Pyrography

Pyrography

Pyrography is simply the art of burning wood, which has been practised around the world for many centuries.

We use an electric hot wire stylus for burning the wood, which can give precise and detailed outcomes. The sampler plate above shows some of the possibilities for lettering and portraiture. For detailed work sycamore produces the best results; oak, ash, beech and yew have also been used, particularly for trophies with lettering and logos.

Once the writing or pictures are burned in to the wood, the surface is then sealed with cellulose sealer, and three coats of wax are applied - Tripoli, white diamond and finally carnauba wax. Occasionally oil is used as a finish instead: this tends to darken the wood a little so is not advisable for fine detail.

A gallery of pyrography is available, and many of the trophies we have made include pyrography.

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