Do you want to get creative with crafting projects? Wood burning, or pyrography, is a fun and artistic way to create beautiful designs on wood surfaces. There are many methods of wood burning, but in this article, we’ll explore how to make your own wood-burning gel – an easy and inexpensive alternative! You can add unique details to any piece or enhance existing artwork with the right supplies and techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, here’s what you’ll need to start. Always wear protective gear like safety glasses and gloves when handling the materials.
Here, we’ll walk through the simple steps required for how to make wood burning gel and provide helpful tips along the way. So fire up your creativity, grab some materials from around your house, and let’s start!
What Will You Need?
To make your wood burning gel, you’ll need the following:
- 2 cups of linseed oil (you can also use mineral oil)
- 1/2 cup of beeswax pellets (these can be found at most craft stores)
- A double boiler or a heatproof bowl that fits over a pot filled with boiling water
- An airtight container to store your gel in once it’s finished
- An old towel or cloth for cleaning up any spills
Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to start making your own wood burning gel!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Wood Burning Gel
Step 1. Use Linseed Oil:
Pour two cups of linseed oil into your double boiler or heatproof bowl. Linseed oil is an excellent choice for wood burning because it provides a smooth and even burn. Ensure the water in your double boiler or pot is boiling before adding the oil.
Step 2. Add Beeswax Pellets:
Once you have two cups of linseed oil in your double boiler, add 1/2 cup of beeswax pellets to it. When finished, the wax will help thicken the gel and give it a more solid consistency. If you’d like a softer gel, you can reduce the amount of wax or use more oil.
Step 3. Heat the Mixture:
Once the wax has melted into your linseed oil, lower the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer for 25-30 minutes. This will give it time to thicken up and become more gel-like in its consistency. Be sure to avoid boiling your mixture, as this can cause it to become too thick.
Step 4. Stir Regularly:
Stir the mixture regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn or stick to the sides of your double boiler. You may also want to reduce the heat slightly if the mixture seems to be bubbling more than necessary. Try to maintain a consistent stirring motion as you go.
Step 5. Check Consistency:
Once the mixture has simmered for 25-30 minutes, test its consistency by dripping some of it onto a plate or spoon. If it cools quickly and retains a gel-like appearance, it’s ready to use! Otherwise, simmer it for a few more minutes and test again. Remember to stir the mixture regularly.
Step 6. Remove from Heat:
Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove your wood burning gel from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before handling it. This will prevent burns or discomfort while working with your finished product. If you’d like to speed up the cooling process, you can place your double boiler in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes.
Step 7. Pour into Container:
Carefully pour the gel into an airtight container once the gel has cooled down slightly. This could be a jar, bottle, or any other type of vessel that will keep the gel fresh and usable for up to a year. Use an old towel or cloth to clean up any spills, as the gel may be hot in some areas.
Step 8. Store Away:
Now that your wood burning gel is safely stored away, make sure that it’s kept in a cool, dry place where children and pets cannot access it. Always be sure to read the instructions provided with your supplies and use extra caution when handling any kind of heat or flammable materials. Keep your workspace clean and organized to ensure a successful project.
Step 9. Apply to Wood:
When you’re ready to use your wood burning gel, take it out of the container and apply it directly onto the wood surface. You can use a brush, sponge, or cloth, depending on what type of design or pattern you’d like to create. Once applied, the gel dries quickly and leaves a glossy, burnt wood finish.
Step 10. Enjoy Your Creation:
Now that you’ve applied your wood burning gel to the surface, admire your beautiful work! You can now add any extra touches to make your design even more unique. Let your creativity shine through as you explore different techniques and tools for creating gorgeous pieces of artwork.
And there you have it – a simple guide on how to make your own wood burning gel! With this tool, you can add beautiful details to any kind of wood surface. So take some time to experiment and see what kinds of projects you can create with your new supplies!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- When using wood burning gel, it is important to ensure the flame is kept at a low level and not allowed to grow too big. This will help avoid scorching your project.
- Always use a protective layer of newspaper or parchment paper between the wood burning gel and the project you are working on so that any excess gel does not cause damage to your work.
- Make sure to use the correct tools when handling wood burning gel. These include a wood burner, light gauge wire brush or sculpting tool, and safety goggles or glasses.
- Keep an eye on the flame’s temperature; it can get too hot if left for too long and burn your project.
- When finished with your project, make sure to carefully remove any residual wood burning gel from your work so that it remains unscathed. It is also important to safely dispose of the used wood burning gel, either by burying it or taking it to a hazardous waste disposal center.
With these tips in mind, wood burning gel can be a great way to add a unique artistic touch to any project. Whether you are looking for something to spice up a plain piece of wood or create an intricate piece of art, wood burning gel is the perfect tool.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Do not use wood burning gel on materials other than wood, as it may cause damage.
- Do not leave the flame unattended, as this can result in a fire hazard.
- Avoid using a too heavy brush to avoid ruining your project by gouging or scratching it with the bristles.
- Never try to refill any containers of wood burning gel while it is still hot.
- Do not leave the wood burning gel in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to break down and become unstable.
By following these precautions, you can ensure that your projects are safe and successful every time when using wood burning gel. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can bring any project to life with beautiful, unique details. So get creative and start burning!
What is the Best Chemical for Wood Burning?
Many professionals recommend using an alcohol-based solution when looking for a chemical to use in wood burning. Alcohol-based solutions are less corrosive and provide a cleaner burn compared to petroleum-based products. It is also important to note that the type of alcohol used can affect the quality of the burn – so make sure you double check the label before purchasing.
The most commonly used alcohol-based solutions are methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethylene glycol. Methanol is the least expensive option but can produce a bluish flame and has a higher tendency to create smoke. Isopropyl alcohol creates less smoke and produces a cleaner burn.
However, it is more expensive than methanol. Ethylene glycol produces a clean burn and is less expensive than isopropyl alcohol. However, it is less widely available.
Whichever chemical you choose, make sure to use the correct safety precautions when handling any flammable substance. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when working with wood burning gel or any other flammable liquids.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post on how to make wood burning gel has provided you with all the information you need to make a wood burning gel. It can be a tricky process, but by following these steps and guidelines, you should feel more confident and comfortable when making your own gel.
Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the creative process of making wood burning art! Plus, by mixing in scents, you can create unique smells that will enhance the ambiance of any room. Making wood burning gel can be an exciting way to get creative and explore different scents and ingredients—all while making something gorgeous for your home.
So, don’t be afraid to try–you might just surprise yourself at how well it turns out!
