Shou Sugi Ban Picture Frame

Wood burning technique

I spotted this method on Pinterest awhile back and was so taken with the results I just had to have a try. To keep it simple I chose to do a Shou Sugi Ban picture frame as my first project.  I have a bad habit of diving in feet first and biting off more than I can chew, so I kept it simple.

Wood burning technique

I was looking for a new picture for my bedroom and having lived in South Africa most of my life, I love the African bush.  So my idea was to have an African bush scene that is framed in burnt wood. I found this stunning canvas online from a company called photowall.  They have so many different designs to choose from, it took me a week just to decide which one to choose. This canvas was called walking in savannah if you are after the same one. A 25% Discount code available at the bottom of this post.

Shou sugi ban frame

What is Shou Sugi Ban?

Originating in 18th century Japan, Shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, this practice is used with Japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. The wood is burned until the surface is charred, and then coated with natural oil. The result is a scorched finish with a magnificent charcoal black colour. The surface of the wood can take on a crackled or alligator skin look depending on the wood species and the burning intensity. Traditionalist utilizes only Cryptomeria japonica or Japanese cedar because it can take the heat for a deep burn resulting in pest, rot, and fire-resistant as well as becoming a natural water repellent and sun shield.

While this is the traditional method, over the years people have played around with it and this post will show another great way to use Shou Sugi Ban.

Shou Sugi Ban Picture Frame

*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.**

Find suitable wood

Before I started this project, I did a few tests using scraps to see how the different woods would burn. In my tests, I found pine had the best results for what I had in mind for this project. The softer the wood, the deeper the burn and the more dramatic the look. I used scrap wood that was leftover on a construction site so mine is not matching.  And believe it or not, I did not notice it until I was finished with the project.  So my frame has a two-toned colour.

Wood burning project ideas

This timber was actually decking planks so I had to run them through the thickness planer to remove the ridges and get them to the same thickness.

Safety precautions

Start by preparing your work surface area to prevent surface damage.  I used sheets of metal I had laying around in my workshop to protect my table surface from burning.  A cement floor would also be a good place to burn your wood. Make sure you do not have flammable materials close to the wood you are burning.  If you are burning a large amount of wood in a confined space I would also recommend using a respirator and safety glasses.

Burning the wood

To burn the wood you will need a suitable blowtorch.  I first tried my butane blow torch which worked great for my test pieces, but not for a large project like this.  For larger projects, I would highly recommend a blow torch like the one used in the image below or bigger. I started at one end and burnt the wood evenly until I noticed the wood start to char and crack like the image below.  For a better outcome, you should burn the sides too.

Wood burning project ideas

Cleaning the wood

To get the same effect as I got, you need to remove all the charred wood.  Using a wire brush is the quickest way to do this, rubbing with the grain of the wood.  I must add that this step is super messy and better done outside.  My husband said it looked like I had just come out of a coal mine, my whole face was black except where the glasses and face mask covered.

Wood burning project ideas

Removing the charred wood

The image below is how the wood will look after you have brushed off the charred layer. The idea now is to dig down past the charred wood to get back to the natural wood colour.   The grain will stay black giving you a lot of contrast between the two colours. You can either keep the natural wood colour or you can add some coloured stains.  For this project, I am keeping the natural wood natural, but I have some great projects coming up to show you the coloured Shou sugi ban.

Wood burning techniques

To get back to the natural wood colour you can keep using a wire brush but I found it too much hard work. You can use one of these coarse nylon flap brushes that you can attach to a drill.  This works brilliantly and works pretty fast too.

Wood burning techniques

You need to hold the coarse nylon flap brush over the surface going with the grain.  You can do as much or as little as you want here, going deeper for lighter wood.  The grain seemed to stay black no matter how deep I went.

Wood burning project ideas

It is hard to tell from the image below, but the lighter wood is at least 3mm deeper than the darker wood. So you have some great texture on the surface.

