A well-made laser engraved wood piece will last for decades with minimal care. The engraving itself is permanent — it's a physical change to the wood surface, not a coating applied on top — so it doesn't fade, peel, or wash off. What does require occasional attention is the wood itself, which responds to moisture and oil over time like any natural material.
Here's what I tell every customer who orders from Palm Coast Customs.
Cutting Boards
Washing: Hand wash only. Submerging a wood cutting board in water or running it through the dishwasher will cause the wood fibers to swell and contract unevenly, leading to cracking, warping, or delamination in glued-up boards over time. A quick rinse with warm water and mild soap, followed by immediate drying with a towel, is all a wood cutting board needs after normal use.
Drying: Always stand the board upright or prop it on its edge to air dry after washing. Laying it flat traps moisture against one surface and the other side dries faster — this differential drying is what causes warping. Upright drying is the single most effective thing you can do to extend a board's life.
Oiling: Wood cutting boards benefit from regular oiling — monthly for boards in heavy use, every few months for display boards. Food-safe mineral oil is the standard recommendation. Apply it to both sides and all edges, let it soak in for 20–30 minutes, then wipe off the excess. This prevents the wood from drying out and cracking.
I finish all cutting boards with a food-safe mineral oil and beeswax treatment before shipping, so the board arrives ready to use. Reapply when the wood starts to look dry or the surface feels rough to the touch.
The engraving specifically: No special care needed for the engraved areas. The laser creates a physical groove in the wood that is structurally part of the surface. It won't be affected by washing or oiling. If anything, oiling darkens the engraved areas slightly, which increases contrast and makes the design more visible.
Wood Signs
Wall-mounted signs need the least care. Occasionally wipe with a dry or barely-damp cloth to remove dust. Avoid using household cleaners with alcohol or citrus solvents, which can bleach or dull the wood surface over time.
Signs in humid environments — outdoor signs, signs near pools, or signs in Florida garages — benefit from a coat of exterior-grade polyurethane or lacquer spray to protect the wood from moisture and UV. I can apply a protective topcoat as part of the order if you let me know it's going in a high-humidity location. Just ask.
Hanging: For wall-mounted signs, I include a sawtooth hanger on most pieces. Use a stud or an appropriate anchor for the wall type — Baltic birch signs are lightweight, but walnut and larger pieces have real weight.
Wood Gift Pieces (Keepsake Boxes, Discs, Home Décor)
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which will bleach and fade any wood over time
- Store keepsake boxes and smaller decorative pieces away from extreme moisture sources (not directly next to a humidifier or in a bathroom with no ventilation)
- Dust occasionally with a dry cloth
The bottom line: wood is a forgiving material if you treat it like wood. Avoid sustained moisture, dry things properly, and oil cutting surfaces periodically. Do those three things and a piece made from good Baltic birch or walnut will outlast most other gifts in the house.
If you ever have a question about a specific piece you ordered from Palm Coast Customs, reach out — I'm happy to give care guidance specific to what you have.