Pyrography Tools & Equipment

Tool Type Description Price Range Skill Level Notes
Basic Woodburner Pen Single heat, interchangeable tips $15–$40 Beginner Good for line work and simple projects
Variable Temp Tool Adjustable heat settings $40–$120 Intermediate Allows shading, texture work
Professional Burner (Wire) Precise heat control, interchangeable tips $100–$300+ Advanced Excellent for detailed designs
Tip Sets Various shapes for lines, shading, stamps $10–$50 All levels Match with pen model
Stencil/Transfer Tools Graphite paper, stamps, transfer pen $5–$30 All levels Helpful for design tracing
Safety Gear Ventilation fan, gloves, mask $10–$100 Essential Fume control and hand protection

Wood Types for Pyrography

Wood Type Grain Colour Burn Quality Best For
Basswood Fine, even Pale cream Smooth, consistent Beginners, detail work
Birch Tight Light tan Good with some grain Intermediate pieces
Maple Dense, tight Creamy white High contrast, slow burn Letters, fine art
Poplar Soft, light Yellowish Smooth, less contrast Large designs
Pine Knotted Yellow-white Uneven, sappy Practice, rustic art
Cherry Fine, reddish Warm tone Dark burns, great detail Portraits, pro work
Gourds Smooth Tan-brown Very soft surface Decorative, mixed media

Tip Shapes & Uses

Tip Shape Use Best Application
Universal Point Basic outlining All-purpose lines
Rounded Shader Soft shading Skin, gradients
Calligraphy Tip Script, lettering Elegant fonts
Knife Edge Fine detail Feathering, textures
Ball Tip Dotting, stippling Texture, highlights
Stamp Tip Repeated patterns Borders, backgrounds

Temperature Guide

Heat Level Description Tip Colour Best For Warning
Low (300–500°F) Light shading Light brown Soft shadows Avoid slow hand movement
Medium (500–700°F) Line work Golden brown Outlines, hatching Balance speed and pressure
High (700–900°F) Deep burn Dark brown/black Bold outlines, dark shading May scorch soft wood
Over 900°F Very dark burn Black Special effects only Risk of wood damage/fumes

Safety Guidelines

Safety Concern Solution Tools Needed
Smoke/Fumes Work in ventilated area Fume extractor, mask
Burns Keep pen on stand, wear gloves Heat-resistant gloves
Toxic Wood Avoid chemically treated/oily woods Use safe, untreated wood
Fire Risk Keep water nearby Water container, fireproof mat
Fatigue Take breaks, stretch Ergonomic chair, timer

Basic Techniques

Technique Description Tools Needed Skill Level
Tracing/Transferring Transfer design using graphite paper Pencil, transfer paper Beginner
Outlining Burn along lines with steady motion Universal or fine tip Beginner
Shading Gradient effect by adjusting pressure and speed Shader tip, variable heat Intermediate
Stippling Creating dots for texture Ball tip or sharp point Intermediate
Hatching/Crosshatching Line textures for shadows Knife or universal tip Advanced
Colour Blending (Optional) Add coloured pencil over burn Burn + pencil Mixed media

Project Ideas by Difficulty

Level Project Idea Suggested Tools Time
Beginner Nameplate, coaster, ornament Basic burner + universal tip 1–2 hours
Intermediate Animal silhouette, mandala Variable burner + shader 2–5 hours
Advanced Portrait, landscape, fine text Wire-tip burner, ball tip 6–20+ hours

Design Themes

Theme Style Elements Common Techniques
Botanical Leaves, flowers, vines Shading, stippling
Animal/Wildlife Fur, feathers, realism Fine detail, crosshatching
Lettering/Quotes Calligraphy, serif fonts Calligraphy tip
Geometric Patterns, mandalas Ruler, repetition
Fantasy Dragons, symbols Layered textures
Rustic/Farmhouse Signs, barns, silhouettes Simple lines, stencils

Colouring & Finishing

Finish Type Purpose Application Method Notes
Coloured Pencils Add colour Light pressure Do after burning
Acrylic Paints Vivid colour Thin layers Mask burn lines if needed
Wood Stain Rich tone Brush-on, wipe off Test first to avoid blotches
Clear Sealant Protect & preserve Spray or brush Polyurethane, shellac, etc.
Wax Finish Matte feel Buffed by cloth Great for handheld items

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake Cause Fix
Blotchy Burn Uneven pressure or wood Sand surface, slow hand
Scorch Marks Too much heat Lower temp, use test scrap
Wavy Lines Inconsistent speed Practice steady movement
Faded Lines Tool not hot enough Let tool fully heat up
Smudging Transfer Pressed too hard Light pencil, clean wood

Selling Your Pyrography

Product Type Best Markets Pricing Range Tips
Coasters/Keychains Etsy, local markets $5–$20 Offer custom options
Wall Art Online, craft fairs $30–$300+ Include frame/hanger
Signs & Quotes Home decor stores $15–$100 Trendy fonts and sayings
Jewelry Handmade shops $8–$50 Add beads or colours
Custom Portraits Commission-based $50–$500+ Offer proofs before burning

Storage & Workspace Tips

Item Storage Tip Workspace Tip
Tools Keep in heat-proof case Use metal holder for pen
Tips Store sorted in containers Label by type
Wood Blanks Flat, dry place Avoid direct sunlight
Design Sketches File folders or digital Use lightbox if needed
Work Area Fire-safe mat, ventilation Minimal clutter, focused lighting