The Shou Sugi Ban Inspired Finish That Started It All

A shou sugi ban inspired finish can only be as good as the time you put into it. In this short video I run through a few key points that has gotten me perfect results over the years. In a nutshell, time and effort equals quality results.
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[@fr.mcgreer8349]

I use this technique when I burn the toast and it's the last slice of bread 👍🏻

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Works every time!

[@CraZyGiRL5093]

Love your videos! I started researching the Shou Sugi Ban method for a table I decided to refinish. Your videos have proven to be instrumental in laying the groundwork for my knowledge and skill in this art and it has basically exploded my interest from being just the next step in completing my project to a full blown obsession or hobby. My husband (who has also taken great interest) and I now spend many evenings and late nights in the garage cozy around the wood stove mixing different dyes, burning boards, experimenting with different degrees of burning and trying as many brushing and sanding methods we can come up with. Last week was extra exciting as we got to play our first Nylox flap brush. I went with the orange one to start, it a real time saver when it comes to getting that brown burn out of the soft wood. I've also discovered that the regular scrub brush and some steel wool in the finishing stage can really polish and luster up those burnt hard grains, bringing back a beautiful albeit darker, "natural wood finish" to the burnt part of the grain. I have to say- just getting to it is a big part, playing around with the different media to see what kind of unique effects they each produce. There's even talk of me earning myself some square footage in the hubby's garage renovation. My own little wood working nook where I can "Burnn All The Things!"

[@InspireWoodcraft]

This is such an awesome comment! Thank you! I really love hearing about people trying new things and experimenting and thinking outside the box. That's exactly how I got to where I'm at. The best way to learn is to do it! Hopefully you do get that spot in the garage!!

[@copperheadh1052]

You go crazygirl ! Burn it baby ! Osage orange wood rules when BURNT! ...yea!...get some you will like.

[@SteveRamsey]

That's beautiful! 😍

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well thank you, sir!

[@OmarGarcia-bi7jq]

Steve Ramsey - Woodworking for Mere Mortals woow i never thought that i will find in this video , take care ...

[@JUSTTRYITDIY]

I have been doing a burnt finish to floors and a few pieces of furniture and did not know there was a term for this Great information and this inspires me to do more. Thanks

[@kovamaps9379]

this type of finish is very good for ourdoor things...Nice looking

[@vladislavhrivnak850]

100 % true Jody. Nothing beats a hand-held wire brush. Movement after movement reveals the beauty of wood. And at the end of the day, when you combine several pieces of different shades and colours, you admit that it was worth it.

[@BeeBait]

I've been doing this for years, taught by a japanese chap when homeless and making walking sticks for the other old fellas. Everyone is always in wonder when they see the texture and shine, and the exquisite feel as well. And even more shocked when I show them the three tools I use to achieve it. A beach fire, wire brush I made, and a scrap of denim. That's all you need. No fancy tools. Just you. And what you can make.

[@brentscott5359]

Some 35 years ago, I made a few sets of coffee tables and end tables using the same technique. Doweled and glued, no nails or screws and they're still intact. I didn't put nearly the care and attention as you did but they still turned out not too badly. Impressed with your result.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well thanks! I think dowels have somehow been shunned over the years and I'm not sure exactly why. I still use them for all kinds of things.

[@cindybeckwith1533]

Hey Jody. Love your tutorials, no BS. This one was particularly soothing. Thanks, just what I needed to ease into my evening. Appreciate that you share your skills with the rest of us.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

What a nice comment! Thanks for continuing to watch!

[@robertgenelli1695]

Just stumbled upon your video by accident and was amazed at what you were doing. Well done , it’s giving me some great ideas , thank you .

[@saintsfisherman]

Nice work on your thumbnail. It made me look. This is the first I have heard of this shou sugi ban technique and the first of your videos. I shall be subscribing and ordering some General Finishes and a wire brush. Thank You SIr for making my life very busy in between now and Christmas. LOL That looks amazing and I am very excited to try something new.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well thanks for watching! Hopefully you find a lot of useful information.

[@mitch5077]

Hey Jody! I never get tired of you showing the basics, as a matter of fact, Simple gets me really jazzed and motivated. Merry Christmas Bro and I appreciate you!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thanks a ton my friend and Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@candaceshull8348]

I love watching you!!!! I'm a new follower but I've watched ALOT OF YPUR VIDEOS . You are awesome thanks for making them.

