Are you tired of your plywood furniture looking worn and beaten after just a short time? Well, it’s time to take control and protect your beloved pieces like a pro!
With our five expert tips and tricks, you’ll learn how to maintain the durability and longevity of your favorite plywood furniture. From proper cleaning methods to long-term storage solutions, we’ve got you covered.
So, get ready to fall in love with your plywood furniture again, and let’s get started!
Why Should Plywood Be Protected
Why should plywood even be protected in the first place? After all, it’s a durable and sturdy material, right? Well, that’s true, but just like any other type of furniture, plywood can suffer from wear and tear if not properly cared for.
Plus, if you have invested in high-quality plywood furniture, you’ll want to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. By taking the necessary steps to protect your plywood furniture, you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come without it showing signs of age.
5 Tips to Protect Your Plywood Furniture Like a Pro
1. Dusting
Dusting may seem simple, but it can do wonders for protecting your plywood furniture. You see, dust can accumulate on surfaces over time, and if left unchecked, it can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your furniture. These scratches may seem small. But they can add up and make your furniture look worn and aged.
Here are a few examples of how dusting can help protect your plywood furniture:
- Dusting regularly can prevent scratches and damage to the surface of your furniture.
- Dusting can also help maintain the finish of your furniture by removing dust, dirt, and grime that can dull the surface over time.
- Dusting can also help to keep your furniture looking clean and polished. Making it look like new for a period.
Dusting may seem like a small task. But it can greatly impact the longevity of your plywood furniture! Make sure to dust your furniture regularly, and use a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid damage.
2. Waterproofing Plywood
Protecting your plywood furniture from water damage is crucial if you want it to last. Water can cause warping, discoloration, and even mold growth.
That’s why waterproofing your furniture is a great idea, especially if you live in an area with high humidity or plan to use it in damp areas like bathrooms or covered patios. You can also look into the waterproofing plywood guide to have more ideas.
There are a few ways you can waterproof your plywood furniture. One option is to apply a waterproof sealer to the surface of the furniture. This creates a barrier between the wood and the water.
Another option is to use a natural product like beeswax or mineral oil, which will protect the wood while keeping its natural look. And, you can also use a polyurethane varnish which will provide a more durable finish.
It’s important to remember that if your furniture is finished, you should test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying any sealers or varnishes to ensure that the product will not damage the finish.
In short, waterproofing your plywood furniture is a great way to protect it from water damage and prolong its life. You can choose from a variety of methods, from sealers and natural oils to varnishes, just make sure to test a small area first before applying any product.
3. Brushing
Brushing is not necessarily crucial to protect and prolong the life of your plywood furniture, but it can be an effective method for removing dirt and dust that can accumulate on the surface of your furniture over time. Dust, dirt, and other particles can scratch and damage the surface of your plywood furniture if not removed regularly.
You should use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to brush your plywood furniture. Make sure to move the brush in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface. Avoid using water or any other liquid on the surface of the furniture, as it can cause damage to the wood.
It is best to use a soft-bristled brush made of natural fibers like horsehair, or a microfiber cloth. These materials are gentle enough to not damage the surface of your plywood furniture and are effective at trapping and removing dust and dirt.
Brushing can be an effective method to remove dirt and dust that can accumulate on the surface of your plywood furniture and prolong its life. It is essential to use the right tools and materials while brushing to avoid causing any damage.
4. Protect from Sunlight and Humidity
Excess humidity and sunlight can damage your plywood furniture. These two factors can cause warping, cracking, and discoloration of the wood. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent this damage and keep your plywood furniture looking great.
First, let’s talk about how humidity can damage your plywood furniture. Plywood is made of layers of thin wood veneer that are glued together. When the humidity is too high, the wood fibers in the veneer can absorb moisture and expand. This can cause the plywood to warp or bend, making it look misshapen.
Now, let’s talk about how sunlight can damage your plywood furniture. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the color of the wood to fade and the finish to become dull over time. The sun can also cause the wood to dry out and become brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and splitting.
Here are a few things you can do to prevent humidity and sunlight damage to your plywood furniture:
- Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight. Use curtains, blinds, or shades to protect your furniture from the sun’s rays.
- Use a humidifier to keep the humidity levels in your home at a moderate level.
- Regularly dust and clean your furniture to remove any dirt or dust that can cause damage over time.
- Apply a coat of protective finish on your furniture to protect it from UV rays and moisture.
All in all, excess humidity and sunlight can damage your plywood furniture, causing warping, cracking, and discoloration. But by taking the necessary steps to prevent it, you can keep your furniture looking great for years to come. And remember that regular cleaning and protection is the key to prolonging the life of your plywood furniture.
5. Cleaning Stains
Stains can be bad for your plywood furniture, as they can discolor the wood and make it look worn and aged. Stains can also be hard to remove, especially if they have set in over time. But don’t worry; there are ways to remove stains and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Here’s how to remove stains from your plywood furniture:
- Identify the type of stain you are dealing with. This will determine the best course of action for removing it.
- Use mild detergent and warm water to clean the area. Be sure to work in the direction of the wood grain.
- For tough stains, you may need to use a wood cleaner specifically designed for removing stains. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product
To prevent stains from happening in the first place, here are a few things you can do:
- Use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect your furniture from spills and stains.
- Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration over time.
- Regularly dust and clean your furniture to remove any dirt or dust that can cause stains.
When removing stains, using the right products and methods is important. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first before using any cleaning products to ensure that the cleaner will not damage the finish of your furniture. And remember that the key to preventing stains is regular cleaning and protection.
How Can Plywood Furniture Be Damaged In General
Plywood furniture can be damaged in various ways. Some common ways include exposure to moisture, sunlight, scratches and dents, heat, insects, chemical damage, and lack of maintenance.
Exposure to water or high humidity can cause the plywood to warp, bend, or swell. This can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Direct sunlight can cause the plywood to fade or discolor over time.
Exposure to high temperatures can cause the plywood to expand and contract, leading to warping or cracking
Termites, beetles, and other insects can cause damage to plywood by eating away at the wood fibers. Finally, certain chemicals like cleaning products, solvents, or paints can cause damage to the finish or the plywood itself if not handled with care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your plywood furniture is not only essential, but it’s also a true labor of love
These five tips in this article are the key to keeping your furniture in its prime condition, preventing damage caused by moisture, sunlight, scratches, dents, heat, insects, chemical damage, lack of maintenance, and overloading.
By following these tips, you will not only be ensuring the longevity of your beautiful plywood furniture. And also preserving a functional and stylish addition to your home.
With a little care and attention, your plywood furniture will be a source of pride, joy, and inspiration for many years.
