Wood statues are hand-carved by artisan families in India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Each piece is a unique creation shaped by skilled hands using techniques passed down through generations. Some statues are painted in traditional temple colors; others are left natural to showcase the wood's grain and character.

Image	Wood Type	Origin	Characteristics
	Suar Wood	Indonesia	Dark rich brown, dramatic grain patterns
	Crocodile Wood	Indonesia	Light golden tones, distinctive texture
	Teak	Thailand / Cambodia	Dense, oily, naturally water-resistant
	Neem Wood	India	Strong and durable with interlocking grain
	Vietnamese Hardwood	Vietnam	Fine, dense grain with warm reddish-brown tones; highly durable and resistant to warping

Identifying your statue's finish is the first step to proper care. Different finishes require very different cleaning approaches—using the wrong method can permanently damage the surface or strip delicate paint and gold leaf.

Natural / Oiled

Raw wood with an oil finish. Shows the natural grain and true color of the wood. Can be conditioned with oil.

Painted

Traditional temple colors in South Indian style. Multiple layers of paint over wood. Requires gentle, dry handling only.

Lacquered

Clear protective coating over the wood. Gives a slight sheen and protects the natural surface beneath.

Handling

• Handle with clean, dry hands
• Lift from the sturdy base, not delicate carved parts
• Wood can crack if dropped—always be careful

Dusting

• Dust weekly with a soft, dry cloth
• Microfiber cloth works very well
• Use a soft paintbrush for intricate carved areas
• Never use a wet cloth for dusting

Display Location

• Keep away from direct sunlight (causes fading and cracking)
• Avoid heat sources: radiators, fireplaces, heat vents
• Maintain moderate humidity (40–60% is ideal)
• Avoid extreme temperature changes
• Keep away from moisture and rain

Always identify your finish type before cleaning. The methods below are specific to each finish -- never substitute one for another.

For Natural / Oiled Wood

1. 1
   Dust thoroughly with a dry cloth
2. 2
   If needed, very slightly dampen cloth with water (barely damp, not wet)
3. 3
   Wipe gently in the direction of the wood grain
4. 4
   Dry immediately with a clean cloth
5. 5
   Let air dry completely before placing back
6. 6
   Apply a thin layer of Old English Furniture Oil or natural wood oil to condition (see Conditioning section)

For Painted Wood

1. 1
   Dust with a dry, soft cloth only
2. 2
   For stubborn dirt: barely dampen cloth and test on a hidden area first
3. 3
   Gently dab (don't rub) on dirty areas
4. 4
   Dry immediately
5. 5
   Never scrub painted surfaces

For Lacquered Wood

1. 1
   Dust with a dry cloth
2. 2
   If needed, slightly dampen cloth -- wipe gently and dry immediately
3. 3
   Polish with a dry, soft cloth to restore sheen

For Gilded Wood

1. 1
   Dust with a soft, dry cloth ONLY
2. 2
   Never use water on gold leaf -- it will lift and flake
3. 3
   Use a soft brush for detailed carved areas
4. 4
   Gold leaf is extremely delicate -- minimize all contact

These mistakes can cause irreversible damage to your wood statue. Please read carefully regardless of finish type.

When to Condition

• If wood looks dry or dull
• Every 6–12 months for indoor statues
• More frequently in dry climates or during winter

What to Use

• Old English Furniture Oil -- our preferred product for conditioning wood statues
• Food-grade mineral oil
• Coconut oil (natural, aromatic)
• Tung oil (traditional wood finish)
• Beeswax (for extra protection)

What to Avoid

• Olive oil (goes rancid over time)
• Vegetable oils (go rancid over time)
• Aerosol spray polishes and heavy-duty commercial furniture polishes (often contain silicone, which builds up and cannot be removed)

How to Condition

1. 1
   Dust the statue thoroughly
2. 2
   Apply a small amount of Old English or your chosen oil to a soft cloth
3. 3
   Rub gently into the wood in the direction of the grain
4. 4
   Let sit for 15–30 minutes
5. 5
   Buff off excess with a clean cloth
6. 6
   Let cure for 24 hours before handling extensively

Why Wood Cracks

• Extreme dryness in the environment
• Rapid humidity changes (e.g., moving between rooms or seasons)
• Direct heat exposure
• Natural wood movement over time

Prevention

• Maintain moderate humidity (use a humidifier in dry winter months)
• Keep away from heat sources
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Don’t move suddenly from cold to warm environments
• Consider a room humidity monitor for valuable pieces

Painted Wood

• Paint may chip over time—this is normal aging
• Touch-ups require carefully matched paint
• Never scrub painted areas
• Dust gently to preserve the paint surface
• Some paint styles are intentionally meant to look aged or distressed

Sandalwood

• Naturally aromatic—the scent is part of its beauty
• Very soft wood—scratches easily; handle with extra care
• Expensive and rare—treat with the utmost care
• Scent fades over time; this is completely normal

Outdoor Wood

Only teak can reliably go outside. Other woods will crack, rot, or fade when exposed to the elements. If you must place non-teak wood outdoors:

• Keep under cover (porch, gazebo)
• Bring indoors during rain
• Apply marine-grade sealant annually
• Expect weathering and aging over time

Hollow Carved Wood

• Never fill with water
• Check periodically for insects
• Ensure good air circulation around hollow areas

Wood-boring insects are rare but possible, especially with older or antique pieces. Prevention is far easier than treatment.

Prevention

• Keep the statue clean and dusted
• Maintain moderate humidity (not too damp)
• Check periodically for tiny holes or sawdust-like residue
• Store in a cool, dry place

If You See Pests

• Isolate the statue immediately from other wood pieces
• Freeze small statues for 2 weeks to kill larvae
• For large statues, consult a professional conservator
• Never apply pesticides directly to the statue

Water Offerings

Always use a separate bowl. Never pour water directly on a wood statue. Even a small amount of standing water can cause swelling, warping, and mold.

Oil Anointing

A small amount of oil on the outside is acceptable for natural wood. Wipe off any excess promptly. Never use oil on painted wood—it will lift and damage the paint.

Incense

Safe for wood statues. Incense smoke may darken the wood slightly over time—this is considered normal, beautiful aging.

Flowers

Keep in a separate vase with water. Remove wilted flowers promptly to prevent moisture from dripping onto or near the wood.

Kumkum / Sindoor

Can be applied to natural wood. May stain slightly—this is considered auspicious and part of the statue’s spiritual life. Do not use on painted wood.

Storage

• Wrap in acid-free tissue or soft cotton cloth
• Store in a cool, dry place with moderate humidity
• Never use plastic (it traps moisture and can cause mold)
• Check periodically for cracks or pest activity

Moving / Shipping

• Wrap carefully in bubble wrap
• Protect delicate carved parts with extra padding
• Mark the package as fragile
• Avoid extreme temperature changes during transport

Seasonal Care

• Winter (dry): Use a humidifier; condition natural wood more frequently
• Summer (humid): Ensure good air circulation; check for moisture
• Year-round: Avoid temperature extremes and direct sun at all times

DIY Fixes

• Small scratches: Rub walnut meat into the scratch—it acts as a natural wood stain
• Loose parts: Apply wood glue, clamp gently, and let dry for 24 hours
• Dull finish: Condition with natural oil

Professional Help Needed For

• Large cracks or structural damage
• Broken carved pieces
• Paint or gold leaf restoration
• Insect infestation treatment