How to make pyrography on wood?

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What is pyrography?

Pyrography is the art of engraving drawings, shapes, words on a wooden support. It is an ancient technique that is always fashionable and used in creative hobbies.

To carry out a pyrography, an iron whose metal tip is heated is used. When in contact with wood, a dark colored line appears following the burning of the wood.

What is the material I need to pyrograph?

• A pyrograveur
• Tips : There are all kinds of tips: tip-shaped more or less fine, more or less wide bevel that allows to brown the wood on a larger surface, fantasies that can create patterns.
• You can use drawing tools like a pencil, eraser , ruler , compass, tracing paper, stamps ...
• Very fine sandpaper to prepare your surface but also to erase any errors.

What support can we use for pyrography?

Traditionally, a pyrograver is used on wood. Choose preferably light and soft wood. Lideal is to use raw wood objects.

Plywood is also suitable but the agglomerated is to be banned because of toxic releases.

Some thick leathers can be pyrographed, it must be much faster than with wood we search more shaded side than the side engraving in this case.

How to prepare his support?

For best results and ease of use, first sand the surface, then clean it thoroughly.

Do not use a pyrograver on a painted surface as this will release toxic fumes.

How to make your pattern with a pyrograveur?

Start by drawing with a pencil your pattern or refer your pattern using tracing paper or carbon paper.

After observing the heat-up time of the pyrograver, you can start using it. Attention, a strong heat emerges.

For pyrogravers whose temperature is adjustable:

Check if the temperature is right for your support by performing a test.

For example, if the wood darkens too fast and smokes, this is a sign that you need to lower the temperature. On the other hand, if that does not mark the wood enough, you can increase the temperature of your pyrograver or make a slower gesture.

Here is an example of realization in video:

How to create shades of colors with a pyrograver?

There are two simple rules:

• Your speed of execution of a line will more or less color the wood, the more you linger more the color will be dark.
• The lower the temperature, the lighter the color and the higher the temperature, the darker the color.

How to hold his pyrograveur?

Hold the tip like a pen between thumb and index.

How to get regular traits with a pyrograver?

The secret is to make a continuous line at the same speed! Any stop will be visible on your surface by a larger mark.

Another tip is to start with a light stroke. In case of error, you can sand your wooden support and pass a second time.

In general, light to medium pressure should be used. It is useless to press strongly because you could daste prematurely the tip.

For backgrounds, have fun creating different textures with dots, curves, play on how to hold the tip and burn time.

How to make finishes with a pyrography object?

Then you have several options in terms of finish: you can leave your object as it is or apply all the appropriate protection for wood (such as varnish ).

All kinds of paints , inks , patinas can also be used.

Some recommendations before you start

• Prepare your work plan by removing flammable materials.
• Be sure to work in a well-ventilated room.
• Wear a mask if the material you are working on gives off toxic fumes (leather, chipboard).
• Allow the tips to cool completely before changing and / or storing.

Take a look at our demonstrative video:

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