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

OK your the master I have subscribed. I didn't really like this before but now I do your work is more detailed like spalted wood. I wonder how it would work with hardwoods,

[@jodyprice8307]

Hi. I’m making a couple of knives at the moment and I think I might have found the perfect handles.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

This has been something I've wanted to do for a really long time as well!

[@tanneradams20]

Glad this popped up. Literally made up my mind for me on how to put the finish on the trunk I’ve made for a Christmas gift.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Oh man that would look so great! If you remember and don't mind, try to send me a picture of the final result.

[@tanneradams20]

Inspire Woodcraft I’ll do my best! Gonna order the dye today so hopefully it’ll be here early Tuesday lol. Cutting it close.

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Have you ever tried this technique with 3/4 plywood?

[@ComfortablyLost2020]

Do you use seal the wood with anything when you're finished? you do such remarkable work

[@lithuets]

I love these videos. I have started making signs and whatnot using "fire blockers." Steel doesn't let fire through and can create some real interesting designs

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I've wondered if anyone has done this yet. I wanted to try it as well and just never did. Do you have certain shapes and stuff that you use for different designs or effects?

[@lithuets]

@@InspireWoodcraft i mostly use some lettering. I make a lot of personalized signs. I used a washer (and a large bolt to cover the hole) in combination with a laser engraver to make some Nightmare Before Christmas key chains. Wood tends to leave a fade, but steel will allow you to get sharp edges between burn and natural. Currently I am exploring designing some plasma cut stencils for shapes.

[@marcelotanaka5911]

Perfect ! Very good job ! Congratulations and thanks for the vídeos.

[@r3dsnapper]

Thanks for tips did this to my new fence...70’...I do not recommend it 😦...took forever but looks fantastic

[@michaelsalcido3736]

Good video. Thanks Where did you get that “orange dye stain”? What brand is it exactly?

[@Lumpygrits76]

I literally just found and ordered some off Amazon

[@Iowarail]

Doing things by hand is more satisfying.

[@RoflOnMyWaffle.]

My mom when she burns the toast. Scrapes it all off, can still taste the burn!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

It's an acquired taste.

[@fokanerantsieng4642]

Thanks for sharing this technique. Please advise why don’t you sand after wire brushing? Secondly why don’t you apply clear after stain?

[@رياضحمادنة-ش4م]

لن تجد من يقيم يدك ... العمل اليدوي والمتقن ... غالي..👏

[@elthambaptistchurch4447]

Hey Jody. You are a true master. Hope to one day be able to come close to your perfection. Absolutely amazing.

[@thetruejay20]

Idk what this is, but I like it!

[@Darlingniki]

CA glue definitely is a handy item to have in tool box.

[@aaronupton4584]

Another great video brother! Back to basics! Love it!

[@markray3733]

What an awesome video! I've never seen anything in my area, done in Orange like this. What things would you make in this color, just curious.

[@pintahappy]

Bien

[@garyfiedler7283]

Thank you for taking the time to make and upload your knowledge on video.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

And thank YOU for taking the time to watch! That makes all the difference!

[@juanmariasriveria]

Hi. You started something wild inside of me . I want to keep burning and staining .i love doing it! Heres my question. I use the dico wheel you use , after burning the piece i go over it once to take the most burnt off. Then i hit it a few more times .but as i get down to the lighter piece of the wood the ash dust attaches itself to the light wood i just finished digging. I tryd going left to right and right to left in one direction. But the dust still sits inside. After i got were i want it. I even tryd hitting it once . Then brushing it off with a painters brush repeatedly after each pass with the dico. but its still there. I mean its nothing crazy. But if u look close theres still some dark dust. Please get back to me man. Thank you for putting me up on this Shou sugi ban

[@michaelmarchese7306]

Wow making a wall and it looks so easy to remove the soft sections but a 200sq wall is taking forever. I am inspired and won’t quit till is perfect. Don’t forget to mention the amount of dust is crazy.

[@latenttweet]

thanks man. I almost gave up on this technique. I’m ready to try again.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

AWESOME!

