Best finish for wood burning – The Only sealer you need

The application of the finish or sealant can be a bit tricky. It can be applied either by spraying it on the final artwork, or you can use a brush to apply the sealant. Both methods are different from each other with their own advantages and disadvantages. To understand which is the more suitable method for your wood-burning project, both methods are explained below. 

Spray On Method 

The first method by which you can apply your finish or sealant on the wood artwork is by spraying it on the wood project. To apply the finished product by this method, you can buy aerosol cans of various finish products like shellac, lacquer, polyurethane, etc., which are easily available in the market. If you have added colours and stains to your wood-burning artwork, applying the finish with the help of an aerosol can of your choice of sealant is better. The spray-on method is more convenient, allowing you to cover a small area quickly without any brush marks and helps you to have better control over the application process.  

If you want to apply the sealant with the spraying method, it is important to have the proper set-up. One of the primary things that you need to take care of is your own protection. Spraying the sealant is a fast process which gives a smooth finish. Still, it also involves the generation of a mist of solvent and the finished product. When sprayed, it lingers in the air and settles on everything in its vicinity. 

If inhaled by mistake, this mist of the solvent and the finish can be dangerous for your health and cause respiratory problems. Therefore, working with an aerosol can will require you to have a good ventilation strategy. Work in a well-ventilated and open area. Cover everything near the workstation if you do not have access to such an area and are compelled to work in an indoor setting. 

Also, invest in a respiratory mask which has organic filters, especially if you are working with lacquer to prevent the sealant particles from entering your respiratory system. You can install an exhaust fan in the room for additional safety precautions. Every method has its own pros and cons. Even though the spray-on method is convenient, it is not economical. One can of aerosol sealant costs more than a jar of brush. 

When you are a beginner who has little or no experience with sealants using the spraying method can be a bit difficult. Spitters are formed when you first spray the product, which can blemish your wood-burning artwork. Keeping a steady pace is the key to getting a spatter-free, even coverage with less build-up. If you start or stop spraying the surface, it becomes difficult to get an even coating of the product. It would be best if you move fast to prevent the finished product, like polyurethane, from building up in one spot.

One easy and foolproof way to counter this problem is to begin spraying before reaching the edge of the art piece and then me across the wood surface at an even pace. Once you have gone past the extreme edge of the wood-burning art piece, you can stop the spraying. As a beginner, it can be a natural instinct to swing the sealant spray can result in an arc pattern. If you swing, the aerosol can result in an arc; it will lead to an uneven coverage with product build-up in the centre and less on the edge of the wood piece. 

To avoid further build, uphold the can at a ninety-degree angle with the spray tip parallel to the surface of the wood piece. The main goal of applying a sealant is to wet the surface with enough product and to get an equal coating. To further prevent the problem of build-up, make sure you are doing a fifty per cent overlap of the product throughout the wood-burning art piece. By doing an overlap of fifty per cent, you will be making sure that each portion of the artwork has received an equal amount of product. 

The overlap at the edges will lead to a narrow band of thicker sealant at the junction of two strips. Therefore, products which have spray on finish will give it a smooth and even texture without brush marks. Use a spray can to apply your sealant only if you have prior experience or have the proper knowledge about how it is supposed to be used and can afford it. 

Brush On Method

The second method by which you can apply the sealing product on the art piece is by using a brush. It may not be as convenient as the spray-on method and takes more time. 

Still, this method is more beginner friendly and economical than the spray-on method, as this method allows you to control the application and the quantity of product used. If you opt for the brush-on method, it is important to get the right type of brush. Paint brushes that are large and square in shape or sponge brushes are the preferred type. 

The brush-on method is relatively straightforward and easy. Still, there are certain aspects about which you should take care. Some wood-burning artists suggest preparing the wood for applying sealant after you are done with your wood burning. Sanding and wetting the wood-burning project after you are done with your wood-burning design can damage it. Therefore, it is better if you prepare the wood surface before you start burning the design on the wood surface. 

In addition to it, there are some other factors that you need to take care of when applying the sealant with the help of a brush. If you are using an old brush with which you have previously worked, there are chances that the brush has absorbed the wood stain or colours of the previous artwork. Now, if you dip the brush in the container of the product, it can discolour or stain the entire quantity of sealant. 

Therefore, do not dip the brush directly into the product’s container, as it can contaminate the entire quantity of sealant. To prevent contamination, pour the required amount of the sealing product into a separate bowl or jar and then use the product. To get an even and smooth finish look, make sure that you are applying multiple thin layers of the sealing product covering all the areas of the wood-burning project instead of one thick layer. 

Use the brush in a long stroke, as it will help to achieve a clean and smooth look. Applying only one layer of the sealing product will not be enough to protect the wood-burning project in the long run. Therefore apply two to three layers of your choice of selling product to provide the required protection. Products that have a brush-on finish can have brush marks and will take more time to complete the application.