How not to love the beautiful art of burning wood? We are lovers of pyrography, so we want to advise you.
Best wood options for wood burning
Pine
ProsEasily Sourced Cheap Great option to practice on |
ConsRough Grain Smokey and Sappy Could be difficult to do consistent designs |
Basswood
ProsSoft Lightweight Perfect for details |
ConsPoor durability Poor strength Prone to insect attacks |
Birch
ProsStrong Hardwood Light in Color Smooth Grain |
ConsExpensive Crack when its too dry No Rot Resistance |
Poplar
ProsSmooth Grain Easy to Source Easy to Burn |
ConsSometimes looks green High Price |
Aspen
ProsLight Grain Soft Easy to Burn |
ConsColor Variations in the wood |
Willow
ProsLight Grain Maintains color after applying a finish Easy to Burn |
ConsHard to Get |
Cherry
ProsDurable Easy to Find Smooth Grain |
ConsColor Variations in the wood Hardwood |
Maple
ProsLight Grain Smooth burning Consistent color |
ConsHardwood Expensive |
What wood is toxic to burn?
- Greenwood: It is not poisonous by itself, but if it is freshly cut, it has water and sap, so when it is burned, it generates a lot of smoke that can be harmful to your health.
- Driftwood: contains sea salt, and can cause nastiness when its burned.
- Man-Made Woods: do not burn anything painted, stained, or sealed; the fumes cause headaches.
Do not forget to have the space where you carry out wood burning ventilated because the excess smoke from any wood can make you feel bad.
How to prepare wood for pyrography?
After choosing your wood, it is best to file the surface.
It can be a bit annoying but believe me; it will be much easier to burn on a smooth surface.
For optimal burning, we recommend you follow these 3 steps:
- Start sanding the wood with coarse papers (50-80 for very rough wood) and progressively sand with smoother papers until you reach 220 grit.
- Once this is done, remove the excess powder, lightly wet the surface with a sponge, and let it dry for a few hours.
- After the sandpaper is dry, return it with 220 grit paper, and you will reach the desired result for the best possible burn.
4 comments
Ordered the customizer, then my wife saw your website and bought me the mini saw and the wood burner set! Hoping the shipping is fast, can’t hardly wait to receive them!
Very informative
Enjoy using the tools you sell
Etched is great as us the woodburning kit
I just received my Engraver and I’m waiting for the Woodburner. I’m looking forward to trying both, as well as ordering more items. I have been reading what I can about both. I want to say I really appreciate the information you provide for using these items as well as the tips you provide. Thank you.
Your informative project blogs certainly add value to the already fabulous products you offer! Thank you!