Pyrography is the process of creating photographs by burning them on to a wood surface. It has existed as an art form since antiquity, and while instruments and materials have evolved, the fundamentals of Pyrography have not. Here, we discuss the best woods for pyrography.
This traditional art form uses various kinds of wood, each of which has its own set of strengths and shortcomings that can aid or impede an artist’s work. Before embarking on a new project, pyrographers can familiarize themselves with the various types of wood and how to prepare them properly.
Any of the most popular and easily workable woods used in Pyrography are described below. For more experienced artists searching for a challenge, there are some rare and exotic woods available. We’ve also included a list of general benefits and drawbacks so you can decide which wood is suitable for you!
Woods for Pyrography: Our Product List
#1 10-Pack Balsa Wood Sheets
Balsa wood is a very softwood that is ideal for practicing on for beginners. Compared to the other woods mentioned, it is very light in color, has very little grain, and is relatively inexpensive. This wood is available from wood producers and hobby shops that sell wood modeling supplies.
Balsa is usually packaged in blocks for modeling, and boards are hard to come by. Since balsa wood is so brittle, pyrography pens tend to gouge and sink into it, so take care when burning on it and keep it merely a practiced wood.
Pros
- Smooth and burry free
- Easy to grip
- Budget-friendly
- High durability
Cons
- Bad Packaging
#2 Edge Supply Mahogany Veneer Sheet
Mahogany is a dense and solid tree. It is mainly reddish and straight-grained. Honduran, West Indian, and Swietenia are the three varieties of mahogany. It is a standard method of using furniture. Its dark reddish and brown hues complement the furniture beautifully. Because of its hardness, it is very long-lasting.
The dark color often overshadows the painting. This kind of wood is usually only used for name painting. Its color faded at times, and the surface texture shifted frequently. However, if you can select faded wood, it can be helpful at times. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing this wood is high.
Pros
- Versatile
- A grade quality wood
- Easy to use
- Super bonding adhesive
Cons
- Low durability
#3 Baltic Birch Plywood
Because of its veneer heart, which crosses banded and laminated external glue, this is a rare type of wood. This birch is native to the northeastern part of Europe. It is a traditional cabinet-making material. There are two forms of Baltics: one is Baltic, and the other is Russian.
It’s also regarded as an artist’s panel. It’s new and bright, with a pleasing appearance. It has a grain that is conducive to artistic expression.
It is also very cost-effective and simple to cut and mold. It’s dense, and its smooth appearance draws attention to the artwork. It’s difficult to erase faults from this surface. Rather than plywood, solid wood is more common. It reminds me of Basswood.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Good appearance
- Premium material
- Good durability
Cons
- A bit rough
#4 Aribetter 100 Beech Wood
Another common wood for Pyrography is beech. While it is a light-colored wood, it contains dark grains that can release sap when burnt. Beech is less expensive than other hardwoods, such as oak. It is, however, more challenging to come by in small stores and on the Internet.
Europe, Asia, and North America are all home to this wood. It is a challenging and durable wood. This wood is primarily white, but it can turn reddish when grown in acidic soil. It has a fine grain. It’s silky smooth.
This surface hardness will make it difficult to burn and art the job. It is pyrography wood with a mid-range luxury budget. This wood isn’t well-known by pyrographers.
Pros
- Strong
- Durable
- Attractive shapes
- Good quality
Cons
- It isn’t well known among artists
#5 2 Black Walnut Thin Wood Boards
Walnut wood is well-known for its exceptional properties. It’s not as difficult as some others, and it’s commonly used in cabinetry, molding, and millwork.
It’s also not on the list of Pyrography’s most common carts. It’s dark brown, which may obscure the art that’s been created on its top. There is no resin in this item, and it comes in a variety of colors.
And because of its other uses, this wood can be costly for Pyrography. This wood has been chiefly used for practice. It has a maple-like appearance. Because of its smoothness, artists can find it very easy to work.
Pros
- No knots
- Perfect Laster finish
- Clean boards
- High durability
Cons
- A bit dark
#6 Guitar Veneer 3 pcs Maple Wood
Maple is a type of wood that is mainly found in Asia. It comes in 128 different animals. It is sturdy and attractive. It stains beautifully. It has a lot of appeal because of its tone, smooth grain, good texture, and natural toughness.
It comes from a sugar maple tree that has a white color and a brown-reddish tint to it. Furniture, tables, and sporting goods are among the most common uses.
It is a little pricey due to its extreme beauty, but it is well worth it. This hard surface is famous for Pyrography because it has less grain and is light in color with no resin. Furthermore, on the floor, it seems to be simple to correct the errors created.
Pros
- Warranty
- Executive design
- High-quality
- Tough
Cons
- Small size
#7 Red Oak Wood Veneer Sheet
Often, the most commonly used wood in furniture, flooring, and other crafts. It is challenging but not as rigid as maple wood.
However, it is long-lasting and well-stained. The grain of this wood is fantastic. It is common for other uses, but it is less expensive than others. Red oak is weaker than white oak. Because of oxygen and UV radiation, this darkens with time.
