Best Finish for Wood Burning | Top 5 Picks & Reviews 2024

Pyrography art stand for burning images onto wood, which is a trending decorative technique. With this method, you can create beautiful wooden pieces, but not proper protection can lead to product deterioration.

Pyrography has an issue with the finish. Without proper maintenance & finish, your project will rapidly become old and dingy. Depending on which best finish for wood burning you pick, can greatly influence the longevity of your project.

Many people don’t know how to protect their pyrography projects and even those who do often use finishes that can damage the artwork.

This article will cover the top 5 best finishes for wood-burning art and the buying guide. We have also included some frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Our Top 5 Selections for the Best Finish for Wood Burning 

Woodburning is an art form that takes patience and skill. You want your finished product to look good, but you also don’t want to damage your pyrography project with bad finishes.

The followings are 5 of the best finishes for burnt wood art:

01. Howard Products Burned Wood Polish (‎FW0016)

Howard Products wood polish and conditioner is a great product to use to help protect and polish your wooden surfaces. It is an orange-scented liquid that can be applied to a wood surface.

Key Features:

• This natural oil contains no silicone or linseed oils
• Prevents further drying of the wood
• Perfect to use as a follow-up to Restor-A-Finish
• It contains carnauba wax and beeswax
• Bring out the depth of grain in the wood

This burned wood polish is a great way to add thin layers of protection to all of your wooden surfaces. The polish contains carnauba wax and beeswax, which work together to create a soft luster on the wood.

As a conditioner, the polish helps to keep the wood from drying out and fading. In addition to nourishing the wood, the polish itself protects it from the elements.

The burnt wax finish helps to bring out the grain depth in both finished and unfinished wood, making it look more prosperous and beautiful. It’s also a great way to protect your wood from fading and discoloration over time.

It helps prevent further drying of the wood and deterioration of the finish. It contains no silicone or linseed oils, making it ideal for burn wood use.

This polish is perfect to use as a follow-up to Restor-A-Finish. It will help maintain the newly restored wood finish and look beautiful for longer.

Pros:

• Orange-scented liquid
• Bring out grain depth
• Create a soft luster
• Protect wood from fading

Cons:

• Can’t remove white scuffs

Verdict:

If you’re looking to enhance the natural beauty of your wood, Howard Products Burned Wood Polish (‎FW0016) might be a great option. 

02. Thirteen Chefs Wood Burn Finish

The Thirteen Chefs burn finish is a mineral oil designed to protect cutting boards, butcher blocks, and countertops. The oil is transparent, so it will not affect the appearance of the surface that it is applied to.

Key Features:

• Restores and protects wooden kitchen surfaces
• Safe to use around food
• Colorless, odorless, gluten-free, and tasteless
• Squeeze bottle and push-applicator cap simplify maintenance
• 100% pure food-grade mineral oil

This conditioner is perfect for those who want to care for their wooden kitchen surfaces. It’s food-grade, meaning it’s safe to use around food, and it’s also colorless, odorless, gluten-free, and tasteless.

You can use this oil to restore and protect your cutting. It helps prevent burn finish wood from drying and cracking and fixes knives, kitchen appliances, and more!

Maintenance is a breeze with this butcher block oil’s push-apply cap and squeezes bottle design. Apply generously with a rag or by hand and sit for 4 hours for better protection.

This mineral oil is perfect for people who want to keep their wood cutting boards looking new. A single bottle can last for years, and all you need is a Thirteen Chefs 1oz oil treatment every three months for a cutting board up to 18″.

It’s 100% pure food-grade mineral oil and made in the USA. It undergoes regular safety testing and is bottled in FDA-compliant facilities. This oil will help keep your cutting boards looking and performing their best.

Pros:

• Transparent
• 100% food grade
• Odorless
• FDA compliant

Cons:

• Not compatible with Marble

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean your cutting board, look no further than Thirteen Chefs wood burn finish.

03. HOWARD Wood Burning Finish

HOWARD Restor-A-Finish is a unique finishing product that can revive old, damaged wood sealers or create a new finish on wood surfaces.

Key Features:

• Revives old, damaged wood finishes 
• Quick and easy way to refinish burned wood surfaces  
• The wipe-on, wipe-off process doesn’t require sanding or strippers
• Restores the wood’s natural beauty in just a few minutes 
• It can be used to remove watermarks and white heat rings

This is a wood sealer that restores the look of wood while also blending out minor blemishes, scratches, and abrasions. It is a unique formula that penetrates the finish to restore it while also blending out imperfections.

