Wood Care & Product FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Are your wood signs suitable for outdoor use?
Our products are designed and recommended for indoor use. If you plan to display a sign in a covered outdoor area — such as a screened porch, covered patio, or protected entryway — it may hold up well, but results will vary depending on your local climate and how much indirect moisture or humidity the piece is exposed to. We do not recommend uncovered outdoor placement, as exposure to rain, direct sunlight, and temperature swings can cause premature cracking, warping, or finish failure.
When in doubt, choose a protected indoor location for the best longevity.
UV Fading
Will the colors or finish fade in sunlight?
Like most natural wood products, our pieces can experience some color shift or surface lightening with prolonged UV exposure. To minimize fading, we recommend placing your sign away from direct sunlight or windows with strong southern or western exposure. If indirect light is unavoidable, a UV-filtering window film or curtain can help extend the appearance of your piece significantly.
Printed inks and painted finishes are generally more UV-sensitive than the raw wood itself — so take extra care with colorful or detailed designs in bright spaces.
Cleaning & Care
How do I clean my wood sign or board?
- Use a soft, dry cloth for routine dusting.
- For light smudges, a barely damp cloth is fine — wipe gently and dry immediately.
- Avoid soaking, submerging, or using harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or bleach-based products.
- Do not place in the dishwasher.
Should I oil or condition the wood?
Depending on the finish applied to your specific piece, occasional conditioning with a food-safe wood oil (such as mineral oil) may help maintain the wood's appearance over time — especially for cutting boards or unfinished pieces. Check your product page or contact us at hello@sawyersmillinc.com for finish-specific guidance before applying any product.
Mounting Hardware
Does mounting hardware come included?
Mounting hardware is included with most of our signs unless stated otherwise on the individual product page. We recommend checking the product description for any item-specific mounting notes, or reaching out to us with questions before ordering.
Natural Wood Grain & Variation
Why does my piece look slightly different from the photo?
Every piece of wood is unique. Natural characteristics like grain patterns, knots, color variation, and subtle texture differences are not defects — they're part of what makes handcrafted wood items special. The product photography on our site shows representative examples, but your piece will have its own one-of-a-kind appearance. We embrace these natural variations as a feature, not a flaw.
If you receive a piece with damage (cracks, deep gouges, or structural issues) that go beyond normal natural variation, please contact us and we'll make it right.
Have a question that isn't answered here? We'd love to help — reach us at hello@sawyersmillinc.com.