How to STAIN BURNT WOOD // Shou Sugi Ban coloring explained

In part 4 of the shou sugi ban series I go over some of the finishing products I use and how I use them to get amazing color. It might come to a surprise to some, but it's not always WHAT you're using, but HOW you're using it. Let me know how else I can help!
Did you know there's a part 1-3 as well? Links for the first three videos are here -
WOOD SELECTION - • How To Select The Best...
BURNING TIPS - • Wood Burning Tips For ...
BRUSHING - • The Right Brushes For ...
TOOLS I USED:
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[@silentwisdom7025]

Nice, it's kinda cool to see someone who 1. acts like a human and 2. explains things simply.

[@silentwisdom7025]

Ps. Your intentional humor is what makes your videos fun to watch.

[@TrianglesAnRhombuses]

This channel is so under appreciated. You’re very thorough and thoughtful. Thank you for all your effort! I have been looking for months for this level of detail on these methods.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank YOU for taking the time to watch!

[@michaelantony6395]

Thank you so much for the terrific video. I am a teacher in Melbourne. My students and I were all impressed with your presentation. Not too many people reveal all their secrets. You were not selfish and showed a lot of your expertise. We will watch all your videos now.

[@sonnymaile9325]

Thank you for showing the examples and techniques! It saves a lot of "r&d" on our end and steers people in a direction they might want to go. Well done!

[@jellyg.8961]

Really liking all this series of videos, I'm really tempted to get a torch and start burning! Thanks a million for your willingness to share info and inspire others.

[@petebutler5139]

Love your videos!! I love the fact that you have full-blown OCD and you are one with your craft. I’m making a stacked wood slat mosaic wall from reclaimed wood following the demolition of 100-year-old house. The grain pattern is unbelievable!! Your lessons are invaluable for my project!

[@SecondComingTwice]

Sincere gratitude from a neighbor in Elk Grove. I have a an awesome 6 foot piece from the Depot that cost less than 3 bucks burned and "brushed" (wire brush and a pot scrubber with a handle swiped from the kitchen) and am looking forward to tomorrow and getting some color going. I did a couple of test pieces last week with acrylic paint as the pigment in a "whitewash" and after a bit of a learning-curve, think they look pretty cool. Again, thanks. I've been on an art-binge of sorts the past few months and your Shou Sugi Ban technique is satisfying as can be, and fits my current budget just fine, since the garage has plenty of cans of liquids to experiment with.

[@patrickmcglashan8002]

Awesome videos. I learned something very important in this episode. I couldn't get my yellow to show up after I finished burning. I realized, in this video, that I wasn't brushing deep enough to go below the burnt soft wood to reach the unburnt soft wood. The burnt wood really prevents the yellow from presenting itself. Thank you!

[@nickbrown2324]

Very nice video! I used to finish cabinets for a living and this covers a lot of the things that I learned through trial and error, and taught me quite a bit about shou sugi ban, which is a new technique for me. Looking forward to trying it!

[@therealmfwic9503]

Great video sir! I just got done building a shou sugi ban table and it turned out amazing! I rewatched your videos multiple times to get the results I wanted! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@goodvolks2know372]

Thanks so much for all the videos in this series. Can't wait to get started playing with this process. You were very clear and shared so much info, thanks for your time.

[@Spudmuffin00]

Just a fantastic video- subbed!! I'm planning on what I want my wet bar to look like and this look is right up my alley. Thanks for all the great info!

[@SwinginJohnson74]

Great video sir! Thank you for taking the time out to make this.

[@madambutterfly5343]

I’m a multi level crafter/artist, I do everything from stained glass to metal work. Thank you so much for these videos! I can not wait to give this a craft a try. Going to put my own artistic spin on it. This is going to be so much fun!

[@michaellionart3675]

So I watched four videos this morning. This afternoon I sanded, burnt, bought a nylon flap wheel thingymajig, gouged away at my piece of wood and WOW. so much fun, so easy, SO EFFECTIVE. Thank You so much for sharing and educating. Wine tonight then stain tomorrow. Happy Days. Keep it up and bring on the table you mentioned please. Thank You again from the other side of the pond. Tonight I will Go To Bed A Little Less Ignorant

[@candacemorales5853]

Dude! I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. You're an artist and a saint!!!

[@voornaam3191]

Yes! A good oldfashioned saint! I did not see that one coming. Wow.

[@gilbertboyer6232]

Great video. No waffling, you get the point across clearly and efficiently. Well done. Good communicator.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you!

