WOOD BURNING SUPPLIES

The most important tool needed for wood-burning is a wood-burning pen. There are many types of pens, ranging in price from 20$ to several hundred dollars.  I have had success with many of the mid range styles, around the 60$ price range.  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 want a variety of tip sizes to experiment with.  Here is a list of some other essentials: 

Stand to safely rest your pen while it is hot

Sandpaper (320 grit) to gently clean away an residue that forms during the process

Pliers to safely remove and replace hot tips from your pen

A glass dish to hold hot tips.

USING THE WOOD BURNING PEN

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.  It is usually easier to pull the pen toward your body rather than push away.  Use light pressure when wood burning. You do not need to press hard. 

WOOD FOR WOOD BURNING

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.

THE PROCESS

Sketch your design onto the wood first lightly with a pencil.  Start by burning the outlines first. Start from the outside and work your way in. When you are done with the lines then move onto the shading.  Wipe away residue as it builds up and don’t forget to occasionally clean off your tip with a piece of scrap wood or strop.  After you have finished burning, wipe away any residue and coat with 2-3 layers of sealer to protect your masterpiece.

Related Articles

Related