Wood burning techniques

I used different planks for this project, but if you can find wood with more grain the effect is so much better as you can see below.

Wood burning project ideas

Cutting the wood to size

I measured the canvas and cut the wood to size at 45 degrees angles using a  drop saw. My original idea was to box the canvas into the frame.  But as I was laying the frame around the canvas, I changed my mind.  I loved the look of the canvas sitting slightly higher than the frame.

Wood burning techniques

To join the sides of the frame together I used a portable pocket hole jig.  This allows you to get a tight joint on the corners. I did add glue before the corners were screwed together for added support.

Wood burning techniques

The canvas I chose was fairly large at 1200 mm x 700 mm, so I felt the corners needed some extra support. I used some metal brace plates to offer more stability to the frame.

Wood burning techniques

Adding the laces

To give this Shou sugi ban picture frame a more unique look I added some leather laces to the corners.  I used an offcut as a template to do this.  Cut the wood at a 45-degree angle and measure out where you want the holes to be. You can then use this wood as a drill guide for getting the same spacing on every corner.

Wood burning techniques

If you don’t want to add the laces you can burn the corners a little darker to add definition. I did this first, but the darker wood took away the effect of the laces, so I sanded mine lighter again.

Wood burning techniques

I added shoe eyelets to make the holes look more defined. When you drill the holes you need to choose the correct size drill bit for the shoe eyelet. You can then use multipurpose glue to glue the eyelets in place and wipe away any access glue.

Wood burning techniques

Sealing the wood

For indoor use, you do not have to seal Shou sugi ban wood, but I chose to seal mine because there was a difference in the colour of my wood. The wood on the sides had a more orange tinge to them than the top and the bottom.  I did a test on the offcuts using clear wax, and the colours were a better match with the clear wax. You can apply the wax with a rag or brush and wipe off the excess with a soft rag.

Wood burning techniques

You can now thread the laces through the holes and staple the ends to the back of the frame.

Wood burning techniques

Shou sugi ban wood

Add back supports

Because I did not box in the canvas I needed a way to hold the canvas in place inside the frame. I used some scraps of aluminium I had leftover from my wine barrel tables. They were cut to size and screwed across each corner on the back.  I added some self-adhesive velcro tape to the canvas frame and the aluminium support to stop the canvas from falling out of the frame.  The other benefit the doing the frame this way is that the picture can be changed.  Photowall has such a big selection of suitable images that will go perfectly with this frame. Once I get bored with this one, I can just add the new one to the frame.

Wood burning techniques

Photowall

Photowall has given me a great deal to share with you today.  They are offering all my readers and subscribers an amazing 25% discount using this discount code (anitaholland25)on all purchases up until the 9th of April 2021.  So if you are looking for a new canvas, wallpaper, mural or poster, pop across to their website and check out their great selection.

Completed Shou Sugi Ban picture frame

Wood burning techniques

More Unique DIY ideas

This cool corner shelf is great for small spaces and doubles as a Christmas tree in December.

Corner shelf

This patio cooler was made from mainly recycled materials and would be a great addition to any party.

Wooden ice chest

Pinterest pin

This tutorial will show you how to achieve this stunning effect on your diy picture frames. This wood burning technique will bring your pictures to life in a unique way

Why settle for a boring picture frame, when with a little work you can get this awesome effect that offers contrast and texture to your wood frames.

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

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48 Comments

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    March 15, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    A laced-up, char-grilled frame of the bushveld. What’s not to love, Anita. I swear we’re connected in the cosmos somehow or another. We’ve been playing with shou sugi ban too, but we just did our pieces on the braai 😀 And the wood takes on a whole new look. I was so surprised by how incredibly beautiful it looks. Oh BTW thanks for the flapper attachment tip. My arms are still wobbly after using the steel brush attachment on ours. It’s definitely a good work out

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Thank Michelle, Our ideas are very similar. The last time you were doing the planter I was doing one similar so I have held mine back. I tried it with a few flames and the propane worked the best because it burns deeper so you get more texture. And that Coarse flap brush is a total game-changer it works so good but my hands still get tired holding the drill.