[@luminol]

hands-down best advice on selecting the best wood burning process depending on the project. I personally agree with him on the deeper burn to provide the 3D appearance and more rich textures. Excellent Work makes me feel like Cash Money!!!

[@ironwill4706]

Incredibly detailed instruction...Great job brother

[@AlejandroGonzalez-eq1gb]

Amazing video. Great instruction and instructor. Easy to follow. Thanks. I think I’ll try these techniques.

[@Wotornot]

Really digging your channel and the Shou Sugi Ban series so far. The in-depth breakdown on all the variables possible was sorely needed on YT. In a geeky way I prefer that over not having the info and loads of questions after. Even by proxy the Bay Area needs more woodworkers, keep it up and thanks!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I really appreciate that! I feel like it's a gamble: trying to go over everything, but not have people drop like flies two minutes in, which is an inherent trait of video. Thanks for the support!

[@kristopferweiner8897]

Great video. I'm working on a desk and I keep changing my mind how to finish it. I think you've changed my mind yet again. I didn't realize how dramatic that 3D effect would be until you showed that end grain shot.

[@charliemenduni6205]

Awesome videos and really inspiring. Just finished my first surface burn on a barbecue cart and can't wait to try the full char on my next project. Thanks for all the information.

[@MikeStricklandRules]

Love this video man! Going back to watch the whole series.

[@PLaTerra]

Thanks buddy. I really enjoy your perspective on things. Pls keep making vids and sharing your expertise.

[@matthewpitrone4452]

Hey man this was very cool. Really enjoyed learning about this. Please keep making videos

[@timeenuf4200]

I almost watched this video first. I'm so glad I started at 1 which is a great place to start. Thank you so much for this comprehensive set of videos.

[@TheMargo420]

My blessing for today is finding you! Thank you!

[@MindTheBubble]

This might literally be the first time I’ve commented on any KZbin video, just wanted to say I dig your passion about it. Keep it up 👍

[@aeon726]

Informative, nicely presented video. Really dig the full char with endurovar finish

[@kathydeitering4232]

I am doing my first shou surgical ban project and continue to refer back to this video. Thank for your excellent tips.

[@UnicornDustDesigns]

These videos are so cool. I cannot wait to try all your techniques

[@mikestobbart5174]

Well done, cant wait to give this all a go for my new house, appreciate the detail and way you describe the process. keep it up.

[@voornaam3191]

And? Did you burn your house?

[@mobrien7211]

I just found your work the other night and have inspired me to tackle a deck I need to replace, you do beautiful work.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Oh wow that’s awesome!! And thank you!

[@jacobgaul5043]

I've been stripping a guitar body of paint for the past week and finally got it all cleaned up. These videos definitely convinced me to use your methods to give it a nice lustrous burnt look. Thank you!

[@voornaam3191]

A burnt guitar neck is extremely stable, and I love burning and just sanding it (finer and finer grain sand paper). Playing such a pitch black neck feels great. Far better than a clear coat that feels like plastic. However, the risk is a bent neck (and the truss rod can't correct it anymore, oops) or even a twisted neck. And it is wise to remove the fretboard, for you do not want to burn that fretboard. When you leave the fretboard in place, you need to be careful not to destroy the glue between neck and fretboard. In short, things are complicated. Burning a perfect neck is quite a risk, but I tell you, when you are careful (and a bit lucky) the result can be fantastic.

[@FrenchieFrench1555]

Thank you for your videos. I do torched wood myself but I learn tons of things from your videos. Thank you very much

[@Birdman953]

Thank you for the informative videos on this burning technique. I have used this burning of pinewood for more than 20 years, using many of the methods you use. Usually finished the article in dark stain or paint, using the 3D texture rather than the contrast. One of the finishes that was very popular with customers was a “crackle lacquer” finish. Once the char is removed and the grain is revealed, the article is sprayed with a duco type undercoat of a dark colour of blue or green. Once dry, this is shot with an ivory crackle lacquer, when drying would crack in a random pattern revealing the undercoat. The entire piece would then be sealed with a polyurethane varnish to protect the technique. A brilliant effect with the cracked surface along with the pronounced wood grain. Maybe another string to your bow?

[@jaxxknight2736]

Thank you for the knowledge of this style of woodworking. I have taken what I’ve learned from watching all 4 of your videos and have put it to work. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing and learning more from you.

[@amandaslifeandrecipes4209]

I’m so excited to do this, I’ve been playing around with scrap wood at my house and making wall art. I’m going to burn some pieces and put them together. This video was helpful!