The wood-burning sealer is a quick and easy way to refinish burned wood surfaces. It is a wipe-on, wipe-off process that doesn’t require any sanding or strippers. The finish restores the wood’s natural beauty in just a few minutes.

It can be used to remove watermarks, white heat rings, oxidation, sun fade, smoke damage, and other blemishes from wood furniture and surfaces. Non-toxic and biodegradable, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

This unique product allows you to restore the finish on your wood furniture without removing any of the existing finishes. For those who want to refresh the look of their wood furniture without having to spend much time or money, this product is ideal.

The finish can closely match almost any existing wood tone, from a Birdseye Maple to a Jacobean. It is available in several colors so that you can find the perfect one for your project.

Pros:

• Removes white heat rings
• Penetrating formula
• Remove watermarks
• Restore natural beauty

Cons:

• Possibly lacks protection against scratches

Verdict:

Whether your wood is old and damaged or you just want to give it a quick refresh, HOWARD wood burning finish can help.

04. Odie’s Oil Wood Burner Seal

Odie’s Oil is the perfect way to keep your burning wood looking as fresh as the day you bought it. It is non-toxic safe to use around children and pets.

Key Features:

• The non-toxic, all-natural formula is safe for children and pets
• Easy to apply, no sanding or stripping between thin coats 
• It can be used on all species of wood 
• Stabilizes wood and prevents shrinking or swelling
• Up to 20 times the coverage of conventional finishes

This wood finish not only looks fantastic but is easy to apply. It can be used on all wood species and is perfect for metal, plastic, leather, and more!

It is easy to use; simply wipe it on, wait a while, and buff it off. There is no need for sanding or stripping between multiple thin coats, making it a quick and easy way to protect your burned wood.

This seal is a specially formulated product that allows you to work with any type of wood, hard or soft, exotic or domestic. It produces a beautiful sheen that will make your woodworking projects look amazing.

It helps stabilize the wood and keep it from shrinking or swelling, which can cause problems in your project. Odie’s Oil is also solvent-free, food-safe, and non-toxic, perfect for any kitchen or cooking-based project.

The coverage is 20 times greater than conventional oil finishes. Coverage will vary depending on wood density and porosity, but this product is sure to provide long-lasting protection for your burned wood.

In the finishing, a natural UV inhibitor acts as a sunscreen for your wood, preventing it from fading and discoloration. This makes the finish a great choice for high-traffic areas or any space that will see a lot of wear and tear.

Pros:

• UV inhibitor
• 20 times more coverage
• No need to sand or strip
• Solvent-free & food-safe

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other products

Verdict:

If you are looking for an all-natural wood burner seal that is safe for use around children and pets, Odie’s Oil wood burner seal is the perfect option for you.

05. FurnitureClinic Burned Wood Finish

The FurnitureClinic Danish oil is a furniture conditioner designed to protect the wood from water and dirt. It can also be used to revive and restore the natural look of wood furniture.

Key Features:

• Can be used on unfinished or finished wood 
• Protect wood from water and dirt 
• Easy to use and comes in handy bottle size 
• It can be used on interior and exterior surfaces 
• Ideal for kitchen and dining room furniture

This burned wood Finish is a unique product that protects the wood and maintains its natural look. It’s perfect for giving the furniture an aged or antique appearance and can be used on finished or raw wood.

The wood finish is an excellent product for protecting your furniture from staining and easy cleaning. It provides water and dirt-resistant barrier that will help keep your furniture looking great for years to come.

This product is designed to give your wooden furniture a burned wood finish. It’s ideal for use on kitchen and dining room furniture, and it can help give your home a warm and cozy look.

It can be used on any kind of wood surface and comes in a 250 mL handy bottle size that will cover around 5m2. Also, it can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces and provides a long-lasting, beautiful finish.

Pros:

• 250 mL handy bottle
• Suitable for exteriors & interiors
• Protects all types of wood
• Water & dirt resistant

Cons:

• The wood may appear blurry

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to finish your wood furniture, this FurnitureClinic burned wood finish might be the choice for you.

These are our top 5 wood finishes for your burned wood projects. Each of these products can help to protect your wood from water and dirt while preserving its natural look.

So, whether you are looking for a sealant that is safe for use around children and pets or one that provides long-lasting protection, there is sure to be a product here that will meet your needs.

However, before making a final decision, it is essential to keep certain factors in mind.

Considerations for Choosing a Burning Wood Finish

Wood-burning projects can be a great way to add character and charm to your home. However, it is crucial to choose the right finish for your project to protect your wood and ensure that it looks its best.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a wood burn finish:

1. Type of Wood You are Using:

Not all finishes are created equal, and some are better suited for certain types of wood. Make sure to choose a finish that is compatible with the type of wood you are using.

