A raw piece of wood absorbs water. That is basic science. But a finished wood ring is different — our marine-grade polyurethane clearcoat creates a barrier that prevents water molecules from penetrating the wood grain.
We have been making waterproof wood rings since 2015. In over 15,000 rings produced and distributed, fewer than two percent have experienced water damage. Most of those cases are from rings worn during prolonged hot tub exposure or left soaking in a bath for extended periods.
Daily wear — hand washing, showering, swimming in cold water, sweat, rain — presents no challenge to a properly finished Ring + Grove ring. That is because the clearcoat is applied in multiple thin layers, each hand-buffed before the next is applied, creating a surface that behaves more like plastic than wood.
If you plan to wear a wood ring daily and want to maximize its lifespan, here are our top recommendations: dry your hands thoroughly after prolonged water exposure, avoid wearing your ring in hot tubs or saunas, and touch up the clearcoat once a year with our care kit.