[@oeildemars]

This is by far, really, really far, the most valuable and informative videos about shou sugi ban. I was really waiting for that last part on coloring the wood and as expected, you didn't disappoint! Thanks so much for sharing all those amazing details! Keep up the good work! I had a look at your IG and your work is really beautiful. Inspiring. Amazing.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well thank you! That means a lot. And thank you for following along!

[@chubbydexter8707]

Thanks a lot! You made things clear and i like the way you get into the progress! Keep up the nice videos and greetz from Germany

[@DaMarco1400]

Great job 👍 Well detailed very informative, & good sense of humour

[@victoriamir1011]

Love it how you explain every step!!.. Awesome!!💙💙💙

[@xXtheyeti1Xx]

Good stuff. Really enjoying the videos. I'm practicing this stuff too. Thanks again

[@brynybach7741]

Thank you sir for sharing your expertise on this subject. Most appreciated for a beginner like me.

[@deborahcampbell9602]

Thank you I finally understand the difference between stain/dye & paint I've been looking for a clear explination you have done that *****sir Bravo!🎉

[@Kottesque]

Just finished watching the four videos (in order)..very informative and looking forward to giving it a go myself..

[@nickmcnellis3937]

This video series is super informative. Thank you very much!

[@winegarstronghold2734]

So glad i stumbled onto this series! I'm doing a BIG accent wallnin my house and was going to do a surface char, as thats the only one I thought existed. I will be painting it, so i now know I need to do the deeper char and will probably need that Porter Cable. Awesome series, brother! Appreciate it and subscribed!

[@mikearnold3878]

I really like how informative your videos are. Thanks keep it up please.

[@spencerbeddes2697]

The best thing ever I love this I did this on on my workbench drawers the door fronts amazing

[@gailpengelly8581]

Exceptional tutorial dude!! Absolutely outstanding...thank you 🤟🏼

[@ryan421sbc]

Great video..you got me Interested in this.love the look

[@sergedaney3511]

Great vid, as expected. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@Crystallz2]

Thank you so much! These are great videos! They are very detailed and informative and I believe that I will actually be able to retain all of this! You would be a great instructor for workshops and such!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Such a great comment. Thank you very much! Some day I might. I want to start a workshop space for kids someday so I suppose that will be my chance to teach in person. Thanks again and good luck if you try it!

[@gerleiter]

You are spilling it all out! And that is AAAWESOME! Been following you on instagram and it's all great! Thanks for sharing pretty much ALL there is to it! You skip no step, pretty grateful here! 💪 waiting for more cool stuff! 😎

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Yeah the secret’s out! Ha! Thanks so much for the support!

[@jugrnot8]

You are an artist and a great instructor. One thing I would tip to anybody new to staining though, is don't shake the can if the material is thin, particularly if you're not wanting to wipe it off. Use something thin and flat, like a paint stir stick, and gently scrape the bottom, mixing slowly and you'll avoid those tiny bubbles that flaw the finish. Thanks for the lesson!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Yeah great tip! One thing with this style is that it's super forgiving and if you are using the stain a lot, the pigment doesn't have a chance to really settle too much. Normally I would say that's a pretty good rule of thumb though. Thanks!

[@luxdios4240]

I’ve watched your videos and been making my own computer desk using the shou sugi ban technique and with the help of your videos. First of, thank you for influencing and helping me to do my first project. Thanks to you I know almost have a beautifully finished desk. I have started and found my own ways of doing charring the lumber, scrubbing it and staining it. I found that by charring the wood, deeply scrubbing it and the staining it around 5 or 6 times. I myself like the tool marks and have used allot of a more harsher brush and has given it more texture that is already has. Then I stained it with a deep purple stain. There is still a lot that I have to experiment my self with other techniques, tools and paints. But I feel very happy with the results I got and plan to do more projects like this. Thank you.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Man what a GREAT comment! I’m so glad you found useful information in what I put out there, but I’m really glad it inspired you to try NEW things and mix it up! Super awesome and congrats on your new desk!

[@luxdios4240]

Inspire Woodcraft Thank you!

[@patrickswayze2596]

Great series of videos thanks mate 👍🏻 I love working with epoxy resin, and have been playing around with my blow torch a little bit, but these vids have been great inspiration thank you

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I recently did a full char lava river concept. I haven't finished the whole project so I don't have video yet, but if you look back a little bit on my instagram feed (@inspirewoodcraft) you can see some pictures. I've been trying to come up with other ways to mix epoxy resin and charred wood too.

