If you want to decorate your home, wood wall art will definitely add something special to your home decor. These art pieces have a warmth and character that can raise the whole room. If you have a finely shaped statue, a simple plank, or perhaps a subtle wood artwork, they all need the proper care that helps keep their stunning look and makes them last longer.
Unlike other materials, wood is so sensitive. Simple things like humidity, sunlight, and dust can lead to unwanted changes, such as fading, bending, or even cracking. This article is a step-by-step guide on how to take care of your wood wall art and how to make sure it stays the main show of your house over the years.
Table of Contents
Understanding Wood Wall Art
Types of Wood Used in Wall Art
- Hardwoods:
You can find hardwoods like oak, maple, walnut, and cherry commonly. These woods have rugged durability and distinct grain textures. Each one has its own specific colors and textures. They’re great for creating top-notch and elegant furniture or wall art designs.
- Polywood:
Plywood is a lightweight and flexible material, crafted from numerous slim wood veneer layers bonded together with adhesive. It’s simple to change, making it perfect for detailed patterns, and it accepts paint and stains well.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard):
MDF, a man-made wood product, is crafted from wood fibers, wax, and resin. Its surface is smooth, setting it up as an excellent material for detailed carvings and also painted finishes. Often, it’s chosen for detailed wall decorations demanding precise work.
Different Styles and Designs of Wood Wall Art
- Rustic Style:
It’s an art made of wood, full of natural appeal and odd blemishes. Wall art like this can be made with reused wood. It tells stories of the past. This artwork focuses on rough, original parts of the wood. Look for knots, grain designs, and aged looks on the wood with this style.
- Traditional Style:
Old-school wooden wall art shows timeless designs and themes. It’s common to see detailed cutouts, fancy inserts, or deep polished finishes.
- Modern/Contemporary Style:
Wood wall art today is all about clear lines, overall simplicity, and fresh ideas. Mostly, it uses shapes like squares and circles and abstract figures. It highlights the beauty of wood, not overpowering those looking at it.
Cleaning and Dusting Techniques for Wood Wall Art
- Regular Dusting:
Keeping wood wall art clean is vital for safeguarding its charm and lifespan. Gently wipe away dust using a smooth, non-lint microfiber cloth or a gentle, fine-toothed brush. Always start from the top, moving downwards to prevent shaking up dust again.
- Deep Cleaning:
If you have some dirty pieces of wooden art, grab some warm water and mellow dish soap. Wet a microfiber rag in the mix without drenching it, and cautiously brush off the dirt from the surface. Then, use a fresh, moist cloth to clean off any leftover soap, and immediately pat the art dry with a dry rag to avoid any water harm.
- Polishing:
When the wood is finished, a natural polish could replenish its gloss. Evade polishes with silicone, as they may accumulate with frequent use. Create your very own shine solution with a simple combo of olive oil and lemon juice (3:1 mix). Dab a bit on the wood using a smooth cloth, then gently glow it off for an organic sheen.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners:
Don’t turn to rough cleaning substances, spirits, or ammonia-based products. They might rob the wood of its innate oils and harm the final look.
- Protect from Humidity:
High moisture may lead to bending, splitting, or expansion of wooden materials. It’s essential to check that the room showcasing your wooden art has suitable temperature regulation and keep it away from warmth-producing devices such as heaters or fireplaces.
How to Protect Your Wood Wall Art
Maintaining your wooden wall art helps it last longer and keeps its beauty intact. Below are a few methods to guard your wooden masterpiece from harm and outside effects:
Seal or Varnish the Wood
If your wood wall art isn’t yet protected, coat it with a transparent sealant, varnish, or polyurethane. This barrier shields your piece from water, grime, and scuffs. Choose a finish that compliments your wood and showcases its unique pattern. When wood pieces face the sun, think about a UV-protective coating. It fights off fading or color changes caused by UV light.
Keep Away from Direct Sunlight
Long-term sunlight exposure can make wood lose its color, twist, or split. Keep your wooden wall decor in shadowy spots, or implement window coverings like drapes or shades to shield from harmful UV light. If placing wood art near a window, you might consider framing it with UV-blocking glass to prevent sun damage.
Control Humidity and Temperature
Wood reacts to humidity and temperature shifts, leading it to grow, shrink, or twist. Store your wood art in a place with a controlled climate, where the humidity stays from 40-60%. Don’t put it near heat vents, fireplaces, or air coolers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you’ve got a lovely piece of wood wall art. It’s special and adds charm to your home. But, it needs care to stay that way. Knowing the kind of wood, cleaning and shining it often, and saving it from sunlight and dampness helps. This ensures your wood art stays good for much longer. Coating it, using varnish, and keeping the temperature steady helps stop it from bending, the color fading, and other harm. If cared for properly, your wonderful piece of wood wall art will keep being a standout feature in your home decor.
FAQ
How do you repair minor scratches or dents in wood wall art?
For minor scratches, try a wood touch-up marker or wax stick. Just pick one that matches the wood color. Gently apply it to the scratch. Then, blend the repair with a soft cloth. But deep scratches need more. Lightly sand them. Then, finish up with either a wood stain or a polish that matches.
For small dents, put a wet cloth on the dent, then iron it gently. This will make the wood fibers puff up with steam heat. It could help the dent look smaller.
Are there specific wood types that are more resistant to environmental changes like humidity and sunlight?
Woods such as oak, teak, and walnut usually handle changes in humidity and temperature better than softer woods like pine or fir. Especially, teak, filled with natural oils, fights moisture well. It’s excellent for places where humidity is higher. Also, wood that’s been treated or sealed tends to withstand moisture and sunshine better. This resistance improves if the wood also has a UV-protection layer added.