How To Get A White Shou Sugi Ban Inspired Finish

The dreaded WHITE shou sugi ban finish. Here are some helpful tips to achieve a better-looking white shou sugi ban inspired finish.
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[@InspireWoodcraft]

Yes, my camera missed focus. No, I don't care to hear you complain about it. For the rest of you, hopefully this helped you guys!

[@koltonbickell5209]

Inspire Woodcraft Your camera is missed focus

[@corvuschromatic_G-69]

Well it sure helped me ! ! ! FINALLY, Somebody who really knows what there doing ! ! ! And more importantly, Knows how to easily explain it all ! ! ! GREAT JOB THANKS ! ! !

[@BYYoseph]

why every time I burn pine I get broken vein lines and dark spots instead of how yours come out with nice solid vein lines etc ? You should put links in this video that you mention so we don't have to try and search for those particular videos.

[@BoltRM]

@@BYYoseph To find the playlist of the other videos explaining more, go to his home channel page, click on Playlists & you will see it.

[@theresamayton302]

I found these videos after surface burning some cypress counter tops & cabinets my husband built. The client had purchased Unicorn Spit to color said projects. I talked them into letting me burn the wood for more contrast than just blending the colors, going along grain lines as many other people did. The result was nice, but with your detailed instructions, future projects should be even better. Thanks for explaining the whys in all that you do.

[@leslietaylor1570]

Love how you explain what looks complicated to make it easy enough that we might try it instead of thinking nah I can’t do that! Thanks

[@breannspencer8007]

You are single handedly the one who has taught me all that I know and love in this beautiful art! From the very first name holding snippet video to now, I have watched and learned more than any little chick should know. It's not uncommon to hear my 11 year old son say "Mom, could ya maybe put the blow torch down, take off your safety glasses, and come fix supper already?" So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the time, dedication, and effort you put forth, and for not to taking the cruel words of others slow you down. Like I always say, don't accept the criticism from someone you wouldn't go to for advice. You stay you, and Shine Bright!

[@user-ig8re3ld2v]

Breann Spencer, same same same and same!!! I’m obsessed with my torch and all the things I can achieve with it and it’s all because of his videos! Stay safe and keep burning! 👩🏻‍🏭

[@Juju-bm1sh]

I am obsessed with these tutorials and thank you for being so informative.

[@helenakeating]

Me sitting here thinking of how soothing this video actually is (reminiscent of Bob Ross soothing)...tell the hubby it's kind of soothing..then you say I'm not going to show much more cuz I don't want to lose you guys...lol. Point I'm getting at...well done! Enjoying your videos a lot!

[@davidyeo4302]

Guess I need some steel wool so I can go back over some of my work and experiment... You truly are an inspiration!

[@Derbaum2]

Man, this is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing all this stuff. I think there is no one that does so much shou sugi ban experiments like you!

[@markyounger319]

I really appreciate the time you take to thoroughly explain your processes. There is a ton of information in the details of this amd you have obviously spent a good deal of time to learn it. Thanks for sharing!

[@CraZyGiRL5093]

THANK YOU!!! I've been using your Shou sugi ban playlist to learn this finishing method for the last couple of years and this is the video I've been waiting for💝!!! You Rock!

[@pedropenduko8755]

This here is a man that really loves what he is doing and wants to share what he knows about it. Can't get any better than this.

[@ryansmith8148]

Thank you! That is exactly the sort of look i have been struggling to get myself. You're videos are awesome man. Hope to keep seeing more!

[@brandiharris8306]

All the questions everyone else misses...answered! Thank you!!

[@peterminzenmay5005]

Mate this stuff is gold best I've seen I'm really excited to give it a go. The whole series is very informative, well done my man.

[@Leslie-to4zz]

I just sat for the last hour watching every video of yours based on shou sugi ban. I am mind blown how capable I feel now with all this knowledge you have offered. I am so ready to experiment! I have a canvas of ideas of what type of burning techniques I can go for, how to color my piece, type of tools to use to brush it out! Absolutely impressive videos, full of information. Thank you!!

[@callyg7696]

I love how these all look. I didnt think of trying white so thanks for the idea now. I've made a few things with your technique and am planning on using it for a garden table with thick sleeper type wood. I made an electric blue table with copper legs using this way and it looked cracking. Defo a top finish in my book.

