Don’t I have to be a good artist to start Pyrography?
You do not have to be an artist, or even a good artist to begin Pyrography. All that is needed is a good shape for an outline of what you want to do, and then begin to look at the light & shade from your original photograph or print. It is okay to make mistakes - that is part of learning. You will improve with practise. Keep some earlier works to see how much you do improve. The best way for you to begin or improve your skills is learn from the experts and we highly recommend you purchase the Pyroz videos.
How long does a wire nib last?
Providing you use a nichrome wire nib/tip and use it with care, one nib can last from a few months to a year or two, depending on how much work you do with that nib. The wire must be nickel-chromium wire as it is specially made resistance wire for use in hot work. NEVER use any old piece of wire!
What woods can I use?
Burning on soft ‘white’ woods will give you the greatest contrast, compared to burning on darker hardwoods. As a rule, don’t burn on manufactured woods that are pulped and glued together, as smoke from burning the glue in these woods is usually carcinogenic. I do not recommend burning camphor laurel. Wherever you are, contact your local woodturners group, for they will often have good advice on woods. Different types of pine, bass, sassafras, and even lemon and pear are among those grouped as soft whitewoods that can be burnt.
What can I use to finish or cover my work?
You can use almost anything to seal your work. However, cheap varnishes will often yellow with age quite quickly and detract from your finished work. Ask at your local paint store for a wood finish that has a good to excellent ultra-violet filter in it, as it is the ultra-violet light that effects this yellowing process. Amongst the best I have found locally is ‘Intergrain UltraClear’, that is also easy to wash up with water (environmentally friendly) and does not detract from the 3-D nature of Pyrography. I have also used beeswax. Be willing to experiment, depending on how you want to present your finished product.
How can I get the best contrast in my work?
Any white wood will ‘yellow’ with age, even if it has been stored out of direct sunlight, so if your piece of wood has been prepared some time ago, lightly resand the surface you will be working on, and you will find it comes up lighter. As you work, be prepared to burn deeply or darkly, and then every now and then, put your work a few metres away and have a good look at it from this distance, rather than 40 cms (about 15 inches) away. Be prepared to leave areas free from burning, and when finished, seal with a good quality finish.