Burnt Wood Finish, the Traditional Way to Build the Wood Beauty

Burnt finish is a finishing process done by burning the surface of the wood. This finishing technique has been known in Japan since the 18th century as Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional technique for creating a unique and aesthetic wood texture and appearance. Instead of creating the special look, burning the wood is also proven increasing the wood's resistance to weather, insects and fangs. This finishing technique is still exist today when the sophiscated finishing material and tool are developed.  This burnt finish produce a unique appearance and color that cannot be replaced by modern finishing materials and techniques.

The finishing process

This finishing process is done by conducting a controlled burning process on the wood surface. In traditional practice, wood is burned using an open fire until the surface becomes pitch black, then the wood is cooled, cleaned, and coated with natural oil to increase its durability and shine. The end result is beautiful wood with contrasting texture patterns, deep dark colors, and a slightly glossy surface. Currently, the burning process is carried out using a burner tool and equipment that allows for better adjustment and controll. The finishing result is more even and stable in color and looked. The adjustment in the burning is also give flexibility to make some effect and special appearance if needed.

Here are the steps in the burning finishing process.

• Wood Selection and preparation

This finishing requires good quality wood with sufficient thickness. Some type of wood that are commonly used are: cedar, pine, teak, and other hardwoods. Before the wood is burned, the wood must be prepared properly. The wood must be dried and follow the MC standard for the wood product. The wood product also need to be sanded well to ensure that the surface is flat and smooth. Make sure the wood has enough thickness, and must be solid wood or plank. The veneer,  plywood, mdf or engineered wood is not recommended for the burnt finish.

• Burning process

The surface of the wood is burned using a torch, evenly. Many centuries ago, the burning of the wood surface was done in the open air, until the entire surface of the wood became black charcoal, to let the pattern of the wood grain and pores were clearly visible. At this time, burning can be done by the torch or burning tool that give more flexibly in the control and process. The burning can easily be adjusted and directed according to the surface to created desired effect and appearance. Burning can be done heavily to make the entire surface into charcoal, but also can be done lightly to make dark brown in color. Burning can also be done partially on certain parts to produce antique and special effect in the finishing appearance.

• Cooling and cleaning

After passing the burning process, the wood need to be cooled and cleaned. Put the wood in the open air for awhile to let it be cooled and stable. Then clean the charcoal and surface by brush to produce a cleaner and smoother texture. Sanding can also be done to smooth the surface and build a more attractive and unique appearance.

• Coating with finishing materials

Coating with finishing materials is needed to increase the durability of the wood and increase the aesthetics appearance. Oil or wax application to the surface is the most common method. Coating with a clear coat can actually be done as long as it is not too thick to increase the aesthetics and strength of the finishing results.

Advantages of the burning finishing technique

• Simple process

This burning finishing technique is carried out with a relatively simple process. The tools needed are: torch, sandpaper, and brush. It does not require expensive and complex finishing tools and materials. The process is also relatively simple and does not require a special room such as the modern finishing process.

• Environmentally friendly

The burning finishing process is a natural process without the use of chemicals that have the potential to damage and pollute the environment. The finishing material used is an oil finish which is applied with brush that does not spread and pollute the environment. If a clear coat is used, it is used in small amount, and wont give lot of waste like other modern finishing processes.

• Unique and beautiful appearance

The burning process which is a natural process that will enhance and strengthen the natural beauty of the wood. The final result is very charming, with a deeper wood texture and an elegant dark color. The natural pattern of the burned wood grain provides a unique organic look which is very special in contemporary architectural design.

• Good durability

The burning process removes nutrients on the wood that usually attract insects and other wood-destroying creature. This makes the wood more durable and long-lasting. Burnt wood is naturally more resistant to water, which reduces the risk of rotting and warping due to moisture. Although it sounds paradoxical, burnt wood is actually more resistant to fire. The layer of charcoal on the surface acts as insulation that slows down further combustion if exposed to fire.

Things to be considered in burnt finishing

• Requires skilled workers

The process of burning wood requires good control with precision and accuracy in the process. Uncontrolled burning risks to damage the wood and make the wood to be brittle. Proper burning is also needed to produce the desired appearance. To carry out the proper burning process, this process must be carried out by skilled workers with a careful and precise process.

• Requires adequate space

The burning process is the main process in this finishing technique and this process requires a fairly large room with sufficient air ventilation. Usually the burning process is carried out in an open space, so that there no issue with the air circulation. If it is done in a closed space, then a good ventilation is needed so that air circulation can do properly.

• Requires good quality wood

This finishing process basically cannot change the color and appearance of wood. The result is the black color as the charcoal.  The color and appearance results obtained are relatively limited and depend on the type of wood used. Therefore, to get good finishing results, it requires beautiful wood, the wood with beautiful grain with medium or high dense. Soft and the plain wood that does not have beautiful grain and pore patterns are not recommended for this finishing process.