The art of woodburning is a manifestation of a skill that begins with the basics. Start with easy to learn techniques and simple tools.
The simplest technique is about planning your project. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Use softwoods with little grain. Pine and aspen are much easier to work with than hardwoods.
- Lightly use a 320 grit sandpaper wrapped around a rigid block to keep your wood burning area clean. Your pyrography pen is hot and burns anything it touches. Sharp lines get smudged if the area is not clean.
- Speaking of burning, have a small plier handy to remove or replace the tips. Remember that the tips may be cool but your tool is hot. You are burning wood not your hands.
- Don’t push it. The pen should slide over the surface as it burns the wood. You are not forcing the pen into the wood.
- Have a sample board to try your new techniques and new tools before you use them on your art. There is no do over in wood burning.
- Protect your loved ones by keeping them away from anything that is hot. Few things get hotter than a woodburning pen.
- If you are a beginner, practice on your patience and detachment. Breathe and take your time. Don’t hold your breath. Breathing help you stay calm and focused.