2. Type of Project:

The type of project you are working on will also dictate the type of finish you need. If you are working in a high-traffic area, you will need a very durable finish that can withstand heavy use.

3. Level of Protection You Need:

There are different levels of protection available, so make sure to choose one that meets your needs. If you are looking for a sealant that is safe for use around children and pets, there are specific products available that will meet your needs.

4. Types of Finish:

There are many different finishes available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to research the different types of finishes before deciding so that you can choose the one that is best suited for your needs.

5. Application Process:

Some finishes are more accessible to apply than others. If you are not experienced in applying finishes, be sure to choose one easy to use.

6. Ease of Cleanup:

Make sure to choose a finish that is easy to clean up. This will make the application process more manageable and help to keep your workspace clean.

7. Sheen Level:

The sheen level of a finish can affect the overall look of your project. If you want a high-gloss finish, for example, be sure to choose a product that provides this level of shine.

8. Durability:

The durability of a finish is essential to consider, especially if you are working on a high-traffic area. Make sure to choose a product that will hold up to wear and tear.

9. Environmental Impact:

Some finishes are more environmentally friendly than others. If this is important to you, be sure to choose an environmentally friendly product.

10. Customer Reviews:

It is always a good idea to read the reviews of a product before making a purchase. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the product and help you decide if it is the right choice.

When choosing a wood-burning finish, it is essential to consider these factors to find the best product for your needs.

So, whether you are looking for a sealant that is safe for use around children and pets or one that provides long-lasting protection, there is sure to be a product here that will meet your needs.

Types of Sealant Applications for Burnt Wood

When it comes to wood-burning finishes, there are several different types of sealant applications that you can choose from. Here are some of the most common types for seal wood burning art:

1. Lacquer:

Lacquer is a type of finish applied over the wood and dries to a hard, glossy surface. It is often used in high-traffic areas and is known for its durability.

2. Varnish:

Varnish is a finish applied to wood that dries to a hard, matte finish. It is often used on interior surfaces and protects against dirt and grime. 

3. Shellac:

Shellac is a type of finish applied to the wood and dries to a soft, satin finish. It is often used on furniture and is known for its smooth, even finishes.

4. Polyurethane:

A polyurethane finish is applied to wood and dries to a hard, glossy surface. It is often used on furniture and is known for its durability.

5. Epoxy:

Epoxy is a type of finish applied to the wood and dries to a hard, glossy finish. It is often used on floors and is known for its durability.

6. Wax:

The wax is a type of finish applied to the wood which dries to a soft, matte appearance. Known for its smooth, even finish, it is frequently used on furniture.

7. Oil:

Oil (such as pure tung oil, danish oil, linseed oil) is a type of finish applied to the wood and penetrates the grain to provide a natural look. It is often used on interior surfaces and is known for its warm, natural appearance.

8. Stain:

Stain is a type of finish applied to the wood and penetrates the grain to provide a colored finish. It is often used on furniture and is available in various colors.

9. Paint:

Paint is a type of finish applied to the wood and dries to a hard, glossy finish. It is often used on furniture and is available in various colors.

When choosing a sealant for your wood-burning project, it is essential to consider the type of finish that you want. Each type of sealant has its benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to choose the best suits your needs.

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FAQs

Sealing burnt wood is an essential step in preserving it and preventing further damage. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about sealing woodburning projects:

1. How Do You Seal Wood-Burning Art?

You can seal burnt wood with various sealants, including lacquer, varnish, shellac, spray polyurethane, epoxy, wax, and oil. Polyurethane is the most widespread outdoor sealant. 

2. Should You Stain Wood Before or After Wood Burning?

You should stain the wood before burning it. This will help to protect the wood and prevent the stain from being burned off.

3. Can You Varnish Over Wood Burning?

You can varnish over wood-burning, but it is not recommended. Varnish does not adhere well to burnt wood and is likely to flake off. Polyurethane is a better option.

4. What Is the Strongest Wood Sealer?

The strongest wood sealer is oil-based polyurethane. It is a durable finish, a long-lasting sealant that can withstand the elements, and is more weather-resistant.

In Conclusion

We know that the process of finishing a wood-burning project can be challenging. There are so many different types and brands to choose from, not to mention all the preparation steps you need to take beforehand for your sealant application to work correctly.

Pyrography is a fun hobby, but it can be hard to find the best finish for wood burning. For those looking to seal their pyrography project with a beautiful and durable sealant, this guide outlines some of the superior finishes for wood-burning art.

So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced wood burner, be sure to consider the type of finish you want for your project, and choose the best sealant accordingly.