It will inflict minor harm to the art that is being done on the soil. There’s a widespread belief that there’s a lot of moisture in this wood, which causes excessive sap bubbles and makes the art dirty.
By nature, it’s not suitable wood for carving or wood burning. Since it’s black, many color patterns would not bring out the artwork on the surface. Oak is a cost-effective and widely available material.
Pros
- High durability
- Budget-friendly
- A grade
- Easy handling
Cons
- Bad package
#8 Rectangle Pine Wood from Walnut Hollow
Pine is a common pyrography wood. But there’s a lot to dislike. The art is not completed correctly by yellow pines. It’s often difficult to work with due to the various grains. It has a resinous quality to it. It has a bright hue. It has a soft texture and embossed lines that are simple to control.
Pyrography has fewer features but is still common. White pine, on the other hand, may be burned in any place. It’s smoother and calmer. The art on the white pine wood surface is adorable and appealing. It is long-lasting and cost-effective to buy.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Repudiated brand
- Solid pine surface
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- A bit thin
#9 RIVERKING Square Wood Sheets, Unfinished Poplar PlywoodWood
Hardwood from North America Poplar is a decent substitute for certain types of wood that can cost double to three times as much. The color is white and creamy yellow, but it can also be brownish in appearance.
The word “Poplar” originates in ancient Rome. The name “populous” comes from the fact that Romans used to grow this tree in public areas or near local public people, which is how the name “populous” came to be, and then the name took the shape of Poplar.
It is the most famous one for Pyrography, according to reviews. The resizing of this wood is easy. For wood art, soft grains are ideal. It’s effortless to burn, and it’s very convenient.
The light color, rough surface, gouging resistance, and low purchase cost make this wood suitable for Pyrography. The majority of pyrographers suggest these forests. This surface makes it easy to correct errors. The pen or poker may be heated again by the small resinous and hard surface.
Woods for Pyrography Aspects to Consider
Hardness
Softwoods, by definition, are softer than hardwoods. However, aim to have a sense of how it relates to other forests you’ve heard. Since hardness and density are closely related, it is also likely to be complicated if the wood is thick.
You may be able to measure the toughness of the wood by gouging it in an inconspicuous place if it’s a part of a finished piece that you can’t properly weigh. You can also use the “fingernail test” as a rugged hardness indicator: find a crisp edge of the wood and attempt to dig in as hard as you can with your fingernail and see if you can put a dent in it.
Fluorescence
When exposed to specific wavelengths such as those used in blacklights‚ certain trees will look virtually similar under standard lighting conditions. The wood absorbs and emits light of a specific wavelength (visible). Fluorescence is the name for this phenomenon, and the appearance or lack of fluorescent qualities distinguishes such woods.
Woods for Pyrography FAQs
What is a Wood Burning Tool?
The wood-burning tool would be a pen-shaped device plugged into an electrical outlet to generate heat. It will also have a temperature sensor so you can change the nib’s temperature. These pens typically come with a variety of interchangeable points. By unscrewing the tips from the tool’s end, you can swap them out.
What are the types of Wood Burning Nibs?
A vital point tip and a wire tip are the two major types of nibs available for wood burning. Different kinds of tips, varying in form and scale, are available within each range.
Beginners will benefit from solid point tips, and they will learn how to develop balance when using the app. You can use the universal tips for coloring as well as delicate line work. Solid point tips in the form of letters, numbers, and traditional shapes are also available to help you burn the exact figure into your wood.
Wired tips are typically reserved solely for wood burners with more experience. They are a little more fragile and need the right amount of pressure to achieve the required results. They’re generally made of high-quality nichrome wire and look great against light woods.
Use caution when using this method because it can become scorching! And if you’ve used a wood-burning pen before, make sure to read all of the instructions before using it. Since these methods differ based on the vendor, it’s essential to know the one you’re using.
Is Hickory good for Pyrography?
Yes, Hickory is found in Carya’s natural habitat. There are nineteen species present worldwide, most of which are found in North America and Asia. The most complicated and most durable wood is Hickory.
This wood is popular because of its excellent shock resistance. A wood surface will have several color differences, which can make Pyrography difficult. Too many grains are also unappealing to the painting. It is a very cost-effective buy.
Woods for Pyrography Conclusion
It’s simple to burn a smooth surface with a nice light texture. In addition, the proper preparation of the wood for Pyrography makes a difference. On the wood surface, this will make a huge difference. As a result, inadequate planning will often destroy a healthy wood surface.
There are also various forms of sculpture, personalities, and decisions, all of which influence the woods’ preferences. However, after considering the above discussion of wood characteristics, Poplar, Basswood, and Birch Wood are more suitable for Pyrography. The artist’s tastes determine the rest.
Our best pick is the 10-Pack Balsa Wood Sheets and for all the good reasons. It is not only budget-friendly but also smooth and burry-free. It is easy to grip and durable too.