Amazing Colored Wood with Liquid Watercolor Mix

Wood torching or Shou Sugi Ban is a woodworking technique meant to preserve and enhance the aesthetics of wood, primarily light porous wood like cedar. Other common options include basswood, pine, hemlock, maple, or oak. The process makes the dark streaks in the wood stand out while also preserving it using wood oil.

Menno l'Abée tries the technique while using a liquid watercolor from Ecoline to give the wood a subtle but eye-catching hue. The blackened wood is highlighted by clean, distinct lines and a textural quality enhanced by the watercolor.

Materials Used.

• Cedar wood (other options can also be used)
• Furniture oil or Wood oil
• Liquid Watercolor Mix (Menno used one from Ecoline)
• (Optional) Liquid lacquer

Tools Used.

• Blowtorch or ice-melting torches
• Wire brush
• Paintbrush

Steps to Follow.

There are many ways to torch and preserve wood but here are the most common steps:

1. Choose the right wood for torching. Look here or ask for advice if you are unsure. The easiest to use would be light porous wood like cedar.
2. Torch the wood. For larger pieces of wood or furniture, a higher intensity flame will be needed; but for smaller pieces, a simple blowtorch will suffice.
3. Brush and clean the wood with the wire brush. You can use compressed air or water to clean the wood.
4. Paint the wood. Mix the watercolor with an amount of water depending on desired vibrancy.
5. After drying, apply furniture or wood oil to preserve the wood. Finish with a lacquer if needed.

Results.