Nathan Baller on Wood-Burning 101

Pyrography, more commonly known as wood-burning, started with cavemen using fire sticks to create stories on the cave walls. Though the materials and tools have changed since those times, the process is still fairly similar. Wood-burning is used to decorate furniture, instruments, dishes, and artwork.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

The most important tool needed for wood-burning is a wood-burning pen. There are many different pens to be used and can get pricey. If you are just starting out and want to see if you like the hobby, I would suggest purchasing a lower priced pen. You will also need carbon paper, tape, sandpaper, wet paper towels, and a design for your artwork.

GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE TOOLS

The wood-burning tool is the main tool you will be using during this process. If you are a beginner, you should practice with the pen before working on your project. Use scraps of wood to practice drawing and using different tips of the pen so you know which to use during the design process. The tool gets very hot and you need to be aware of where you place it when you are not using it.

PREPPING THE WOOD

There isn’t a specific wood you have to use for your wood drawing. Softer woods require a lower pen temperature than hardwoods do. You will want to sand your piece of wood well before using the pen. It is easier to burn with the grain rather than going against it, so keep that in mind before starting the project. Once you have prepped the wood, you can place the carbon paper that has your design on it and tape it on the wood. Use a regular pen to trace the design so it creates a carbon outline on the wood.

PROCESS OF BURNING

After you have finished tracing your design, it is time to burn it into the wood. Use the wood-burning pen and trace the design along the grain. Once the outline is burned, you can start shading in the design. The pen using comes with a shading tip to fill in the spots carefully. After you are done burning you could finish the piece off by staining it.

Wood-burning is a great way to get creative and produce wood products with your favorite designs. If you are looking for a new hobby, this should be one you consider!