Open pore wood veneer has exploded in popularity this past decade as an interior trim material for luxury automobiles. High end auto manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, Tesla and Rivian all now feature open pore wood trim veneer of varying timbers:
- BMW: Fineline, Silver Ash Root, Ash Grey, Fine Wood Oak, Fine Wood Ash Grain
- Audi: Gray Oak, Fine Grain Birch Wood, Brown Walnut
- Lexus: Open Pore Black, Open Pore Brown Walnut
- Tesla: Walnut, Maple, Black Ash, Ebony
- Rivian: Dark Ash Wood, Brown Ash Wood, Walnut Wood
- Mercedes-Benz: Brown Ash Wood, Walnut Brown, Linden Wood, Anthracite Oak Wood
- Bentley: Open Pore Walnut, Open Pore Koa
The problem with open pore wood? The pores are totally unprotected — hence the term “open pore” — meaning the grime embeds in the wood texture very easily. So how do you keep the open pore wood veneer inside your vehicle looking good long term?
In this article, we’ll break down why open pore wood is so vulnerable, how to properly clean it without altering the texture or appearance and also how to protect against future messes.
Why Open Pore Wood Is Hard to Maintain
In the world of automotive interior materials, “open pore wood” refers to open grain wood with unfilled pores, typically processed into a veneer and used as accenting trim.
Because the pores in open pore wood are unfilled, the surface can be a challenge to keep clean:
Soaks Up Liquids and Oils: Liquid and oils from food, drink and body sweat can soak into open pore wood trim over time.
Traps Grime & Particles: Dirt, dust and other particles fall into the pores and become trapped inside, becoming embedded in the wood.
Sensitive to Cleaners: Conventional cleaners are too harsh for delicate open pore wood, wearing down the texture and whitening the appearance.
CAUTION: Don’t Use Water to Clean Open Pore Wood!
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend using a damp microfiber cloth to clean the open pore wood inside their vehicles. Don’t do this! Water isn’t just ineffective for cleaning open pore wood, it also soaks into the pores and attracts dust.
How to Clean Open Pore Wood Veneer Trim
When cleaning open pore wood trim, it’s important to use a cleaner that’s formulated specifically for wood. Otherwise you may risk discoloring the wood or altering the texture. You should also use a brush to help lift out embedded grime so the cleaner can break it down. Once you have these materials, follow these steps:
Step 1: Shake cleaner well and spray wood surface. Then spray the brush.
Step 2: Use the brush to agitate the cleaner.
Step 3: Blot and gently wipe with a microfiber towel until dry.
How to Protect Open Pore Wood Veneer Trim
Once your vehicle’s open pore wood is clean, we recommend protecting the surface to make cleaning easier in the future. We recommend protecting open pore wood with a ceramic coating engineered for the wood substrate, using a soft bristled brush as an applicator.
Step 1: Shake coating well.
Step 2: Spray brush with ceramic coating.
Step 3: Apply over the wood surface, being sure to get complete coverage across the entire grain.
Step 4: Blot and gently wipe with a microfiber towel.
Once protected, open pore wood trim in vehicles is easy to maintain with occasional cleaning. And because ceramic coatings are so durable, you only need to re-apply protection once a year at most.
Have questions about caring for open pore wood? Comment below and we’ll be happy to help!