Lettering Tips and Tricks for Wood Burning

In the short video below these written instructions, I cover some quick tips and tricks to make for cleaner lines with lettering when it comes to wood burning on wood.

Please ensure you always follow the safety precautions outlined by the wood burning tool company and read our blog post for more tips and tricks on staying safe while burning (including a free downloadable version that can serve as a great reminder): Safety in Wood Burning

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  1. Start with a clean desk, and unfinished, dry, and sanded smooth wood. A smooth surface will make for a cleaner burn.

  2. Make a clean transfer. I like to use the heat transfer technique for lettering, so that I have a perfect transfer. Be sure to flip your text or print in reverse first. If you are drawing directly on the surface, use a very light hand. Also check out how to transfer your image without using heat.

  3. Make sure your nib is nice and clean, and scrape it off throughout the burning process. Test your temp before you start. Check out the blog post on tool care and maintenance to see how I keep my tools clean and ready to burn.

  4. Start in the middle of the word. That way if you are burning a little hot, it won’t show as much as the beginning of the word.

  5. Then start with your outlines. Get a clean outline of your words first, which then allows you to go back in and fill in without fear of going outside the lines or mistake.

  6. Slow and steady, as usual. Pull don’t push. Let the burner glide on the surface. For more tips and tricks on burning, check out this blog post and scroll to the bottom to get some super helpful pieces of advice to help you burn smoother.



Looking for designs and templates to practice burning with?

woodturning-patterns

Check out our Community Template Books

or The Templates Shop where you can find individual designs and royalty free template patterns too!


Are you new to wood burning and looking for a tool?

I recommend the Walnut Hollow Versa Tool as a starting point. Get it and all your supplies for this project in The Wood Burn Box or check this blog post to learn which tool is best for you!)

What lettering tips do you have? What have you found helpful? Please share in the comments.