[@ozbod1959]

Thanks to you I am becoming more confident with this method

[@aneedafrigerater2651]

By far the best video on this technique!! Thank you!

[@dontblameme6328]

For those that don't know... Steel wool has a very light oil or other rust preventative on it when it in the pack. It's a good idea to rinse it a bit in acetone of brake cleaner if your project might be affected by a trace of oil.

[@5.5_F]

Very true ..

[@waynemahler2015]

Thanks, very informative and easy to understand. Stay safe in these crazy times.

[@jonathankerner2094]

Outstanding presentation. Thank you. This is a great addition to woodworking because among other things it is so inexpensive. Torches. brushes and sandpaper are not expensive. I like that you can do it by hand and really have a very tactile experience. Thank you so much for your thorough presentation throughout your videos.

[@sandraisabel898]

You are very generous with your Knowledge🙏

[@MakerCuisine]

Great information, seen a lot of white Shou sugi ban not come out so great so good to finally know a good technique for it

[@kenmotley5316]

Well done my friend! Loved this channel!

[@Spain42]

That’s beautiful!

[@kompman420]

Great stuff man. I’ve watched a lot of videos on this type of technique and yours are some of the best. Appreciate it! I’m in the process of making a large dining table right now. Glue up is done and sanding. Ready to light the fires! My original thought was keep it natural and coat it with epoxy but then I see your staining videos HA!

[@KnightSirGrumpy1]

this is cool..I am trying it with cedar planks...thanks for what you do...you truly are allowing me to add more to my tool box (literally and figuratively). God Bless and keep you and your family

[@markwhite6018]

Thank you for your video. I am looking to do a project and hoping to get these results. You did a great job and your video answered all my questions perfectly.

[@abydosianchulac2]

This will be incredibly helpful. I'm planning a resin pouring project that would have needed something looking remotely like paper birch bark, but hadn't found a good way of approximating the look. This should set me on the path for figuring it out, thanks.

[@5.5_F]

Just wow ❤ thank you man

[@brucesmith4243]

Thanks for the info. I needed for red white and blue crosses

[@marywood8241]

Thank you for sharing this. This is very helpful.

[@rbailey2545]

You have the best videos!!!! Thanks!

[@mudpuppy1431]

Great video man, your explanation is excellent.

[@kluno1966]

I enjoyed the tutorial. I was looking around, saw yours and knew that I would get good information!

[@andyadkins5561]

The 24 hour wait seems key with my experimenting. White takes so much more patience..great video!

[@davec271]

There should be an award for content like yours, that really goes through a process and teaches and shows all your research. Can’t thank you enough for all your efforts. I’ve just started doing woodworking and want to make things that are different for friends and family gifts, you’ve really inspired to dive into this technique. I was wondering have you ever tried to seal the wood without brushing, so you have the fully charred look, if so what would you suggest for sealing it and keeping a matte look? I’ve seen you use spray polyurethane before, would that seal it enough to stop it from flaking and breaking apart? That is if I’ve not missed that in another video.

[@EijiFuller]

Awesome tutorial. Very informative. I appreciate it so much! Thank you 🙏

[@Markomyt1]

Great video. I have used a torch in a similar manner, but not the addition of color. Very interesting. Look forward to learning more from you. Thanks!

[@6x47...]

Excellent demonstration with detail and simplicity 👍👍

[@jonathanopperman2970]

Thanks again for another great video I enjoy and appreciate all the details you add ! I have had some good success thanks to your videos!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

That's so good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcummings4273]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing your craft

[@andjelkojakovljevic7462]

great job as always

[@mastaace46]

Don't understand the downvotes at all. Thought you explained everything in detail very well. Nice work man!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I appreciate it! I have never really understood the downvote thing in general. Ha

[@peterbeertema6494]

No kidding.

[@AereForst]

There are people, I’ve realized, who downvote videos just because they can. No rhyme or reason. Probably the same people who don’t flush public toilets.

