Ready to etch a name into wood? This direct how-to will show you precisely how to burn a name into wood in just a few simple steps. Beginning with wood selection and ending with the final burn, we’ve distilled the essentials to get your project from start to finish without the fluff. We will also talk about some beginner wood burning designs.

Table of Contents

Selecting the Perfect Wood for Burning

Assortment of light-colored soft woods for wood burning.

The best way to begin your design is by burning the outline first, similar to how tattoo artists would create their tattoos, you burn the main lines of your art.

Before you fire up the wood burner, it’s important to choose the right wood. Like many, my preference is a light-colored softwood like the ones listed below:

  • Basswood

  • Birch

  • Cherry

  • Aspen

  • Poplar

These are ideal for wood burning because of their smooth grain and light color. These woods allow for better design clarity and easier burning, which are crucial factors when you want to burn letters. But it’s not just about choosing the right wood. Preparing your surface is equally important. Start with a clean, unpolished/dry piece of wood. Sand it thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface, which can help make a cleaner burn, which is definitely important for lettering.

Crafting Your Design

Using transfer paper on wood.

Now it’s time to bring your ideas to life. You can create your design with a computer using software, with transfer paper or you can opt to draw your designs freehand using a pencil. Once your design is ready, transfer it onto your wood. Just make sure to measure out your designs beforehand and make sure they fit onto the surface.

A helpful tip you can use when starting out is to use a straight edge when burning straight lines, once you get more confident with your tools you can start to draw more intricate designs free hand.

Assembling Your Wood Burning Kit

Prepare your burning kit keeping in mind what your design is and what the best tip to use for that will be. For those new to this, a solid-point burner is a recommended choice and is very beginner-friendly. If you want more precision and control then you should opt for a wire-nib burner, this tool compares to the maneuverability of a pen and can provide quick heat adjustments for shading and other effects as well as having various tip options. For lettering, the chisel tips stand out for their ability to etch names into wood whilst also maintaining a balance between detail and affordability in your wood burning projects.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose light-colored, softwoods like basswood or birch for better burn visibility and ease; prep them by sanding for a smooth surface.

  • Craft your design and transfer it with carbon paper, using a ruler for alignment; consider a wire-nib burner for precision when burning names.

  • After burning, apply a finish like Spar Urethane for UV protection and durability, especially if the wood is exposed to sunlight.

The Art of Burning Names

Now comes the exciting part – burning your design into the wood. Here’s how to do it:

solid point wood burning tips

1. Place your desired tip into the wood burner.

Adjusting heating dial.
2. Set the temperature.
Drawing outline for letters.

3. Create clean outlines of the letters first.

Pyrography Letter Shading.

4. Shade inside your letters.

Wood stain at different grits.

5. Sand and polish.

Proper handling of the burning tool is essential too. Hold the burning tool with your thumb and index finger at the shaft, start to roll it for shading and adding depth. Remember to always pull the burner towards yourself instead of pushing it. This allows the tool to glide on the surface, resulting in smoother lines and consistent shading.

Finishing Touches for Longevity

Your masterpiece is nearly ready. But how do you ensure it stands the test of time? Well, that’s where the right finish comes in. To prevent fading from natural sunlight, I usually choose a finish that has UV protection, it usually has a label to tell you if it has protection or not. I normally use Spar Urethane but this can change depending on the type of wood and needs of my project.

Some of the other options are listed below:

  • Polycrylic: ensures the wood doesn’t yellow over time, perfect for indoor projects

  • Polyurethane: This is known for its durability, but it is known to be yellow and usually doesn’t offer UV protection

  • Resin: creates a smooth, glass-like finish and some brands offer UV protection, but there’s a chance it could yellow as it ages with time

Choosing between liquid and spray finishes depends on the application and the intended result. And don’t forget, if your piece is going to be outdoors and exposed to the sun, you should reapply protective seals annually for additional protection.

Polishing wood.

Conclusion

Wood burning takes a lot of patience to get good at. It involves a lot of things like choosing the right wood, picking the right design, grabbing the right tools, and making sure you choose the best technique to get the results and effects you’re looking for.

You should try to enjoy the process just as much as your finished project, this helps to keep your interest in the wood burning craft. And remember that practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and remeber to share your projects with us as we love to see them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you burn names on wood?

Begin by preparing a smooth, dry piece of unfinished wood. Make sure you have clearly transferred your lettering to your scrap wood. Start by burning the outline of your letters then after that you should shade the inside. Use the techniques mentioned above for the best results. Then you should apply a nice finish to your project to really make it shine.

What is the best way to make sure the project doesn’t fade?

The best way to protect your art is to apply a finish like Spar Urethane that provides UV protection. This will stop any fading and keep your project looking good for years, remember to apply a thin top-up coat annually to really get the most out of it.

Lisa Cullen

Lisa Cullen

Hi, I'm Lisa Cullen, the Content and Marketing Manager of Timber Craft Hub. With 14 years in carpentry and a passion for wood burning art, I'm thrilled to share my expertise. Woodworking isn't just about crafting; it's about pouring heart and soul into each piece. Let's connect, learn, and grow together as a supportive community. From informative articles to step-by-step tutorials, I hope to inspire you on your woodworking journey.