FAQs
Common Questions about Plywood
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What is plywood?Plywood is made by gluing multiple thin layers of wood together in a very tight stack, creating a strong, attractive real-wood panel.
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Is Handprint hardwood plywood the same as Baltic Birch plywood?In short, no. Baltic Birch is a specialty plywood originally created for cabinet makers. It’s plies are thicker and all made from 100% birch. Birch plywood has thinner plies which are different species- anything from pine to poplar. We find Birch plywood offers the same great look and benefits as Baltic Birch, but can be more cost effective for a maker’s budget.
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How many plies are in each thickness of plywood?In general, the more plies, the stronger the panel. So while the precise number of plies varies depending on the tree, typically, ¼” plywood has 3-5 plies, ½” has 5-7, and ¾” has 7-9.
Common Questions about Wood Craft Boards
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Can these boards be used outside?Any board that isn't pressure treated isn't going to last long outside without a weather-resistant protectant sealer. For best results outdoors, use polyurethane or polycrylic. Both increase durability and are moisture- and heat-resistant.
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What is the difference between nominal and actual dimensions?
Nominal dimensions are the sizes wood products are commonly called, as well as the size the wood was before it was cut, sanded, planed, surfaced, etc. The actual measurements are the final size you purchase and the size you have to work with.
For example, a 1" x 4" - 2' Sanded Board has nominal dimensions of 1" x 4" – 24" and actual dimensions of 0.75" x 3.5" – 24".
You can find our nominal and actual dimenions on each product's page, just below its name:
1" x 4" - 2' Sanded Boards 4-pack
Dimensions:
Actual: 0.75" x 3.5" – 24"
Nominal: 1" x 4" – 24" -
Will climate affect my boards?Our boards are kiln-dried during manufacturing which adds stability and works to minimize warp and shrinkage. However, if your climate or home environment is quite hot and humid or cold and dry, we recommend giving your boards a few days to acclimate before starting your project.
Common Questions about MDF
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Why choose MDF?MDF performs as well or better than solid wood for a wide variety of home decor projects. Featuring uniform thickness and density, MDF cuts more easily than other wood products. And maybe best of all, no sanding! It's project-ready!
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Is MDF easy to finish?
MDF's clean, smooth, unfinished faces and edges are easy to work and ready to customize with the finishes of your choice. These include paint, vinyl decals, and sealant. Stain is not recommended, however. -
What is MDF?MDF translates to Medium Density Fiberboard which is a high-grade, composite material made from wood fiber and resin. It is similar to particle board, but much denser and stronger.
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Can I paint MDF?The surface of MDF is smooth and dense which is great for painting! You can use both oil-based and water-based paint on your project.
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Can I display my MDF project outside?MDF is recommended for indoor use only.
Common Questions about the Floral Entry Sign Kit
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Can I use other brands of paint or my own I already have?Absolutely! Personalize your welcome sign with any additional finishes you choose, including stain and sealant. Create a second sign on the back and use your sign year-round.
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How do I hang or display my sign?To display your sign, choose a small sawtooth hanger or any type of picture-hanging hardware, use a photo stand or decor easel, or attach a decorative string or ribbon and hang.
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What is the wood circle made from?The circle is made from even, light wood grain birch plywood. Plywood is a strong and attractive, real wood sheet or panel made by gluing multiple, thin layers of wood together in a very tight stack.
Common Questions about the Squared Arch Bookends Kit
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Why was MDF chosen for some of the kit components?MDF performs as well or better than solid wood for a wide variety of home decor projects. And its uniform thickness and consistency means -- maybe best of all -- there's no sanding! It's project-ready!
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Can I use other brands of paint or my own I already have?Absolutely! Personalize your bookends with any additional finishes you choose, including stain and sealant.
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Is MDF easy to finish?MDF's clean, smooth, unfinished faces and edges are easy to work and ready to customize with the finishes of your choice. These include paint, vinyl decals, and sealant. Stain is not recommended, however. If using outside, place in a covered or protected area, and seal well and often with a weather-protecting finish.
Common Questions about the Mid-Century Tabletop Decor Kit
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What are the Tabletop Decor pieces made from?Even, light woodgrain birch plywood. Plywood is a strong and attractive, real wood sheet or panel made by gluing multiple, thin layers of wood together in a very tight stack.
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Can I use other brands of paint or my own I already have?Absolutely! Personalize your tabletop decor with any additional finishes you choose, including stain and sealant.
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How do you display your Tabletop Decor?Create a mid-century modern focal point on shelves, desks, coffee tables, mantles, dressers, and more. Great for gifting too!