[@prybar27]

I concur. Great information

[@scottroy6195]

I down vote comments that are offensive or obviously wrong, but not someone's video

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful job, dude! Really nicely done! 😃 Thanks for all the tips!!! 😃 Stay safe there! 🖖😊

[@Jim-mc8cp]

Everything is appreciated. Thanks so much . Your awesome

[@SailingSeaMonster]

First, love this! I wish I could post a photo of the White Shou Sugi Ban I did recently all based on your instruction. It’s so beautiful! Thank you!!

[@supermandrin8918]

Thanks brother, very helpful and informative.

[@livingwithlov3959]

Great video! Thanks fo sharing!

[@traceyb8771]

Great explanation and info, thanks

[@Ippido]

Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏 respect 👍

[@terristroh3965]

New motto: Inspired Woodworking....we make mistakes so you don’t have to!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Needs to be on a t-shirt!

[@timstephenson8752]

Awesome video, really like this type wood burning designs. Something different to try,will be looking for more wood projects by you.

[@fatimadocarmo583]

Maravilhoso trabalho!!! Parabéns aqui do Brasil pra vc!!

[@simonac688.]

Pro tips realy appreciated...tks stay safe

[@earllorange7418]

Your video's are brilliant very detailed thank you and all explained very thank you.👍👍👍

[@jamesrankin9833]

Good stuff!

[@royhennagir7685]

Thank you!

[@peterbeertema6494]

Thank you for doing this video Jodie. Last night I had a brain fart with the white. I was looking for all sorts of ways to speed things up. I ended up grabbing a rubber block I used when wet sanding my car. Anyway l kept it at about a 45 degree angle and pulled. Kind of like a squeegee action. Pull and wipe each time. I did it right after i applied the paint. If you screw up just add paint and squeegee away. It was actually pretty quick. I experimented with all different types but the first was by far the best

[@paullentinello]

You do a great job don’t understand why people give thumbs down when you try to give them good ideas Ignore them Keep up the good work

[@davidsamuelmcclelland5596]

always informative great explanation would really love to see some sho shugi ban log lap and stain ?

[@stephanieray6587]

So cool, man, thank you very much. Just heard that oak shold always be filled, actually.

[@gotrangtri2546]

Tôi luôn thích phương pháp phối màu của bạn. Đơn giản và nhanh.Khách hàng tôi rất thích.Thanks bạn vì đã chia sẽ.Lời cám ơn từ 1 D.I.Y Việt Nam.

[@paulbeaver2918]

I stumbled across your videos on burning wood and thought it was interesting so I watched your series. Great explanations and I like the looks of your work…Prompted me to Subscribe 👍🏽

[@robboster]

Great video! I love how you covered the little details as well like the direction to brush in etc I'm planning on finishing a one-piece swamp ash with this guitar - white shou sugi ban with a water-based poly wear layer. Because it's water-based, I'm gonna need to use acrylic paints for it and I was wondering whether you'd think that white paint, or white primer was more appropriate for this purpose? Thanks and keep on making these lovely videos! Thumbs up for you :)

[@GonzoD505]

Love the way this looks and came out. You made something difficult look and explained so easily. Looking forward to trying it. Going to go this look for a bathroom mirror frame. One question though, once the steel will process is done, would that be when you poly it to finish? Again I’m doing mine in a bathroom so it’ll need to be moisture protected.

[@LDeezy662]

Very interesting you just made that look fail proof which I'm sure it is not...good stuff

[@CandC68]

Steel wool trick I learned. For a really fine finish. Take a bun of 0000 and unroll it. Go outside (this is a little smokey) and hang it on something that wont burn. (wire coat hanger, screw driver, etc) Light the bottom and let it burn all the way up. It now is dark gray and has some shiny threads that didn't burn. Pull those out. Re-roll or fold to a new bun. What you have, I call wool ash. It is very soft and fine, has no shiny bits to get stuck in the wood grain or finish. Try a couple tests to compare the different grades of steel wool to see.

[@sergedaney3511]

Ah brother you the man ;)

[@shane1648]

I left my sugi outside in the sun for 9 years, it has a beautiful white and black that doesn't look like that

[@amityamityamityamity9086]

can we see???