[@vpord3396]

Hi Jody.....I just recently found your channel and have learned so much from you in just a short period of time. I am going to attempt my first Shou Sugi Ban project. I want to make a small table for my mom. I have a question that I can't seem to find an answer for. Do you sand the wood prior to or after the burning process? Cause I want to do a table, I don't want it to be rough. Thanks for your help and great job with your videos! Frank - SoCal

[@zacharywilder140]

Hey Frank, I noticed no one has responded to you yet, but imo I think Jodi would recommend you to sand prior to burning the wood. Lots of sanding since you want a smooth surface and then to not use the brushing technique but to very lightly char the grain but don't put a lot of heat to the wood, you just want a light surface burn and then wipe off the wood and dye it, then place a finish coat on it. This will keep your surface smooth but it won't have that textured look to it

[@nickyerps5051]

Best looking wood out there

[@bentackett6299]

I just stumbled across this and have never heard of this art form. It would make a super cool guitar body!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I've had a lot of people suggest that and also gun stocks. I'm going to have to try that one of these days. I agree, I think it would look really cool!

[@MikeCindyWhite]

So cool... After a little practice I'm going to do this on my next guitar build! Thank you much for the video bro!

[@aldo9564]

PRO-Level camerawork and CREDIBLE content !! Awesome channel

[@alexth5537]

Also where can I get that stain?! I’m following your step by step guide and cutting and burning out the shape of Tennessee.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

This was General Finishes Orange Dye Stain. It's my absolute favorite. And no I don't think I did put finish on it but I can't remember. If you do, go with a water-based poly. It won't amber like oil-based and that will help preserve the color that you're going after.

[@duncanjferg]

Would you seal it with anything else or just leave the orange stain on? Great video by the way!!!!! The orange is awesome!

[@mosespolk2111]

Technic is awesome. My question is do you think it could be done with birch plywood

[@MamaFever7.0]

Absolutely beautiful! What larger scale creations do you make? I would love to see them! 😊

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you! I have mostly only done art/decor pieces for larger scale things. Which different patterns and whatnot. The only way that I know how to show you pictures is to go to @inspirewoodcraft on Instagram and scroll a ways down to see the posts there. I haven't done a lot of it in a while so you have to go back a ways unfortunately.

[@Lumpygrits76]

I really wish I could find a better video for doing this with plywood. I want the textured look but smooth. Can you even do plywood like this? And if you can. Can you then cover it with a good clear epoxy for a smoother feel? Or is a surface char about as good as it gets with plywood.

[@lilsammich8252]

Nice finish.

[@jeremymayfield8334]

Pressure washer works great! Welcome.

[@jimhamilton2680]

Thanks again for the great video. I love the vibrant colors that you are using . Interested in what you are using for white since GF does not have it. I'm using Minwax water based stain

[@InspireWoodcraft]

No problem at all. Thanks for taking the time to watch! The white I have right now is Varathane Antique White. It works well. General Finishes makes a white wash that works well but I don't think I have any right now. I've used Minwax water based before but maybe not in white. I don't remember having troubles with it.

[@v.n.2039]

Do you have more Information about that colour? We do not have that brand in Switzerland... Thanks! You have great videos! 👍🏻

[@lynnelanguedoc4049]

It's all in the detail and you sure know how to bring them out,great job as always.Tony from Canada 🇨🇦

[@LetsGoHelio]

You guys need to hit that bell icon! I wasn’t getting notifications to this channel and I missed out on some awesome videos! 👍🏽

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well hopefully you're all caught up now!

[@tajmalshah7794]

Excellent sir Done good job

[@alexth5537]

Fantastic! Did you put a finish on it?

[@jeremiahjackson117]

What’s your take on the foam brush application for stains and dyes? I did a whole shoshugibon desk recently and am pretty pleased with how it turned out with drill mounted attachments and a turquoise stain. But i feel i would’ve gotten more texture if i would’ve taken the time to hand scrub everything. Thanks for the thorough teachings!

[@OriginalSmohrman]

Hi Jodi- just wondering if you've ever used a wood scraping card after brushing to get a smooth effect?

[@aux1z11]

Where do you get that orange stain ? Nice Work.

[@Drzhounder]

Shou sugi ban, acrylics, that’s old school/new school. As a guy who thrives in a digital world while wearing fedoras and listening to old swing tunes, your work speaks to me, volumes! I resent Ly picked up a few scraps that I’m hoping will lead to something interesting and it will require wire brushes to keep it even. I’m planning on burning some rods and I hope they turn out well. We shall see. I’ll let you know on Instagram if it works. After all, you’re the “inspiration.”

