Using this unfinished wood open book silhouette is easy. First, peel off the protective paper backing if your piece has one. This is just to keep the wood safe during cutting and shipping. You can use it for all sorts of DIY projects. If you need a hole in the shape, tell us the size and where you want it, and we'll add it for free. As for maintenance, keep the wood away from excessive moisture to prevent warping. You can sand it more if you want a smoother finish or paint it with the colors of your choice. It's made from cabinet - grade Baltic birch plywood, so it's quite durable. Have fun with your creative projects!