Every bentwood ring is finished with multiple coats of marine-grade polyurethane. This is the same type of clearcoat used on boat decks, which explains why it is called marine-grade. It is formulated to resist saltwater, UV light, and constant immersion -- conditions far harsher than anything a wedding ring encounters.
The clearcoat is applied in thin layers, with hand-buffing between each coat. This creates a smooth, even surface without the bubbling or unevenness that thick application can cause. A properly finished ring has a surface that feels more like polished plastic than wood, even though you can see the grain beneath.
How long does the coating last? For the vast majority of wearers, the original coating remains fully effective for three to five years of daily wear. After that, it begins to show minor wear in the areas that contact surfaces most frequently -- the inside of the band and the areas around any metal inlay.
Maintenance is simple. Once a year, apply one thin coat of clearcoat to the ring. Our workshop sells care kits that include a small tin of marine-grade polyurethane and a polishing cloth. Apply the coat, let it dry for twenty-four hours, and buff it gently with the cloth. That is all it takes to refresh the waterproof protection.
The most important thing to avoid is prolonged hot tub exposure. The combination of heat and chemicals breaks down the clearcoat faster than normal wear. If you wear your ring in a hot tub regularly, touch up the coating twice a year instead of once.