Coloring Wood Burned Projects

When creating a wood burning project it is often fun to add lots and lots of color to the design.  There are several methods for adding coloring.  In this tutorial we will talk about using watercolors as your coloring agent.

Watercolors are finely ground pigment mixed in a water based float. Because the base float has no coloring of it’s own the finished look of watercolors is extremely clear and crisp.  This avoids the problems of cloudiness in the darkly burned areas that can occur with colored pencils and the heavy look of thinned acrylics or oils.

Whether you are using tube or cake, watercolors need to be thin heavily with water when used on wood project.  Your basswood will quickly absorb any color that you apply, the heavy thinning will aid you in controlling how much color goes on with each step. Thin the colors until the hues almost disappear on your tile.

You only need to wait a few moments between each coat.  Simply allow any wet or glossy look to disappear the proceed with the next step.  Plus they are great to work with around the house, no smell, no messy solvents, no flammable rags!

Once the project coloring is completed apply several light coats of spray polyurethane to set the color.  High gloss, semi-gloss and matte or satin finished will compliment the project.

Click for your Free Wood burning Pattern.Courtesy of Art Designs Studio,
Personal Use Only

coloring wood burning

This pattern has been worked on a 9″x12″ oval, 3/4′ thick basswood plaque.  Begin by rubbing the back of your pattern with a soft pencil to create an even layer of pencil carbon.  Tape the pattern face up onto the plaque and trace along the pattern lines.  This will leave a fine pencil carbon line tracing on the plaque that can be erased later.

coloring wood carving

Wood burn the shadowing and detailing to your design.  To learn more about Wood Burning please see our tutorial.

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