Pyrography, or wood burning, is a popular technique and the one most commonly used by artists to create intricate designs and patterns on wood surfaces.
BUT not every burn needs to come from a pyrography pen. Some methods give you detail, some give you atmosphere, some create raw texture, and some are better suited to experimentation than finished artwork…
Below are some of the most popular alternative pyrography techniques and what you can use them for.
But first, a bit about the most common way to practice working with heat to create art:
Pyrography pen or wood burning tool
So this isn’t an alternative method, but for those getting to know pyrography, it’s the most common place to start. This is how I started in the world of pyrography and the method I use the most. I have been experimenting with the other methods I will mention, but I love my pyro tool and my fine nib pens the most!
A pyrography pen uses heat to burn lines, shading, texture, and detail directly into the wood. Depending on the tool, you may have interchangeable tips or wire nibs designed for different effects, and some beginner tools use solid brass tips that screw into the unit (learn more about that here: Wire Tip Vs. Solid Tip Burner).
This method is best for (but not limited to):
detailed artwork
lettering
almost any texture work
controlled shading
fine lines
If your goal is precision, this is one of the best way to wood burn.
For most artists, this is what pyrography really means. It gives you the most control over line quality, temperature, and detail, which is why it is the go to method for serious wood burning art.
Okay, now to methods without using a common wood burning machine.
1. Heated metal tools (pokerwork)
I'm starting with this one because it's most similar to a pyrography pen, but there are some major differences.
Before modern pyrography machines became common, wood burning was often done with metal tools heated in a flame. Some people still use this method with the branding iron’s that are non electrical. (Check out this blog post on the differences: Branding Irons: Traditional vs. Electric).
This style of pyrography relied on manually reheating the tip and then pressing or drawing with it on the wood.
Historically, this was one of the earliest ways people decorated wood with heat (check out this blog post for more on: A Brief History of Pyrography)
This method is best for:
traditional style experimentation
historical demonstrations
simple branding or marks
learning about early pyrography methods
repetitive marks
It can be much less convenient than modern burners, but it is an important part of wood burning history and a reminder that pyrography existed long before plug in tools.
Branding irons and custom heated stamps are some common metal tools. Even if they are not electric, they are repeatable, and great for logos, signatures, maker’s marks, or decorative impressions…
2. Blowtorch
Using a blowtorch is a bit more aggressive and less controlled way to burn wood, but it creates a completely different look.
Note: less control DOES NOT mean no control.
You can use metal stencils or random object to help create sharp lines, shapes and different kinds of textures. The flame has some strength and can push your metal pieces around if they are light and it also is super duper hot, so if the metal is too thin (like aluminium foil for example) it can warp it. Often you can adjust the strength of your flame, which will make a difference, not only for what metal pieces you use, but also for control and how quickly your wood gets scorched. Another factor is your angle at which you burn. You can bur a dot and centralize the heat, or you can burn across the top and get a sort of gradient. There is a lot you can do, and when I experiment more soon, I will share my progress.
I had a chance to try it last summer, and I'm excited for the weather to get better and get back into it. My garage does not have enough room for this kind of playing, so I need to set up in the backyard. In this photo above, I have gathered screws because they were the only metal pieces I could find. Below are the results. I can't wait to play some more!
This technique can be used for darkening wood, creating rustic effects, sealing certain looks into the grain, or adding dramatic contrast. Some artists use a torch as part of the background or finishing process rather than for the actual drawing. It is easier to cover large areas with a torch versus shading tiny area by tiny area with a pyrography pen.
This method is best for:
bold texture
rustic effects
darkened edges
background burning
abstract work
large surface effects
bringing out the grain in the wood
A blowtorch is not ideal for detail, but it is not impossible with a bit of practice and experimentation. It can be interesting for style, atmosphere, and A LOT OF FUN. You can always mix it with other methods; try inverse carving or sanding using the Dremel on top of a scorched background for some really cool details!