Common Questions about the Reversible Chalkboard/Markerboard
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Is the markerboard stain-resistant, and can it be cleaned with soap and water?While the markerboards are stain-resistant, we recommend spot testing your dry erase markers before use. Erase with a felt eraser or clean, dry cloth as soon as possible after use. If additional cleaning is needed, rubbing alcohol works well. Always use clean dry erase markers and a soft cloth, as surface scratches affect erasability.
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Can I customize and decorate my Reversible Chalk/Markerboard?Yes! Your chalk/markerboard is ready to personalize with the finishes of your choice, including paint, vinyl decals, and sealant (only to protect finishes in areas you no longer want to use for writing). Stain is not recommended.
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Can I hang my Reversible Chalk/Markerboard project outside?Our Reversible Chalkboard/Markerboard is made from MDF which is recommended for indoor use only. If using outside, place in a covered or protected area, and seal well (and often!) with a weather-protecting finish.
Common Questions about Birch Markerboard
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What is the Birch Markerboard made from?
Our exclusive birch markerboad is made from birch plywood. Plywood is made by gluing multiple thin layers of wood together in a very tight stack, creating a strong, attractive real-wood panel.
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Are the Birch Markerboards stain-resistant, and can they be cleaned with soap and water?While our birch markerboards are stain-resistant, we recommend spot testing your dry erase markers before use. Erase with a felt eraser or clean, dry cloth as soon as possible after use. If additional cleaning is needed, rubbing alcohol works well. Always use clean dry erase markers and a soft cloth, as surface scratches affect erasability.
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Does this markerboard have a white writing surface?It does not. It has a lustrous, clear, glossy writing surface that brings out the beauty of the natural birch woodgrain beneath it, making these markerboards ideal for creating a high-end look in homes and offices.
Common Questions about Frame Rails
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Do I need to buy two 2-packs of Frame Rails to frame my project on all four sides?Yes, each 2-pack is used to frame 2 sides -- so you need two 2-packs to build a 4-sided frame. Choose from our available lengths to create the frame that fits your artwork. Is your artwork 12" x 12"? Choose two 12" Frame Rail 2-packs. Is your artwork 12" x 18"? Choose one 12" Frame Rail 2-pack and one 18" Frame Rail 2-pack.
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How do I know if my project will fit inside the routed frame rails?Handprint offers many wood surfaces in 1/4" thickness, perfect for use with our frame rails. And if you don't want to have to cut your panels down to fit, choose from our selection of 12" and 18" precut sizes that can easily be framed using our 2" x 12" Frame Rail 2-packs and our 2" x 18" Frame Rail 2-packs.
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How do I use the Frame Rails to assemble my frame and secure my artwork inside it?Run a bead of wood glue down the inside length of each routed channel before sliding or placing it onto the edge of your project. As well, apply wood glue at the four corners, along with 1 or 2 small finishing nails.
Common Questions about the Hanging Cleat Set
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What is a Hanging Cleat Set?The Hanging Cleat Set offers a hidden, heavy-duty option for easily mounting big wall decor, large pieces of art, giant mirrors, and more. Also known as a French cleat, a hanging cleat creates a floating appearance, eliminating the need for visible wires or traditional mounting hardware. And finding level is so easy, makers and DIYers will never have crooked artwork again.
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How do I install and use a Hanging Cleat Set?Simply attach the bottom half of the cleat set to the wall. IMPORTANT: Be sure to find a stud or use wall anchors appropriate for your wall material. Attach the top half of the cleat to the back of your project. Check both for level before securing. Hook the cleat that's on the back of your project over the cleat that's on your wall and enjoy the hardware-free appearance of your artwork.
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Can these cleats be used to hang projects outdoors?If sealed with a weather-protecting finish and placed in a covered or protected area, the 12" Hanging Cleat Set can be used outside. Reapply weather-protecting finish frequently for extended life outdoors.
Common Questions about the Cedar Cube
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Can these cubes be used for outdoor projects?Yes! Our cedar cubes are naturally resistant to weather, insects, decay, etc. and makes a good choice for projects you wish to display outside. For an even longer life, seal with a weather-protecting finish and place in a covered or protected area.
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Is the 4" Cedar Cube made of solid wood?Yes! Our cute and fragrant little wooden cube is made from 100% solid, all-natural cedar.
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What is the difference between nominal and actual dimensions?
Nominal dimensions are the sizes wood products are commonly called, as well as the size the wood was before it was cut, sanded, planed, surfaced, etc. The actual measurements are the final size you purchase and the size you have to work with.
For example, a 1" x 4" - 2' Sanded Board has nominal dimensions of 1" x 4" – 24" and actual dimensions of 0.75" x 3.5" – 24".
You can find our nominal and actual dimenions on each product's page, just below its name:
1" x 4" - 2' Sanded Boards 4-pack
Dimensions:
Actual: 0.75" x 3.5" – 24"
Nominal: 1" x 4" – 24"