[@Wildspirit2016]

I'm doing white right now and it ID aggravating and does take more work. It will be beautiful but you have to have patience. I do have steel wool but use it but another tool that works well are the flexible thin sanding sponges. I used 120 & 220 to get that char back out. All that work that a guy puts in together that grain blackened was the poin lt to begin with . Get that black back out guys! Cheers

[@cherylcurry2437]

Great videos! You know your stuff and to share your knowledge I appreciate it so much. I have a question: If I do a butcher block countertop in my kitchen, what wood should I use? I don't want a colour as I think it would be to much but I would have to have a good sealant correct? Thank you

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Not fond of burning, but love the white waxed look. Will give it a try!

[@CandiceWA]

Hi, first of all, I so much appreciate you are not holding back but share all your experiences and knowledge. The details are the gold, which will save me time to go get the direct result I want. I just logged down lot trees, instead of all cut up for firewood, I like to mill some 4x4s for garden beds and some log furniture. In one breath, I watched all your 10 videos. Question or request: I know you said not to torch green wood but KD wood. Can you please touch on what will happen if I troch my green 4 by 4s on all sides? I am so attempted just to do it but also don't want to make dumb mistakesT. Thank you so much! You are awesome :D

[@6431576]

love the easy way you explain all the info...a nice way about your teaching. Question...looking to make an interest wall in basement we are developing...and want the alligator look using vertical boards. what should we buy?

[@jeffcarr392]

I love the contrast, I didn't see the difference between the one you wiped off the white vs. the one you left for it to pool. Tuey both look great.

[@independent900]

Great vid, even your bad looks good to me:-) If you do another vid like this, can you show a finished product that has this technique applied to it? Sometimes it's hard to visualize what the sample looks like on a product

[@kristinb9420]

If you use a microfiber cloth after using the drill brush you can wipe down a ton of tool marks and leave a shiny finish. I am not sure how that looks with stain over but I have used alone with just poly coat after

[@vaporwaveisdead9672]

Was tired of the raw pine look so I decided to stain my bed frame with the shou sugi ban tech in vintage aqua and it came out amazing!now I just don’t know how to finish it how would one finish a shou sugi ban stain for indoor use? would you use a sanding sealer at all and what type of finish would you use for indoors? Thanks for all the informational videos!!

[@michaelalbany]

Question: Do you personally prefer the stains or the dyes? I know you use both for different looks, but for stuff you do for YOUR house, which do you prefer? Or should I be asking which ones Caitlin prefers? Also, I love the steel wool. I use 000 though. I like the more polished look I get. Just a personal preference.

[@Sue-nw7ff]

I am using this technique and the white stain for my saltwater aquarium. What protective coating do you recommend that won't yellow? During water charges water gets spilled on the stand often. Btw ty for these videos🥰🤩😍

[@h3llnite]

Sorry if you’ve already been asked this, but do you put any protective coats over the finished product? Looks amazing btw and thank you. I can’t wait to do my wooden bed frame 🙂

[@weldmama]

great instructional video as always - I love the white finish - looks like zebra stripes! thanks for the effort you put into making these - wondering if using a scotchbrite burr in a dremel/drill might avoid scuffing off some of the blackened ridges on top whilst keeping the white stain intact?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I don't think I've experimented much with ScothBrite but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

[@Mezzernaut1]

Great video. The other vids I saw don't cover the white/steel wool tip. That and use a newer nylon wheel brush. You have a great demeanor. Should be a school teacher.

[@henrybridges6820]

Really fascinating. When you get to the steel wool step, what would happen if you used a 440 grit (or higher) disc on your orbital sander?

[@pbalcommissioner3879]

This technique absolutely rocks!!! I have a project or two that I can wait to try this with.... How well will this work with pine from the box stores?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

It works great so long as you find the right grain pattern!

[@MrMannic]

You made shou-Sugi-ban much easier for me to understand, thank you! Note to self....grab some steel wool. Do you have a list of needed items for woodworking? I’m just now getting my “shop” set up and would love some pointers

[@ericjohnson2543]

Last year I bought 6 2-3 ft lengths of 6x6 beam. Decided to make some centerpiece candle holders using this method. Did the red and blue and everyone seems to love it. After doing the burning, went over it with a wire brush. Then went over it completely with a soft bristled bench brush. I applied the stain with a foam brush and let it sit a while. Wiped off the stain with a clean cloth rag. After drying. I used spray shellac or polyurethane. I've found the spray is easier to use. The other colors I want to try is orange, green, and now white after watching this video. Inspire Woodcraft, do you have an email so I can send you pictures after these are done?

