How to Care for Laser-Cut Wood Products

Laser-cut wood products are durable, beautiful, and built to last — but like any natural material, wood benefits from a little care. Here's how to keep your handmade wooden accessories looking their best for years to come.

What is laser-cut wood?

Laser-cut wood is exactly what it sounds like: wood that's been precisely cut and engraved using a high-powered laser. The laser burns through the material along a programmed path, creating clean edges, intricate details, and engraved designs that would be impossible to achieve by hand.

Many handmade laser-cut accessories use Baltic birch plywood — a high-quality, void-free plywood with a smooth surface that takes engraving beautifully. It's strong, lightweight, and has a warm, natural grain that looks great with or without a finish.

Does laser-cut wood need to be sealed?

It depends on the finish. Many handmade laser-cut products are finished with beeswax polish, which provides a natural protective layer that repels light moisture and brings out the wood grain. Beeswax-finished pieces don't need additional sealing for normal indoor use.

If your piece isn't finished or you want extra protection, a light coat of beeswax polish or food-safe mineral oil works well. Avoid heavy varnishes or polyurethane on decorative pieces — they can yellow over time and obscure the engraving detail.

Cleaning laser-cut wood

Keep it simple:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush. A makeup brush or paintbrush works well for getting into engraved details.
• For light dirt or fingerprints, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Don't let water sit on the wood.
• Avoid soaking or submerging wood in water. Even sealed wood can warp or delaminate if it gets too wet.
• No harsh cleaners — avoid bleach, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners, which can strip the finish and damage the wood surface.

Re-applying beeswax finish

If your piece starts to look dry or loses its sheen, a light re-application of beeswax polish will restore it. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, work it into the surface in a circular motion, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff off the excess. Your piece will look like new.

Beeswax polish is available at most hardware stores and online. Howard Feed-N-Wax and Daddy Van's are popular options.

Magnetic closures

Many handmade wooden accessories — like needle cases and row counters — use neodymium magnets for their closures. These magnets are extremely strong for their size and don't require any special care. Just avoid exposing them to strong competing magnetic fields (like placing them directly on top of other strong magnets), which can weaken them over time.

Storage

Store wooden accessories away from extreme heat, direct sunlight for extended periods, and high humidity. A craft room, desk drawer, or project bag is ideal. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or near a heating vent for long periods, as this can cause the wood to dry out and crack.

Outdoor use

Most laser-cut birch products are designed for indoor use. If you want to use a wooden piece outdoors occasionally, make sure it's well-sealed and bring it in during rain or extreme weather. For permanent outdoor display, look for pieces made from weather-resistant materials like acrylic instead.

The short version

• Dust with a soft cloth or brush
• Wipe with a barely damp cloth for dirt; dry immediately
• Re-apply beeswax polish when the surface looks dry
• Keep away from prolonged moisture, heat, and direct sun
• Store indoors; bring inside during bad weather if used outdoors

Treat your handmade wooden pieces well and they'll last for years — and develop a beautiful patina along the way.

Browse our full collection of handmade laser-cut wood accessories — all finished with beeswax and made in small batches in Seattle.