Hello all,
Do any of you out there have any experience torching wood as part of a finishing process? I am going to try it and looking for recommendations re torch recommendation.
Thanks, as always,
Matt
I use a BernzOmatic torch with flame spreader tip attachment. So far I've only used it on white pine. It gives a nice brown with grain highlighted. Keep the torch moving and go over areas to even out the color.
Be sure to remove all the ashes with a brush.
I've used just a plain Benzomatic torch. Just keep it moving and you can determine the degree of "toast" you want. Different woods will respond differently, so practice on a piece of scrap to see what you are going to get first. My experience (limited) shows the best results with pine, and oak which produce larger contrast.
Propane Torch like Mdbuntyn posted don't mess with the little Benzomatic torches unless the project is small. I've had to do Shou sugi ban on a few projects along with the current one I am building. Be careful not to over torch since it will warp your piece of course, if you do get a little warp burn the underside to try to lessen it and let it sit over night. I would suggest testing the wood for moisture levels before starting.
For finishing the piece I usually take a wire brush and scrap out the grains to make more of a contrast.