[@mananddog9884]

Amazing work, how long do those propane torch’s last? Is it a expensive way to burn the wood? Thanks

[@OriginalSmohrman]

Propane lasts a long time. If you have the time, energy, and resources to build a brick burner go for it.

[@mariaelenaorozco7312]

Do you have wood preferences...Pine, red wood? Which provides the best grain and would be good for out door table

[@kirkmanjames]

I Would like to see what happens with hardwoods - This technique is amazing

[@paultherelenko4701]

Good job!👍

[@77cemoore]

Just found your channel and I love it. I really like your presentation of information.

[@jonathanopperman2970]

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos they are great! I’ve watched all the sho sogi ban tutorials and have gotten some good results! Wondering when you use the stain do you wipe off the burn parts completely? I’ve gotten good result but the black is being covered up with stain vs dye !👍

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Well thanks for watching! Yes I usually wipe them off completely. Your results will depend on how long you let the stain setup after you apply it. Also steel wool (#0000) can help to polish off the black parts and remove stain that has dried a little quicker than the stain in the valleys. It is especially helpful with white. (that reminds me: I forgot to do a video on white.)

[@bastianjam]

I love your work man. I subscribed. Greetings from Argentina.

[@stevenhayhurst6174]

So you get the texture, it's just using the wire brush? I'm guessing the blacker parts are tougher and do not rub away as easy as the soft inner

[@shortirons]

you get really awesome results with that technique! But, I.ve read several places lately about how bad breathing that black dust is & why people should be sure to wear a good mask when they are wire brushing the work piece.

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Yeah when I do larger batches I wear a respirator. Definitely a good habit to get into.

[@TheNATE8599]

As always, it looks great.

[@ofloirendoable]

wow! what type of wood are you using and its size?

[@kiukle]

I'm just starting to play with this and used a little wire brush I had from an automotive kit and it leaves notable scratch marks in the pine I'm playing with. Are there less abrasive brushes that will still dig out a good portion of the 'inbetween grain line' portions to get better contrast? Or is it that the brush needs to follow the contour of the individual lines to kind of blend into it to look more like texture lines instead of scratches?

[@suearmstrong3404]

Great study Jody!

[@scottadams2624]

Awesome. I think I'm going to do it. Thinking the panel on top of a jewelry box???

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I think that would look amazing!

[@tomaszjachura2356]

Thank you for making this tutorials! Great job. I want to ask you if it’s ok to use pressure treated timber?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thank you for watching! I wouldn't recommend using pressure treated material because of the chemicals they use to treat it. Wouldn't be very good to breath!

[@mrbungle7586]

Very nice, I've been meaning to try something like this. Great video, cheers

[@ToniKhoury83]

Thanks for the great content!

[@JohnC-kc5uh]

Good info brother

[@sarahvail6777]

I just found sho shug bahn technique two months ago.... Does it matter how close you hold the flame or what kind of torch you use? Maybe I'm not doing the right things afterward but I'm trying to make some wall paneling look black and blue style..... But everytime I burn and then sand it down, I can never get the wood color back, it's not just the grain that's black... The sandpaper just kinda rubs the char into my wood

[@mummymountainindica6646]

Great Job...

[@krishnasanz9654]

Hi!, nice technic. What kind of wood is it? Thanks for this good videos

[@infinitywoodoz214]

Looks awesome mate. What kind of hand brushes are they? You said Nylox brushes, but do they make hand brushes?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

No the Nyalox brushes are a drill attachment and they are I believe and impregnated nylon that comes in different grits. I did a whole video on them if you look back on my channel or look in the playlist at the end of this video you will see it. The brushes I used in this video are just some inexpensive wire brushes I bought at The Home Depot. Nothing special.

[@fxexpert4541]

Idk why i enjoy this

[@julichambers9499]

Really loving that orange, looks awesome against the dark burn pattern. I've watched a couple of your video's on this topic, but this one really shows me how much work you put into a piece and how much of the soft wood you take out to highlight the grain. It's beautiful, thank you for showing us this awesome finish.

[@SOLT_Mark]

It no doubt looks great. It's very cool looking on a 2x4 but what kind of project would that look good with as a material and color choice?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Honestly I just sort of leave stuff out there to hopefully inspire people to go where their own imagination takes them. That being said, a lot of people have mentioned picture frames (a project that I plan on doing once I finally replace my table saw), bar/countertops with an epoxy top, handrail, wall covering. I have used it for decor pieces in the past, making several of these type of blocks and gluing them to a backer which hangs on the wall. Although a smaller project, I've made candle holders and succulent planters using this technique before as well.

