Every building begins with a mould. That mould is formwork. It holds the concrete in place until strength is achieved. Yet, after the concrete hardens and the formwork is struck, another stage begins — cleaning and storing the panels for their next project.
This step is often overlooked, but it makes the difference between formwork panels that last and panels that fail prematurely. Proper care maximises life, reduces costs, and improves finish quality in the long run.
What is Formwork in Construction?
Formwork is the temporary structure used to shape and support fresh concrete until it hardens. It includes formwork panels, formwork sheets, and concrete shuttering panels that directly contact the concrete surface.
When people discuss the types of formwork in construction, they usually refer to timber, plywood, steel, aluminium, and now plastic. Each material brings its own challenges for maintenance.
- Timber: Absorbs water, prone to warping.
- Centring plywood and shuttering plywood: Marketed as waterproof, but only last 8–10 uses in real site conditions.
- Steel: Durable but heavy and requires oiling to prevent rust.
- Plastic shuttering sheet (like WoWBoards): Waterproof, easy to clean, and highly reusable.
No matter the material, cleaning and storage practices define how many times the panel can be reused.
Why Cleaning and Storage Matter
- Longevity: Panels last longer when maintained properly.
- Cost Efficiency: Lower cost per use when reuse cycles increase.
- Finish Quality: Clean surfaces ensure smooth, uniform concrete finishes.
- Safety: Panels in good condition prevent collapse or leakage during pours.
- Sustainability: Fewer replacements mean less waste and reduced environmental impact.
Think of maintenance not as an afterthought but as an investment.
General Tips for Cleaning Formwork Panels
1. Clean Immediately After Striking
The longer concrete residue stays, the harder it becomes to remove. Clean panels right after striking formwork to avoid surface damage.
- For shuttering plywood: scrape gently to avoid peeling the top film.
- For plastic shuttering sheets like WoWBoards: simple washing with water is often enough.
2. Use the Right Tools
Avoid sharp metal scrapers that gouge the panel surface. Use wooden or plastic scrapers for plywood. For WoWBoards, water jets or soft brushes work effectively.
3. Apply Release Agents Consistently
Before every pour, apply a light coat of release oil. This prevents concrete from sticking and makes cleaning faster later. With plywood, this is mandatory. With WoWBoards, the naturally smooth surface means less release agent is needed, reducing costs.
4. Inspect Panels During Cleaning
Look for cracks, swelling, or delamination in centring plywood sheets. Replace any panel that compromises safety. With WoWBoards, inspections usually confirm panels are intact even after multiple uses.
Best Practices for Storing Formwork Panels
1. Keep Panels Elevated
Never store panels directly on soil or damp surfaces. Moisture seeps in and weakens plywood. Place panels on raised supports or pallets. WoWBoards, being waterproof, resist water damage but still benefit from proper stacking.
2. Protect from Sun and Rain
Excessive exposure reduces lifespan. Cover panels with tarpaulin sheets. For plywood, this step is critical. For WoWBoards, it is less about survival and more about ensuring panels are ready for immediate use.
3. Stack Properly
Stack panels horizontally in neat piles to prevent bending or warping. Use spacers between layers for air circulation. For large concrete shuttering panels, ensure bracing to prevent accidental toppling.
4. Separate by Material
Do not mix plywood with plastic or steel during storage. Plywood may deteriorate faster and affect the condition of other materials.
5. Regular Maintenance Checks
Even in storage, inspect panels periodically. Plywood may show signs of fungal growth or peeling. WoWBoards remain unaffected but should still be cleaned of dust or debris before reuse.
Plywood vs Plastic: The Cleaning and Storage Challenge
With Plywood (Centring Ply / Shuttering Plywood)
- Needs constant protection from moisture.
- Edges must be resealed after every few uses.
- Cleaning is delicate — too harsh and the film peels, too soft and residue stays.
- Limited life: 8–10 cycles, even with careful maintenance.
With WoWBoards (Plastic Shuttering Sheet)
- 100% waterproof, no edge sealing required.
- Cleaning requires only water, no special chemicals.
- Can be stored outdoors without damage.
- Reusable for 50+ cycles with consistent performance.
This is the turning point: plywood demands effort without promise, while WoWBoards reward even basic care with longevity and savings.
The Cost of Poor Maintenance
Neglecting cleaning and storage accelerates panel replacement. For a contractor relying on plywood, this means constant procurement, rising costs, and inconsistent concrete finishes.
For example:
- A centring plywood sheet at ₹60 per sqft, used 10 times, costs ₹6 per use.
- A WoWBoard at ₹65 per sqft, used 50 times, costs ₹1.3 per use.
Add the labour saved in cleaning, the reduced plastering costs from smoother finishes, and the environmental benefit of less waste — the difference is staggering.
The Sustainability Advantage
Discarded plywood panels contribute to deforestation and construction waste. Burnt panels release toxins, while dumped panels clog landfills.
WoWBoards, made from recycled plastic boards and recycled plastic sheets, do the opposite. They turn waste plastic into durable construction tools. They reduce demand for timber and prevent plastic from polluting oceans and rivers.
Proper cleaning and storage extend their life even further, making them the most sustainable option in the market.
Practical Checklist for Builders
After Every Pour:
- Clean panels immediately.
- Apply light release agent before next use.
- Inspect for damage.
During Storage:
- Stack on pallets.
- Cover with tarpaulins if outdoors.
- Store separately by material type.
- Inspect regularly.
Before Reuse:
- Wash and dry.
- Check alignment and surface smoothness.
- Confirm structural integrity.
Following this checklist with plywood helps extend its short life. Following it with WoWBoards makes them last 50+ cycles without compromise.
Conclusion: Smarter Care, Smarter Choice
Cleaning and storing formwork panels is not a chore. It is the difference between wasted investment and sustained performance. With plywood, even the best maintenance cannot overcome its natural weaknesses. With WoWBoards, maintenance is simple, effective, and rewarding.
The decision is clear. If builders want panels that survive rain, heat, and rough handling while delivering smooth concrete finishes, they must switch to WoWBoards. They are not just another plastic shuttering sheet; they are the future of formwork — durable, reusable, and sustainable.
Choose formwork panels that repay your care. Switch to WoWBoards and build smarter, cleaner, and stronger projects.