This video is by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It features a unique take on a traditional Japanese finishing technique—one that emphasizes texture, contrast, and craftsmanship through a patient, hands-on process.
By combining selective burning and vibrant staining, Jodee achieves a surface finish that has become a defining element of his work. This isn’t just a method for coloring wood—it’s a commitment to detail and an appreciation for how natural materials can shine through time-tested effort.
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What Makes This Finish Different
Inspired by Shou Sugi Ban, this approach focuses on enhancing the softer wood grain instead of just highlighting the hard grain. The result is a dramatic visual contrast between darkened ridges and bright, textured valleys.
Jodee’s version trades traditional charring for controlled burning, paired with bold dye colors. The technique is ideal for adding depth and a tactile surface to wall art, furniture, or accent pieces.
Choosing the Right Wood for Texture
Achieving this finish starts with thoughtful grain selection. Jodee doesn’t just look for heavy hard grain—he targets pieces where the soft grain between the rings is visible and varied.
These soft grain areas react beautifully to heat and stain, creating deep valleys of texture. Understanding how different boards respond to this process is part of the learning curve, but it’s also what makes each piece unique.
Prepping the Surface for a Clean Canvas
Before any burning begins, the wood is flattened and cleaned to provide an even surface. This ensures that the grain will react predictably and allows for better control when applying heat.
Using a wire brush, Jodee lightly textures the wood to establish subtle grooves and lines. These details don’t stand out immediately, but they play a big role once the stain is applied, giving the final piece that signature layered look.
Controlled Burning for Maximum Contrast
The burning step isn’t about fully charring the wood. It’s about darkening the hard grain just enough to create contrast while preserving the detail in the softer grain.
Jodee carefully moves the torch across the surface, watching how the wood responds. His goal is even tone across the hard grain with just enough variation to make the softer areas stand out. Going too fast or too slow can throw off the balance, so patience is key.
Adding Color with Dye Stain
After the burn, a dye stain brings the piece to life. Jodee uses an orange dye from General Finishes to create a bold contrast against the blackened wood. The color settles into the softer grain, making it glow in certain light conditions.
The orange and black combination is striking and has become a signature for many of Jodee’s pieces. It’s bold without being overwhelming, and it highlights the depth and brushwork put into the surface.
Time, Tools, and Technique
Jodee makes it clear: this finish takes time. The most effective way to achieve it is still by hand brushing the surface. Machines and power tools can speed things up, but the control and feel of brushing by hand deliver the best results.
He started using this method with minimal tools, relying on time and repetition to get the look right. That commitment to craftsmanship is what defines his finishing style—and it’s what makes this finish so admired by woodworkers learning the process.
Tips and Extra Insights
- Texture isn’t always visible in photos. The depth of this finish is best appreciated in person. Light plays across the grain and makes each piece look different depending on the angle.
- Consistency takes practice. Jodee encourages woodworkers not to rush through the early attempts. It may take a few projects to understand how different woods react.
- Alternative finishes are coming. He plans to share a tutorial on achieving a clean white finish soon, a look that’s difficult to get right but visually stunning when done well.
Why This Finish Stands Out
Jodee’s Shou Sugi Ban–inspired technique is more than just a visual effect. It’s a reminder that great finishes aren’t about shortcuts—they’re about understanding the wood and committing to the process.
By combining traditional techniques with bold color and texture, this finish helps elevate everyday pieces into standout designs. It’s versatile, eye-catching, and deeply rewarding to master.
Final Thoughts
This is a finish that invites people to stop and look closer. It celebrates contrast, grain, and the effort behind the work. For anyone looking to try something new, it offers a rewarding challenge with dramatic results.
If you’re just starting out, take your time, study the grain, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.