Care and maintenance of wooden parts (Prusa Signature Oak)

The Prusa Signature Oak is a unique edition of the 3D printer featuring structural components made from solid oak wood. As a natural material, wood is susceptible to environmental conditions and external factors. These wooden parts come with a protective oil finish, but it is still crucial to perform regular and proper maintenance.

Environment and natural wood properties

Every piece of wood is unique in its grain and tone. Knots or medullary rays are natural growth features of the wood. Exposure to UV radiation (direct sunlight) can cause slight color changes and oxidation. Wood constantly "breathes" and reacts to its environment, which may lead to fine micro cracks in the finish or a slight protrusion of the wood grain onto the surface. These characteristics are normal for natural materials and are not considered grounds for a warranty claim.

To minimize adverse effects, protect the printer from:

Extreme temperatures (outside the 10–30 °C range / 50–86 °F) and unstable humidity (outside the 40 - 70% range).
Direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Exercise caution when handling the printer, as wooden surfaces are sensitive to damage from sharp objects.

Since wood is a natural material that expands and contracts depending on temperature and humidity, we recommend allowing the printer to acclimatize for at least 24 hours in the room where it will be operated. This helps the wooden parts stabilize and prevents unnecessary stress on the structure.

Wooden parts

The Prusa Signature Oak edition features the following parts made from oak wood:

Side panels
Bottom plate
Top cover
Shelf

Pictures of all the wooden parts on the printer

Oiled surface maintenance

The wooden parts have a protective oiled finish that requires routine care and gentle handling.

A maintenance kit is included with your printer.

The maintenance kit contains:

Universal transparent care oil NATUR 200 ml
Soap-based wood cleaner 200 ml
Sanding sponge
Application sponge
Cloth for wiping dry
Protective gloves

Use only the products provided in the maintenance kit. Never use abrasive cleaning agents, polishing pastes, aggressive chemicals, or solvents. Avoid contact with acetone and isopropyl alcohol (IPA), as these will permanently damage the oiled surface.

Daily care

Regularly remove dust and minor debris from the surface with a clean, soft, dry, and lint-free cloth, such as one made of cotton or microfiber.
If the printer is spilled on, absorb the liquid as soon as possible with a paper or textile towel and then wipe the area dry. For tough or gel-like substances that have dried, try to remove them gently with a slightly damp cloth and then immediately wipe the area dry.
Do not place plant pots, beverages, or wet objects directly on the wooden parts. Prolonged exposure to moisture may damage the wood and the protective oil finish.

Oil reapplication

Over time, the oil will gradually dry out and be absorbed by the wood. This can lead to rough spots, shiny edges, stains, or minor scratches that can be repaired with a fresh coat of oil. For this reason, we recommend restoring these surfaces with a care oil. Minor damage, such as scuffed areas, small scratches, or liquid stains can be repaired with a new coat of oil.

The recommended maintenance interval for the printer's oiled parts is once every three years. For high-traffic areas (e.g., the top cover of the printer, if it is frequently used as a storage surface), we recommend performing the maintenance more frequently.

Application procedure for oiling:

Apply a thin layer of the thoroughly mixed care oil to a perfectly dry and clean surface using a cloth or sponge.
Spread the oil evenly and, after 3 to 5 minutes, wipe the surface dry.
The treated surface will cure within 24 hours. During this time, do not place anything on the surface and protect it from water and moisture.

Cloths, sponges, or paper towels soaked with oil can spontaneously combust if not handled properly. After use, rinse them thoroughly with water and dry flat outdoors, or store in a sealed metal container. Never dispose of oil-soaked materials in regular waste bins.

Using the soap-based wood cleaner: For more significant soiling, apply the soap-based wood cleaner before applying the oil.

On a perfectly dry, clean surface, apply a solution of water and the cleaner (5 ml of cleaner to 200 ml of water) evenly with a squeezed, damp cloth or sponge.
Do not rinse with water, as this would remove the protective film. Allow the surface to dry completely.
After the surface is thoroughly dry, it is suitable to apply the care oil.

Minor damage, such as scuffs, fine scratches, or liquid stains, can be repaired by sanding the damaged area lightly with a sanding sponge in the direction of the wood grain. After removing the sanding dust, apply the transparent care oil with a cloth or sponge. Wipe off any excess oil after 2–3 minutes and allow the repaired surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

When sanding the wooden parts, wear protective gear, as oak wood dust can irritate your respiratory system.

For larger damage, we recommend consulting our technician support.

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Care and maintenance of wooden parts

(Prusa Signature Oak)