Just to drive home the idea that even though it is difficult, with practice and passion, you can create any kind of art you want with any tools and mediums:
3. Open flame or direct fire burning (aside from blowTorch above!)
Some people experiment with other direct flame options, such as from a candle, lighter, or other fire source. This kind of heat source is easier to come by (you don’t need to buy a tank with fuel or a torch etc…) and after playing a little bit, I found that the effects are more subtle overall and have a smokier vibe to them.
This method is even less controlled than the blowtorch above, but the organic gradients and smoky vibe is just so beautiful! It can produce these smoky edges, scorched patches, or distressed effects, which you can probably achieve with a torch, but with a small flame or candle, the effect isn’t as quick or powerful so you can build up layers slowly.
This method is best for:
distressed looks
abstract surfaces
experimental effects
rough rustic designs
smoke clouds and smokey vibes
textured backgrounds
So maybe not the most intricate and detailed but really good if you want an organic looking texture, atmosphere, or creative experimentation!
4. Magnifying glass and sunlight
This one is meaningful for process-based art, demonstrations, or projects where the idea of using sunlight is part of the art itself!
By focusing sunlight through a magnifying glass, you can create enough heat to scorch the wood surface.
It is slow, highly dependent on weather, and definitely not practical for most finished artwork, but it does technically work and is super satisfying. I have experimented a little while camping or portaging but my magnifying glass was only on a compass and kinda small, so I am excited to get my bigger one and make some art in the forest without the power of technology.
This method is best for:
experimentation
simple marks
outdoor demonstrations
curiosity driven projects
understanding heat concentration
There is something kind of magical about burning wood with the sun, but it comes with obvious limitations. You need strong sunlight, the right angle, patience, and a safe setup.
It is a real example of wood burning without electricity or flame touching the wood directly. Check out this artist who made a dog portrait just by using the power of the sun!
5. Scorch Marker/lemon juice:
This is a newer technique that involves using a special marker or liquid that creates a chemical reaction when heated with a heat gun. This creates a unique, permanent burn effect on the wood. It’s not my favorite because of the chemicals and lack of control if not using a stencil, but if you are making a lot or repeat pieces, then this could be an easier way to get a lot done.
If you want do want to use this method and not want to use chemicals, another option is to just use lemon juice! This is a natural alternative to the chemical pens. This involves applying lemon juice to the wood and then using a heated tool to create marks on the wood, same as with the pen. The acid in the lemon juice reacts with the heat, creating a unique burn effect on the wood.
DO NOT TRY THESE At HOME
There are many different ways to burn wood, including methods that go far beyond traditional pyrography tools. While they may be part of the broader conversation around burning wood, I do not recommend these methods, as they can be highly dangerous, unpredictable, and capable of causing serious injury, fire, or worse.
Gunpowder burning is another extreme method sometimes mentioned in conversations about unusual ways to burn wood. It can create bold, dramatic effects, and some finished pieces may combine that raw burned surface with more controlled pyrography for contrast. Gunpowder burns by deflagration, meaning it rapidly combusts and generates expanding gases, which is part of what makes its effects so violent and unpredictable. Here is the artist who burned this bear, @paintingwithgunpowder. He creates lots of art with gunpowder on canvas, wood and other materials!
Fractal burning, also called Lichtenberg wood burning, uses high voltage electricity to create branching, lightning like patterns in wood. The finished effect can be visually striking, especially when combined with traditional pyrography, but it is an extremely dangerous process and not one I recommend attempting. Zona of @bzfurfur has collaborated with an artist who creates these stunning wood slices using the technique, resin and her detailed pyrography work!
Wood burning does not start and end with one tool.
There are many different ways to burn wood, and each one brings its own kind of mark, mood, and experience. Some methods may be known for precision, while others are often seen as bolder, looser, or more experimental, but that does not make one better than another. And just because a method is often described as harder to control or less detailed does not mean it cannot be controlled beautifully or used to create incredible detail in the right hands and with some practice.
That is part of what makes this medium so fascinating.
If you want to learn more about pyrography, explore different ways of burning, and be part of conversations with others who love the craft, you are always welcome to join us inside Burn Club.