Lesson 1Hanging hardware and framing options: keyholes, sawtooth hangers, floating frames, wire systems and placement for balance and durabilityLearn how to choose and position hanging hardware so finished pieces stay level, secure, and visually balanced, including strategies for different sizes, weights, and framing styles used in pyrography artwork.
Keyhole slots and routered hangersSawtooth hangers: sizing and placementD-rings and wire systems for framesFloating frames and shadow gapsWeight distribution and wall anchorsLesson 2Sanding, prepping and sealing wood: grit progression, moisture control, and preventing tear-outMaster surface preparation from rough board to burn-ready panel, including grit progression, sanding direction, dust removal, moisture control, and sealing strategies that support clean lines and even shading.
Selecting starting and final gritsSanding with the grain vs cross-grainRaising grain and final de-nibbingMoisture content and acclimation checksSeal coats, sanding sealers, and sizingLesson 3Types of pyrography tools and controllers: solid-point, wire-tip, cordless, and temperature control unitsReview solid-point, wire-tip, and cordless burners, plus temperature control units, comparing warm-up time, responsiveness, ergonomics, and safety so you can match the right tool to your style and budget.
Solid-point burners: pros and limitsWire-tip systems and pen designsCordless and battery-powered optionsTemperature control and duty cyclesSafety checks, cords, and storageLesson 4Wood species properties and selection: grain, hardness, resin content, and stabilityExplore how grain, hardness, resin, and movement affect burning behaviour, detail control, and long-term stability, and learn to select, source, and orient boards that suit portraits, lettering, and highly detailed pyrography work.
Softwoods vs hardwoods for pyrographyGrain direction, figure, and burn clarityResin content, sap pockets, and pitchMovement, warping, and panel stabilitySourcing, acclimating, and storing boardsLesson 5Burner tips: shapes, sizes, uses (liner, shader, calligraphy, shader spheres) and maintenanceUnderstand the main burner tip families, what strokes and textures each excels at, and how to maintain, clean, and safely change tips so they heat evenly, glide smoothly, and last through demanding pyrography projects.
Liner tips for outlines and fine detailShader and spoon tips for gradientsCalligraphy and writing tip techniquesBall and sphere tips for dots and texturesCleaning, reshaping, and replacing tipsLesson 6Finishes and adhesives: oils, varnishes, waxes, shellac, polyurethane — appearance, protection, application and compatibility with pyrographyCompare oils, waxes, varnishes, shellac, and polyurethane for appearance, protection, and feel, and learn how each interacts with burned lines, pigments, and adhesives to avoid smearing, clouding, or adhesion failures.
Penetrating oils and curing behaviorWaxes and buffed low-build finishesVarnish, shellac, and polyurethane filmsFinish compatibility with burned linesAdhesives for laminations and inlaysLesson 7Consumables and workshop supplies: transfer papers, pencils, stencils, masking tape, respirator filters, gloves, cleaning solvents and tip-cleaning materialsLearn how to choose, store, and safely use consumables such as transfer media, drawing tools, masking products, protective gear, and cleaning agents that keep your burner tips, workspace, and lungs in reliable working condition.
Choosing transfer papers and graphite typesPencils, erasers, and layout toolsUsing stencils and masking tape cleanlyRespirators, filters, gloves, eye protectionSolvents, tip cleaners, and safe disposal