[@Boogerweldz]

If you cut a crossectional profile like a bold taper or deep crown moldinglike shape into the 4 pieces used for a frame or similar(top rail on stairs or the wall rail, etc) then full char/scrub shousugi ban it. It looks incredible!

[@gottabighit1]

Have you attempted soda blasting? Or even sand or glass beads?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

I haven't but it's something that I would like to experiment with some day.

[@Jake-Curious]

Did you use any top coat here? or just the wood stain?

[@aaronfell2567]

Hey Bud! I love the finish! What would you suggest for a little more of a brown tone?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Thanks! For more natural tones I just use regular wood stains.

[@shdw1798]

Can you clear coat this and make it smooth? Not have those ridges.

[@peterbeertema6494]

I saw a picture of your red brick pattern. That looks so good. Is there a video or just on Instagram? The sky's the limit if you have a good imagination

[@davidyeo4302]

Looks amazing! I just can't imagine the time to do it all by hand!?!?!? I've been using Nylox ever since I found your original tutorial (thank you so much for those) and really like the results. It does take a lot of effort to get results anywhere near yours but it's worth it. Keep up the great videos and have a great Christmas!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

It's so much work by hand! I forgot to mention but you can also use the Nyalox brushes to do the heavy lifting and then follow it up by hand to create the texture. But yeah by hand takes FOREVER! Ha! That's what happens when you go in blind though I suppose. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@bshmittyy]

@@InspireWoodcraft are you talking about a wheel nyalox brush? if so what grit do you recommend to get the texture like yours im tryna make a burnt bar counter top on live edge but not on the bark part like just the top then doing the doors below but lmk how to get that texture and lines if that's what you meant or post a link to the brush whatever is easier for you.

[@Richard_the_V]

Wow. Very impressive!

[@jamiesoucy6647]

Would you recommend doing this process on drum shells?

[@miji4386]

Amazing! What kind of brush do you use? My problem is that when I brush the color of the whole wood become similar, kind of smooth brown, there is no black and white colors. You are excellent!

[@InspireWoodcraft]

Honestly they are just a couple of inexpensive brushes that I got at The Home Depot. Sometimes that happens when the wood that you start with isn't very light in color to begin with or if the wood is not dry enough. If it isn't dry enough you are basically just making mud and smearing it around.

[@miji4386]

@@InspireWoodcraft thanks for answer, I got it. Is the brush stainless steel or brass or what?

[@TheRicoclempson]

Hi. Is it safe to put polyurethane on the finished product? How do you topcoat it? TIA

[@taramidkiff8786]

Hi, would you recommend a whole floor to be done using your technique?

[@grantking6100]

Perfection thanks for the great video

[@ryansmith8148]

Love your videos! Ive been experimenting with your techniques for some flag projects. So far, im loving it. Yoh mentioned you have a good technique for a white shu shugi ban finish. So far, i havnt found anything I like. Please share your thoughts on it. Thanks, and keep the great stuff coming!

[@alanross9073]

How does this technique hold up outside? would you recommend adding some sort of sealer after the color?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

The technique itself works great outdoors but the dye will not hold up. It will fade over time especially in the sun. You could use an exterior grade stain though and it would work great. And in that event, you wouldn't need a sealer.

[@tommajors6886]

Can this be done to a deck ? I thought of doing my deck this way as long as I could get stain that is durable for outside.

[@vjacob3932]

After you brush off the soot with hand brush or nyalox, will there still be a residual soot coming off? Are you supposed to wipe it down with a damp rag or something to get ALL of the soot off? Or do you dye right over it?

[@InspireWoodcraft]

No because the soot comes from the soft spring wood, which is being removed. The charred grain left over is basically "clean" after the fact. I use a large paint brush as a cleaning brush, and I just sweep the pieces off after I brush. That seems to work fine. Then I dye any time after that.

[@vjacob3932]

Thank you! I must not be scraping enough off, because when I run my hands over it, there is still soot. I’ll go over it again. Appreciate your time and videos.

[@shawnstewart1989]

00i 0dint know about the brshing tell iwatched your videos i use to use just sandpaper but going to try thr brushes now ty for the videoes