How to do the Wood Burning Technique with Chalk Couture stencils and torch paste
Use the wood burning technique with Chalk Couture when creating home decor projects to add a bit of rustic charm, warmth and texture to your home. The best part is you can create something totally unique that is perfect for any room in your house.
Projects created with the wood burning technique also make fantastic gifts! There are so many things you can create like cutting boards for the cooks in your life, a serving tray for newlyweds, a door sign for the new homeowner, or a unique piece of wall art that can be cherished for years to come.
Wood burning using torch paste and a Chalk Couture stencil is a fascinating process! The process is basically the same as chalking, but the reveal is a whole lot different! After you pull off your stencil and heat the design with a heat gun, the design magically comes to life right in front of your eyes! Don’t be like me and be too intimidated to try it! Once you do, you will wish you started using this technique sooner!
Supplies needed:
- Torch paste
- to purchase: Google “torch paste”. I use the original wood burning paste, but there are other options. You can even find some on Amazon.
- you can also make your own gel paste with this recipe shared in our team group: 8 teaspoons thickener, 1 tablespoon ammonium chloride, 1/2 cup warm water, 2 drops food coloring so you can see the paste more easily once you apply it.
- Heat gun (1000+ watt recommended)
- Chalk Couture stencil of your choice
- Unfinished wood surface of your choice
- Squeegee
- Fuzzing cloth
Step 1: Scoop some torch paste with your squeegee and apply it to your stencil in a thin layer just like you would apply chalk paste. Ensure the entire silk screen design is covered, scrape the excess paste from the stencil and return it to the jar.
Step 2: Peel off the stencil, and let the torch paste soak into the wood for a few minutes. (This is a great time to go clean your stencil!)
Torch paste application video by Luana SlenkStep 3: Grab your heat gun and set it to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Start heating the torch paste design. Be patient and the keep the gun moving slowly so that it doesn’t over burn any single spot. The design will appear with the heat. The longer you leave the heat on the design, the darker it will become. The less time it is heated, the less of a burn you’ll get.
Torch paste heating video by Luana SlenkStep 4 (optional): Stain or seal your unfinished wood if desired. It is recommended that any surface that would come into contact with food be sealed. You can use mineral oil to seal that type of surface.
Please don’t be like me and let the wood burning technique intimidate you! It’s super fun and easy to do! You can see a little bit of scorching at the bottom of this design where the heat gun sat a little too long, but it turned out pretty well for a first attempt!
The wood burning technique is so versatile! You can use it with so many surfaces from frames, to trays, to cutting boards. (See Step 4 above with information on sealing surfaces that will come into contact with food.)
If you’ve been inspired by this post, gather your supplies and get burning! Then come join our creative community. It’s a great place to learn and share! We’re supportive and fun, and we’ll be your best cheerleaders!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the 10 Hottest Chalk Couture Techniques.
I can’t wait to see what you create!
Luana