[@rasserfrasser]

Dude, thank you for breaking down the videos prior to this. I wish more people would realize that YT videos really shouldn't be more than 15 minutes circa 2024.

[@j.d.wincek5371]

I'm so glad I found your tutorials. I'm making molds off the wood I prepare with shou sugi ban, for casting in black porcelain.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Woah that sounds awesome! Glad to help!

[@legendrebernard2549]

Every detail is important so go on my friend it is perfect !!! Thanks for that very good explanation :) :) :)

[@chasmj3268]

Very good info that I will make use of. Thanks.

[@chareast9997]

great video. you do a good job explaining and talking to your audience i subscribed.

[@jaggers6387]

Been doing this for roughly 15 years but I always used steel wool instead of flap wheels. Its beautiful with Minwax Early American stain and gloss polycrylic. Never knew or thought about colors like red, blue , ect. You gave me a new project. Thank you

[@MikeEMS911]

On a fully charred piece, can you use multiple coats of the clear top coat to the point you can sand it and buff it smooth, without actually touching the char?

[@joannewilder9474]

Love your videos! You’ve taught me so much!

[@carolinekiley7800]

This is the coolest thing ever- thanks for the great info!

[@nedcramdon1306]

Love it! Great work man.

[@johnbell1012]

I really like the full charred look! Another great video

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Same here! And thank you!

[@fokanerantsieng4642]

Thanks for the information, it’s a lot to learn

[@liapaulageduspan256]

Thank you so much! Don't worry about your explanation, I'm a beginner and I found it very useful

[@francoissegard351]

Very informative techniques, like your videos!

[@zdubcreations1054]

Amazing technique! I love shou sugi ban! I craft didgeridoo and have always wanted to shou sugi ban a pine didge 😀 Thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏽❤️

[@InspireWoodcraft]

That would be AWESOME!

[@hankvana2149]

Excellent video series - Thanks for posting!!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thanks for watching!

[@PauiKu]

You're an amazing teacher!!! Thank you!!!

[@matthewharris3672]

Love this channel!! Thanks for the tips! keep them comin!!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you for that!!

[@aldo9564]

Another Great vid ! Thanks. Wanted to share a Tip given to me Decades ago, regarding “cans” of stain/paint. The channel that the lid rests in when closed can get goopy, full of ‘pour back’. A way to reduce that channel getting filled with gunk, which can cause lid to seal less, is to tap a nail around that channel and make ‘drain holes’. I generally use a full sized nail, tap holes around in basically a (clock) pattern/spacing. So, after pouring or drawing brush/rag out of can, when it sits back on flat surface, let the residual from the pour drain back in to can via the punched holes, THEN put lid back on. Hope that makes sense to your Viewers.

[@kerricorser4562]

Thank you! You are a very good teacher. ❤

[@nldragonslayer3821]

Your videos are amazing I’m trying your technique and going good so far

[@rayp450]

Really great information, thanks for showing these videos.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I’m glad you got some use out of them! Thanks and you’re welcome!

[@fuerzademapuche2532]

Great videos.....Absolutely the Best Burns on KZbin! New sub ...absolutely.

[@stcfabworx1687]

Very awesome video! I’m new to working with wood. I’ve been working with metal for years. But now wanting to combine them and you know your shit man! Thank you for a great video knowledge is a gift! So thank you!

[@shabtab3637]

The information was good,keep going👍

[@jdl2444]

It's beautiful. You go man.

[@michellescarafiotti6354]

For someone just learning more info is better, this would be me. Your always on topic then you add a little funny, which is perfect. Your a great teacher don't change a thing. Rambling is someone who goes off topic and forgets what their video is about. It makes people want to reach into their channel and tape their mouth. I don't get that desire watching your videos, I get information about what I did my search for. Good information thanks again

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you for that. KZbin is a strange place to work as attention spans are getting shorter. If you make videos too long and teach, people get upset and leave. If you make them super fast paced and don't actually teach, people get upset and leave. Ha! I'm learning to ignore all that and just do me. Take it or leave it. Thanks again for the feedback.

[@skooterbob]

Great video! Thx for creating this.

[@whiteswandebb7925]

Thanks for the lesson. Very helpful. Great video.

