3 Ways to Burn Designs on Wood without a Laser!

If you've ever wanted to burn designs into wood, but you don't have a laser, we have good news for you! There are THREE different ways you can burn designs into wood--and all are relatively affordable and easy to do. It's easy to burn designs into wood with any Cricut machine, the StarCraft SOLO or Silhouette.
In this video, we show you how to burn wood with an ammonium chloride solution, how to burn designs into wood with a Scorch Marker and how to burn designs into wood with a wood burning tool. All three have their pros and cons, so be sure to stick around to the end to see what we thought of each method.
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[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

I was unaware of being able to chemically burn wood. This was so cool. Not sure when, but I am very excited to give this a try. It is very similar in concept to etching glass, which we did as Christmas gifts this year. Burning wood may be the next gifts. Great informative video as always!

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! This would be a great method for you two to try - we can’t wait to see what you do with it! Thanks for watching and commenting, as always. 😄

[@DIYGene]

Great video you guys! I really like the 3 examples. Your final review of each was really helpful. Really nice work.

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks so much for watching! We’re glad the three examples are helpful. Happy making!

[@stephaniem2049]

I’ve used the scorch marker multiple times but was curious about the other methods so thanks for showing these! With the scorch marker I’ve found that if I do 1 light coat, let dry, do another light coat, let dry then burn, it gets pretty dark. Even though the instructions say to use a heat gun like yours, I use a crafting heat gun that is smaller and not as hot. It does take a little longer but it does not overheat/burn the wood as easily. You can also sand areas with mistakes!

[@JustMightDIY]

That’s great info - thanks for sharing!

[@jonifejes6815]

I think the other issue is you waited an hour (?) for the chemicals to set. I use the scorch marker right away and don’t have an issue.

[@momacraftscarfts9152]

Thanks for sharing sprinkle with love from Alberta Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️

[@JustMightDIY]

Thank YOU for watching. :)

[@perrys5954]

Had to say hello to a fellow Albertan!! :)

[@blancavelazco2084]

thanks for sharing just ordered the stuff to make the solution!!

[@JustMightDIY]

Awesome!! Happy crafting!

[@user-kv6eq7gp2n]

Why ro you use perminant vynal just to take it off? Also, do you need to apply something to the wood to seal it after?

[@JustMightDIY]

We used it because it gives an aggressive seal so we didn't have to worry about the edges not being straight. We didn't seal it after and only would if you want the wood to have a different hue to it or it needed to survive outdoor.

[@perrys5954]

I am new to cutting machines/vinyl etc. I have operated under the assumption that for something like stencil which you intend to remove.. you'd use 'removable' vinyl and not the permanent type. Would you mind elaborating on why you go with permanent?? Great video! I love to see couples doing crafting videos! Hope perhaps I'll get the opportunity to try that with a special lady of my own. Great combo of humor and chemistry you two! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! Great question. We use permanent vinyl for some stencil applications when we’re concerned about bleed and want a stronger initial adhesion than removable provides. *Most* of the time, adhesives need time to fully cure to come to full strength, so the permanent vinyls we’ve used in these types of applications have been strong enough to mitigate bleeding while not being impossible to remove after a short-ish amount of time. Hope this helps! 😉

[@perrys5954]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Yes that totally makes sense. I've been thinking about if/how bleeding under vinyl stencils happens. Looks like I was on track with that line of thinking. I guess/hope with time I'll learn when each type (permanent/removable) works best @@JustMightDIY

[@19sxfr]

Nice work!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks! 😄

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Awesome info! If I had a cricut this would really come in handy!

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks! You should totally get a Cricut or other vinyl cutter - they are a great way to enhance bigger projects for sure!

[@TheGrantAlexander]

@@JustMightDIY I'm just waiting until someone from the group outgrows theirs and gifts me one 😂😂

[@JustMightDIY]

Good to know! 😂

[@DwayneSimmons-r2y]

Aid only someone would invent a pyrography pen machine lol

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennedyelliott3028]

This was a very good experiment! Thanks for sharing. I do have a couple questions, if I were to use the ammonium chloride solution on a cutting board, do you 1. Know if it’s food safe ? And 2. Should I seal it somehow or will the design stay well through washes ?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! While we can’t comment on whether it’s in food safe, the design *should* stay since it’s burned into the wood. Hope this helps!

[@CJMarco-nq1yf]

I think that if you are trying to inscribe a cursive phrase onto a piece of wood, like you were writing normally, that the wood burning tool is about the only possible way to accomplish that. The other methods would be ideal for larger stencils and images being transposed onto your work piece. JMO. Great video with the comparisons.

[@JustMightDIY]

Great insight - thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@lucky-productions]

Permanent is better than stencil vinyl you think?

[@JustMightDIY]

Yes 😉

[@quicksilverstudios]

How long does the left over, home made solution with thick it store? Ive seen many videos, but never mention how long this stuff is usable for.

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey! We haven’t tried storing it for any length of time so we have no idea. Sorry!

[@scottcoulson5956]

Do you think the paste would work with a mylar(reusable) stencil?

[@JustMightDIY]

Maybe, but mylar is probably going to tear and you might have to clean off the paste regularly. Thanks for watching!

[@genti428]

What's thick it and can we replace it with something similar

[@JustMightDIY]

There might be something similar. But we haven't tried anything to replace it. thickit.com/education/product-facts/#:~:text=Thick%2DIt%C2%AE%20Original%20Food%20%26%20Beverage%20Thickener%20contains%20modified%20cornstarch,%2C%20maltodextrin%2C%20and%20ascorbic%20acid.

[@Keto-Cheato]

Quirk for the WIN Home Depot plying? Where are you all located?

[@JustMightDIY]

Hey hey! Glad you enjoyed it. 😉

[@maryjohill1859]

cool

[@JustMightDIY]

Thanks

[@bayfild]

Where can I buy the stencils I live in Canada

[@JustMightDIY]

They were made by us on a vinyl cutter using a deign purchased on design bundles. Which is all linked in the description. Thanks for watching!

[@bayfild]

Ok thanks no I will have to go buy a cricket lol

[@JustMightDIY]

Cricut is a good choice, there are some affordable laser with products like craft plastic as well. Either way. You'll use them way more than you would suspect!