Preservation for Generations
A well-tended piece only grows more beautiful
Introduction
Even after being cut, finished, and hung on a wall, wood continues to respond to its environment. It expands in humidity, contracts in dryness, and slowly deepens in color as the years pass. Understanding this living quality is the key to caring for your HPFA piece properly.
The good news: properly finished and maintained burl wall art is remarkably durable. The pieces we finished in our earliest years still look spectacular today. With minimal care, your piece will outlast you — and your children's children.
This guide covers everything from routine dusting to repairing minor surface damage. If you ever have a concern about your piece that isn't addressed here, contact us directly — we stand behind every piece we've ever made, indefinitely.
A piece of burl that is properly cared for doesn't just survive the years — it improves with them. The patina of age on well-finished wood is something you simply cannot manufacture.— Elliot Hargrove, HPFA Founder
Routine Care
Dust your piece monthly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Work with the grain direction and use gentle circular motions around the eye pockets. Never use feather dusters, which can scratch fine finishes with hard quill tips.
For any sticky residue or fingerprints, dampen a microfiber cloth very slightly and wipe gently. Never apply liquid directly to the wood surface, and always follow immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid all silicone-based cleaning products.
Once per year, apply a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil or Howard's Feed-N-Wax with a soft cloth. This replenishes the oil finish and maintains the wood's luster. Buff to a gentle shine after 20 minutes.
All HPFA finishes include UV stabilizers, but prolonged direct sunlight will eventually shift the color of any wood. Where possible, avoid hanging pieces in direct sun paths. If you have a sunny wall, consider UV-filtering window film.
Environment
Normal indoor temperatures (60–80°F / 15–27°C) are ideal. Avoid hanging pieces near fireplaces, heating vents, or air conditioning units that create dramatic temperature swings.
A relative humidity of 35–55% is ideal for wood. In very dry climates (below 30%), consider a room humidifier. In very humid environments, ensure good air circulation.
Bathrooms and kitchens — even seemingly dry ones — experience humidity spikes that can cause burl wood to check or crack over time. Choose another wall for your piece.
Repairs
Fine scratches in an oil finish can often be buffed out with a small amount of Howard's Restor-A-Finish applied with a soft cloth, followed by a light wax coat.
These occur when moisture penetrates the finish. Gently rub with a cloth dampened in mineral spirits, then re-oil the area. Most rings disappear completely.
For significant damage, contact us before attempting any DIY repair. We can guide you through a proper repair — or offer a re-finishing service for pieces that need a full surface refresh.
HPFA offers lifetime refinishing support for all pieces made in our studio. If your piece needs a surface refresh — even decades from now — send us photographs and we'll guide you through the process or arrange return shipping for a full studio refinish.
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