Reclaimed Wood Paneling Care & Maintenance

Reclaimed Wood Paneling Care & Maintenance TerraMai’s finished Wall and Ceiling covering will show signs of wear over time depending on sight conditions and type of use. By observing a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning routine and maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from your TerraMai reclaimed wood paneling. Following are examples of the reasonable and necessary maintenance and care you are expected to perform. They are not intended to be an exclusive list.

  • To remove dust on non-smooth surfaced paneling (textured, weathered or naturally distressed), use a brush with gentle bristles. A light touch with a horsehair brush is a good choice. Use caution, as aggressive brushing can remove the patina. To protect the aesthetic of non-smooth surfaced paneling, minimize dusting, doing so only when necessary.
  • To remove dust on smooth surfaced paneling, wipe using a soft, clean, and slightly damp cloth. Treated dust clothes, commercially made hardwood cleaners and commercial waxes are not recommended. Use caution when applying water to wood paneling – excessive water will damage the wood. Please see appropriate care and maintenance products listed below for routine use.
  • Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and the cleaning product associated with your particular paneling finish. Please see appropriate care and maintenance products listed below for routine use.
  • Do not use 2-in-1 cleaners with polish that may contain acrylics or urethan polish to restore gloss. Do not use soaps, liquid or paste wax products or other industrial cleaners that contain citrus oils, lemon oil, tung oil, silicon, or ammonia.
  • Use caution when cleaning items near wood paneling, such as tables or counter tops, with cleaners not recommended for wood paneling. Be aware and protect from the possibility of overspray. Remove any overspray immediately as it can dull and damage the finish.
  • To prevent artwork from marring the wall surface, apply protective bumpers to the back of the artwork. Bumpers will also hold the artwork away from the wall allowing for air circulation around the frame.
  • As a general rule, a humidity level of 30-to-50 percent and a temperature range of 60° to 80°F is recommended for wood paneling. Use a humidifier in dry conditions or dehumidifier in damp conditions. In some climates, the ideal humidity range may be 5% higher or lower.
  • Do not allow the environment where your wood paneling resides to experience rapid fluctuations in temperature or relative humidity.
  • Do not turn off HVAC systems or reduce heat or AC too drastically when on vacation or when leaving the space for extended periods of time.

Wood Paneling Long-Term Care & Maintenance:

Unfinished Weathered or Naturally Distressed:

  • No long-term maintenance is required.

Polyurethane Finishes:

  • With proper care, wood paneling finished with polyurethane will not need to be refinished. If the paneling finish is damaged due to chemical exposure or abrasion, the material will need to be sanded and recoated with polyurethane or oil.

Oil Finishes:

  • For an oil finish, it is required to use Rubio products in order to comply with TerraMai’s warranty.
  • Surface scratches, dents and stains can be spot treated by rubbing a small amount of Rubio oil into the area and buffing it with a cotton cloth until the affected area blends with the surrounding paneling.
  • A Rubio oil recoat may be needed if the wood becomes rough and dry.

Care & Maintenance Products:

  • For a polyurethane finish, we recommend cleaning products specifically designed for polyurethane. Here are 2 suggestions: The wood flooring finish company Bona provides a complete line of industry-standard care and maintenance products designed for polyurethane finishes. Aero-Green 4220 from Hi-Lite Solutions is also an eco-friendly and effective cleaning product.
  • For an oil finish, it is REQUIRED to use Rubio products in order to comply with TerraMai’s warranty. The wood finish company Rubio, provides high-quality, zero-VOC and low-VOC care and maintenance products designed specifically for Rubio oil finishes. Rubio oils can also be found on our eStore.

 

A Note on Fire Retardant:

Materials treated with fire retardant and finished with oil or water-based polyurethane will become cloudy with moisture contact. Care should be taken to avoid contact with moisture for wall paneling, cladding and ceiling applications that have fire retardant.

The care and maintenance information included here is based on recommendations from the NWFA, wood finish manufacturers and other sources. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, due to the variety of reclaimed wood products, finish products, installation techniques, installation conditions and other variables, TerraMai cannot assume any liability or suitability for the use of these recommended techniques or products. It is the sole responsibility of the installer and/or the floor finisher and cleaning professionals to adequately test and determine specific products and applications. Follow all manufacturers recommended application instructions. For more specific information, consult a licensed wood flooring installer or the NWFA at 800.422.4556 or NWFA.org.

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