We are 4 years past Substantial Completion and the wood wall panels on a project are discoloring. Some darker, some lighter, some in exposed to light conditions, others north facing. Not installed in moisture sensitive areas and no apparent connection between light exposure and the discoloration. Any thoughts? Adhesive?
Also found an interesting article about Fire-retardant MDF discoloring panels based on the thickness of the adhesive and the thickness of the veneer.
https://www.buildinggreen.com/blog/fire-rated-no-formaldehyde-substrates-can-discolor-exotic-veneers
Brian,
You did not mention if the discolored panels incorporate a MDF fire-retardant core, so readers have no idea if the referenced article is relevant.
Also, it would be helpful to know the wood species and the finish system.
I assume the panels are at an interior application. Are they installed on exterior walls, and if so, what is the wall construction?
If they are only installed on interior walls, do the rooms on both sides of the wall have year-round temperature and humidity control?
At the NW CSI Regional conference last week, Margaret Fisher of AWI gave a great presentation on designing with hardwood veneer. She mentioned this very thing. I recommend that you contact her.
Margaret Fisher, (571) 926-5522, mfisher@awinet.org
Do you have any photos, and are all the panels the same species? Wood can change color even with only artificial light exposure, so I wouldn’t rule that out entirely. Stains and dyes can also change color over time. Staining due to fire retardant core is a possibility, but it’s usually consistent in the color change so having some panels get lighter and some darker would be unusual.