Woodburning (Pyrography)
Pyrography is the art of burning designs into wood using a heated pen. This meditative craft produces beautiful handmade art and personalized gifts while requiring minimal supplies. Light-colored woods like basswood show off your burn marks beautifully, and simple projects like coasters or ornaments are achievable in your first session.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Woodburning pen with tips($15-25)
- ●Basswood or birch plywood piece (4-6 inches)($2-5)
- ●Fine sandpaper (220 grit)($0)
- ●Pencil for sketching design($0)
Optional
- ○Carbon/graphite transfer paper($5-8)
- ○Respirator or N95 mask($5-15)
How To Do It
- 1
Prepare your wood surface
Sand your wood piece smooth using 220-grit sandpaper, going with the . A smooth surface prevents the pen tip from snagging and creates cleaner burn lines. Wipe away all dust with a dry cloth.
- 2
Transfer or sketch your design
For your first project, choose a simple design like geometric shapes, a basic leaf, or your initials. Lightly sketch directly onto the wood with pencil, or use carbon paper to trace a printed design.
- 3
Set up your workspace safely
Work in a well-ventilated area near an open window or with a fan. Place your burner on a heat-safe surface and let it heat for 5 minutes. Keep a wet paper towel nearby to clean the tip.
- 4
Practice basic strokes on scrap wood
Before touching your project, practice on scrap wood. Try uniform lines (steady pressure while pulling toward you), s (lift while moving for tapered ends), and circular motions for shading. Keep the pen moving—pausing creates dark blotches.
- 5
Burn your design
Start with outlines using light pressure—you can always darken later. Hold the pen like a pencil at a slight angle. Work with the wood when possible. Rotate your wood piece rather than awkwardly angling your hand.
- 6
Add shading and finishing touches
Once outlines are complete, add depth with shading using circular motions at lower heat. Clean your tip frequently on the wet paper towel. When finished, let the piece cool completely before handling.
Tips
- →Common mistake: pressing too hard or moving too slowly. Let the heat do the work—light, steady strokes at consistent speed create the cleanest lines. Pressing hard fights the and creates choppy marks.
- →Start with the temperature dial at medium-low. Higher heat burns faster but is harder to control. You can always turn it up, but you cannot undo a too-dark burn.
- →Clean your pen tip frequently on a wet paper towel or fine sandpaper. Carbon buildup makes lines inconsistent and scratchy.
- →Never burn painted, stained, or treated wood—the chemicals create toxic fumes. Only burn raw, natural wood.
- → is the best wood for beginners: light-colored, minimal , burns evenly, and is forgiving of mistakes. Avoid pine (too resinous) and oak (too dense).
Communities
Resources
- Pyrography Made Easy
Brenda Wilkie's channel with free beginner tutorials, technique guides, and downloadable patterns.
- Burn Savvy Beginner Guide
Comprehensive 7-step guide covering tool selection, wood prep, and first project tips.
- Instructables: Woodburning Getting Started
Step-by-step photo tutorial demonstrating each tip type and basic techniques.
- Working the Flame Techniques Guide
Covers 13 foundational techniques including outlining, shading, texturing, and lettering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn pyrography?
You can complete a simple first project in 30-60 minutes. Basic competency with strokes and shading develops over 5-10 hours of practice. The fundamentals are easy to pick up, but mastering realistic shading takes time.
How much does it cost to start woodburning?
A basic woodburning pen costs $15-25, and a few pieces of run $2-5 each. You can start for under $30. Upgrades like s ($50-150) and specialty tips come later as you develop your skills.
What wood should I use as a beginner?
is the best choice—it's light-colored (shows burns clearly), has minimal , and burns smoothly. Birch plywood also works well. Avoid pine (resinous and burns unevenly), oak (too dense), and any painted or treated wood.
Is pyrography safe? What about the fumes?
is safe with proper precautions. Always work in a ventilated area with a window open or fan running. A respirator mask is recommended for extended sessions. Never burn treated, painted, or manufactured wood—only raw, natural wood.
Why are my lines coming out blotchy or uneven?
Dark blotches usually mean the pen sat too long in one spot, or there was heat buildup before touching the wood. Keep the pen moving constantly. Uneven lines often result from unsanded wood, dirty tips, or inconsistent pressure. Sand thoroughly, clean your tip often, and practice maintaining steady pressure.
Can I fix mistakes in pyrography?
Minor mistakes can be lightly sanded away with fine-grit sandpaper or a nail file, then burned over. Deeper burns are harder to fix—which is why starting light and darkening gradually is essential. Some artists incorporate mistakes into the design.