[@karengore8323]

WhiteswantaB? Or whiteswanteb, whatever... I'm getting a notification that there's something you wannnaB telling me unless It's an error. It's saying "you Don't wanna watch this video." However, I can't find it anywhere in my email, activity or on the comment board. 1st I thought you were from a dude that I rebutted on a biblical video saying "there ain't nothing white about the bible but the paper It's written on & I replied "Since you're bringing color into it then there's nothing black about it cuz the black ink is on the white paper & neither one of them are colors so that leaves only red letters which were the words of Jesus which the Black Isrealites reject so what difference does it make to you what color whether the only thing white about the bible is the color of the paper. So if you're the same WhitewannaB? Here's your chance to get your message to me cuz I can't find you anywhere else, & you're right, I'm not going to want to watch a racist video.

[@georgedavis9943]

Thank you for all the effort. Very informative. 👌🏻

[@InspireWoodcraft]

You’re welcome! Thanks for following along!

[@ozoutdoorsman]

Really cool videos man, you've inspired my design for a recycled pallet bus/home. Cheers from Downunder

[@InspireWoodcraft]

That's AWESOME! Good luck with everything. Cheers!

[@willswasteland]

Stop worrying about to much info, your doing an awesome job explaining this. I would love to see you do some actual projects to show what people can make with this technique.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you for the feedback. Yeah I’ve been getting that a lot lately. I have been brainstorming ideas for projects.

[@polerin]

I concur. There is a place for videos with no discussion, such as where you're just watching someone go through their process, but when you are doing an info video? Gimmie that info.

[@anadejesus9321]

Will Shepherd I agree. Not to much at all. The information given was necessary to understand how it works and why. Perfectly explained.

[@imThel3one]

Awsemoe videos! Question tho. How well does it hold up to sun exposure? I have done a surface burn on a picnic table and added three coats of oil based poly but the burn seems to fade out eventually.

[@mvansome]

@@InspireWoodcraft Awesome video! I think the info is really necessary and helpful and I can't wait to try this out on my multi-colored pallet-wood accent wall. But here's a helpful unsolicited tip from an educator: show and tell simultaneously! Although it's probably harder to produce (camera angles and all), we can see the usefulness of the information in action! Might reduce your vids a few minutes as well... Cheers and thanks for taking the time to do these vids!!

[@michaelstokes8528]

brilliant video pal, thank you.

[@Flippingdrawers]

This was very helpful, thanks

[@user-uf9pb7dp5e]

Great job !!! I love it !!

[@bracsim]

Good info, thanks for sharing. Subscribed, keep it coming.

[@SueTay.]

Another amazing video, thank you

[@Reddington_Music]

your videos are so good thank you so much

[@Creator_Nater]

You are a gifted teacher. I have all those products in my shop, I'm not sponsored. Why are people so whiney about giving away free knowledge, and possibly being able to pay bills (SOMEDAY) in the future?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you. I couldn't very well show how to do something and then hide all the things I use to do it with... I don't get it either.

[@inspire734]

@@InspireWoodcraft I believe it is important as well. I am going to be doing some new crafting, redoing a car and a house. I want to use this type of wood on my kitchen cabinets. I am having to do most of the work myself as the series is, 'She thought she could, so she did.' Fixer Upper edition, and the car one is Automotive edition. I haven't done this stuff before, but alot of crafting I have. Should be interesting in the end. If you want to follow and see what I come up with, just subscribe to my channel and ring the bell, the new videos in March-April will start for the car and the house will be in May.

[@cjbrown1693]

Awesome 4 part series! Nice work man! I like you beard in video 1, go back to that...makes you look badass.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Ha! Thanks a ton! Too hot right now plus my dust mask won’t fit with it!

[@missxcantxsing]

LOVE your energy. I have learned so much and I cant wait to show my Boyfriend. You make an excellent teacher!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Really much appreciated! Happy New Year!

[@bonniehyden962]

Soooo.....my husband and I decide to renovate the bathroom. Even with new plywood walls. I get the idea to burn the walls. My first try, yesterday, revealed to me there has GOT to be a secret to this because it's looking more spotted than striped, as with the grain. And then....I find these videos. You do realize my husband is probably not going to like you very much, now. ;-) lol Yeah, I'm now going to surface burn the walls with a better technique....but there's also going to be a design on the wall that is going to employ your techniques shown in your videos. I also agree with everyone else: don't worry about having too much information. What I've seen in the three videos on this technique caused me to go ahead and subscribe to your channel. You're thorough, easy to understand and you throw in a little humor, too. Very well done, sir! (psst...I won't tell my husband where I got this information for your protection. ROFL!)