.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Care and Maintenance

How does ChromaShield™ change the way I clean?

ChromaShield™ makes maintenance easier by providing a smooth, non-porous barrier that does not require waxing or polishing. In fact, adding waxes can actually dull the UV-inhibiting properties. A simple dusting with a microfiber cloth is all that is required to maintain the finish.

Can I use compressed air to clean the gaps between slats?

Yes. Using a can of compressed air is an excellent, non-contact way to remove dust from deep channels without touching the felt. This is a favorite method for high-ceiling applications where reaching with a vacuum brush is difficult or impractical.

Will my panels have a chemical smell when they arrive?

No. Because we utilize water-based finishes and strictly Low-VOC adhesives, you will only notice a mild, natural wood scent. This is non-toxic and will fully dissipate within 24 to 48 hours of installation with standard room ventilation.

Is it safe to install these panels near a radiator or heat source?

We recommend a minimum clearance of 12 inches from any direct heat source. Constant, localized high heat can over-dry the timber and cause the wood to expand or contract at a different rate than the rest of the wall, potentially stressing the adhesive bonds.

Can I paint or restain the panels if I change my decor?

Yes, you can paint the slats in the future. You will need to lightly scuff the ChromaShield™ layer with fine-grit sandpaper so the new paint can bond to the wood fiber. We recommend using painter's tape to protect the 15mm AcuFelt™ backing during the process.