[@easytiger-bg1ot]

great videos what finish have you found best for a shou sugih ban pine dinning table. polyurethane , varnish or lacquer . what would you recommend . thanks my friend mark

[@michaelp.jajkowski8106]

I’m making a 30x72 desk, from Pine bowling alley wood. I bought a 14’ slab from a guy in Michigan. You’ve really inspired me to do this. Would it be possible to do this technique to bowling alley wood? Awesome video. I’m finding new hobbies. I made a lego table for my kids and purchase steel legs online. Thanks

[@jiehuizhu445]

@Inspired Woodcraft I have been following your videos and have great success with smaller projects. As you know this process is very labor intensive as the project gets larger. I am planning to build a pergola with Shou sugi ban. Do you recommend any tool that may make this "steel wool" step easier on the large scale?

[@djsphynx7111]

We plan on using this method on a table we are making out of Douglas fir. What would you recommend for the protective finish? Would polyurethane be a good choice in your opinion? I want to make sure I use something on the table top that is durable to try to prevent scratches as best as possible since the wood is so soft.

[@cwhyharris7473]

I'm 64 years old and I think I just found my hobby

[@bradvirgil1255]

I thoroughly enjoyed all of your shou sugi ban videos. Have you tried using a dust hood to catch the dust when using the Nyalox brushes. When I am using the Nyalox brushes, I have the drill going in reverse, so to project the dust away from me, which works, but the dust just ends up going up in the air. I am going to try a dust hood attached to a 4" hose to from my dust collection. I though maybe you might have tried something.

[@terrmaso]

Great video, always had questions about white but never asked. Which white stain/dye do you use? Also, for those interested, Home Depot now carries Bessey clamps in store. They have package sets of 2x6" and 2x12", 4 total, for $19.97. I have used HF in the past but will definitely be converting.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I typically have Varathane Antique White or General Finishes White Wash in the shop.

[@peterbeertema6494]

Awesome Thank you. Been fighting with white since I started. I've been wrapping a smooth bed sheet tight around a hard rubber sanding block. A couple of sprays with wax and grease remover on the sheet and only one pull per sheet or you just spread white around.

[@peterbeertema6494]

I really want to know how to do the red brick pattern. Absolutely love that look but been racking my brain as to how it's done. Keep up the great work

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Yeah it's the spreading that really throws you off with white. You wouldn't think it would be any different but for some reason it really is. I forgot about the red brick! I definitely need to add that to the list.

[@peterbeertema6494]

@@InspireWoodcraft The red brick looks like an awful lot of work but with the corona virus looks like the new cabin is on hold so i have lots of time. I'd like to do the lower 4 feet inside the living quarters in it.

[@peterbeertema6494]

Any chance of just a paragraph or two about the red brick. I'm hung up on order of burning and staining. I'm thinking a protective template is used but not sure

[@ltweight98]

Thank you this is what I was looking for. But I have a question. Is it possible to sand down an old diningroom table o bare wood and apply this procedure? I want to make an old table into a craft table. Help!

[@CrustyClad]

What's your take on finishing individual pieces before assembly? I'm sure it depends on the specifics but do you have a loose guide ya follow. AND, lol...have you had problems with warping and cupping? Thanks for all the vids... Learned a lot 👍👍

[@airplayn]

I have used this technique with sprayed on pigmented white paint instead of stain. Depending on what finish I'm looking for I then either wipe or blot off most of the paint off with a liberal wash of a hot lacquer thinner which removes almost all of the binders and most of the pigment and results in a delicate, translucent white finish. Again, I also use fine stainless or brass rotary wire brushes on my drill press which don't wear out and last much longer than nylon. See my emergeART Facebook page.

[@user-go9fm6ol4m]

Hi! Just found your channel. Great information! We are looking to use this white stained technique on a countertop that is 16’ long. Are we biting off more than we can chew trying to do this on such a large project? I love the final product but it seems daunting. How much time would you estimate we are looking at?

[@kevinarmstrong6363]

For the antique white what do you recommend to seal the wood for exterior use?