A few months ago, I posted wooden wall art panels with a distinctive abalone/snake skin effect I discovered by accident. The project quickly became one of my most popular—so many lovely compliments, though a few readers said it looked too hard. I found it easy, just very time-consuming. Today, I’m sharing how I halved the work by using a gouge ball to create this Shou sugi ban wall art.

Why a Ball Gouge?

My original Shou sugi ban wall art panels used a router, then endless sanding to soften square edges. Burning those edges created the “abalone” look by accident. A ball gouge recreates the same scooped channels quickly, so you can focus on texture and colour.

What Is Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)?

Shou Sugi Ban (also called Yakisugi) is a centuries-old Japanese method where timber is charred to preserve and waterproof it. Traditionally done with Japanese cedar and finished with natural oils, the deep, crackled char resists rot, pests and weather. Modern makers also use it decoratively. By controlling the burn, brushing back the char, and adding vibrant stains, you can transform ordinary off-cuts—even budget pine—into striking wall art with dramatic grain and colour.

Abalone-Effect Shou Sugi Ban Wall Art (Half the Time with a Ball Gouge)

*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

Tools and Materials

• Recycled pine boards (I used an old bed frame)
• Angle grinder with 40 mm ball gouge attachment (Arbortech style or budget version)
• Sturdy clamps
• Blowtorch and MAP/Propane gas
• Wire brush, small and large (hand sanding)
• Coarse nylon cup brush for a drill
• Drill
• Restorer tool, drum sander
• Finishing oil (Danish, tung, or similar)
• Optional paint (interior house paint works) and a small roller
• Safety gear: eye protection, ear protection, dust mask or respirator, heat-resistant gloves

Safety First

Work outside or in a well-ventilated space. Secure every board with clamps. Keep hair and cords clear of the grinder. Have water or an extinguisher within reach when burning.

Find and Prepare the Timber

For this project, I used recycled pine from an old bed frame. I prefer pine because it’s softer and gives more dramatic results.

Clamp the board firmly to your bench before you start. A grinder with a gouge ball is powerful—if the timber isn’t secured, it can take off (ask me how I know).

To add the groove, simply sweep the gouge ball across the surface. Make a couple of passes to deepen the channels. The surface will look rough at this stage, but once the wood is burnt, it evens out.

In hindsight, the grooves would have looked cleaner running in a single line across each panel—live and learn.

Burn the Timber (Shou Sugi Ban)

Use a blowtorch to char the surface until you see a cracked, alligator-skin texture. Keep the flame moving. Allow the board to cool fully before brushing.

I forgot to photograph this step, but this is how the wood should look after burning.

Brush Back the Char

There are three good ways to sand away the char, and all are best done outdoors because soot gets everywhere. First, use a wire brush and work with the grain—slow but controlled.

Use a large brush for broad surfaces and a smaller one to clean the grooves.

Second, fit a coarse nylon cup brush to a drill; it’s much faster and easier than hand-brushing.

Third, use a restorer tool with a nylon brush attachment; this is the quickest option, cutting the job from hours to minutes, though it does cost more—well worth it if you get hooked on Shou Sugi Ban like I did. With any method, knock off the loose char first with a hand wire brush to reduce airborne soot, and keep your respirator and eye protection on until the dust settles.

Shape the Colour with Selective Sanding

To create the multicoloured look, sand some areas deeper than others. The more you sand, the lighter the timber becomes and the more vibrant the colour. Leave some sections darker, as in the images below, for a more dramatic result. You’ll also notice the wood grain and knots stay black and raised.

Finish Option 1: Natural with Oil

Wipe on finishing oil and let it soak. Buff away excess. Oil deepens colour and protects the timber. Stop here for raw, organic tones.

I made these panels to decorate my porch, but they blended into the brickwork, and the effect was lost, so I changed my mind and painted them.

Finish Option 2: Painted Abalone Glow

There are several ways to paint Shou Sugi Ban. I tested different products and shared the results in this post. When adding paint to raw timber, dampen the surface first to prevent blotching and stains, as you can see in the image below.

I didn’t need to do this because I’d already oiled the timber. To stain the wood, I used regular interior house paint.

To apply the paint, I used a paint roller and added a thick layer to the surface and let it soak in for about 5 minutes.

Wipe back with a clean rag. Repeat for a deeper shade. Once dry, add a final coat of oil to seal and enrich the sheen.

I have added some close-up images so you can get a better look at the effects of the shou sugi ban.

More Shou Sugi Ban Ideas

I created this wooden gecko from a recycled tabletop and added texture using Shou Sugi Ban.

Shou Sugi Ban is a great way to create wall art—like my barn quilt design and this pallet-wood, multi-colour piece.

If you’re interested in any of the items used in this project, we’d appreciate it if you used our affiliate links. Clicking these links earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping us create more inspiring and exciting projects to share. We’d also love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment or share this post!