  • Reply
    Brooke
    March 15, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    What a beautiful frame. I couldn’t wait to keep scrolling down and read more. I just love projects like this one. Thank you for sharing your step by step and amazing photos.

  • Reply
    Sara
    March 15, 2021 at 11:01 pm

    That burned effect and lace up on the wood looks amazing and I actually like the two-toned wood. We’ve always wanted to try shop sugih ban; hopefully once the weather improves here!

  • Reply
    Maria
    March 15, 2021 at 11:42 pm

    This is beautiful this is what I’m looking for to make rustic frames

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      Thank you Maria, you should have a try very easy, just very messy.

  • Reply
    Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge
    March 15, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    Oh my goodness this is such a beautiful frame. I’ve never heard of this technique bit it’s so interesting. I love how you finished off with the laces.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      Thank you so much Angie, I just came across it by accident too and thought I would give it a try. I have a few projects done and they are all stunning.

  • Reply
    Pam
    March 16, 2021 at 12:22 am

    That’s really beautiful. Great job!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      Thank you so much Pam, It is even nicer in reality because you can see all the deep grooves in between the grain.

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    March 16, 2021 at 12:49 am

    Anita, what a wonderful scene to have about your bed. The cjar burned frame is earthy and complimentary. I love it.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you Deanna, I am very non-traditional in my bedroom decor. I usually have tigers and African scenes on that too.

  • Reply
    Linda Johnston
    March 16, 2021 at 1:38 am

    Beautiful frame! Thanks for the details too.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you so much Linda, that is so kind of you to say.

  • Reply
    Lalka Crochetka
    March 16, 2021 at 6:39 am

    the frame is stunning! it fits perfect to the canva with elephants <3

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you so much, soon as I say the canvas I knew I wanted to try this technique. Lucky it was easy to do.

  • Reply
    Denise @ hootshack
    March 16, 2021 at 11:51 am

    What a beautiful look. I can see this in all styles of decor. I love the history of this as well. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you Denise, I think you can use it for any picture. With shou sugi ban you can also add colours to the wood. I will be sharing them soon.

  • Reply
    Esmé Slabbert
    March 16, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing and participating at #SeniSal RT done

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 16, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you so much Esme, have a great week.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    March 17, 2021 at 1:39 am

    I really like this look. I never knew the name, but always enjoy the style and texture. You have done a great job with a step by step tutorial. Happily pinning for future reference, Anita!

  • Reply
    Christina Woodcock
    March 18, 2021 at 6:55 am

    This is beautiful Anita! I love the rustic look 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 18, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you so much, The effect is even better in reality.

  • Reply
    NINA LEWIS
    March 18, 2021 at 7:11 am

    You did an amazing job on your picture frame! I’ve never heard of this type of treatment of wood. (Elephants are my favorite animal so I love your picture, too!)

    Thanks so much for sharing this at our Party in Your PJs link party.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 18, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you so much Nina, I have only just discovered it and I am addicted.

  • Reply
    Kasia@Wooden Pallet Projects
    March 19, 2021 at 1:39 am

    It looks amazing. I love the lace detail 🙂 Your projects always inspire me to come up with new ideas. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:19 am

      Thank you so much, I had to add my own personal touch to the idea.

  • Reply
    creativejewishmom/sara
    March 19, 2021 at 7:52 am

    Wow, really stunning frame, LOVE The lacing at the corner. Never heard of this so thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:19 am

      Thank you so much and you are very welcome

  • Reply
    Dixie
    March 19, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    What an impressive frame. The picture looks beautiful in it.
    Well done, indeed!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:20 am

      Thank you so much Dixie, for the awesome comment.

  • Reply
    Naush Samama
    March 21, 2021 at 5:31 pm

    Anita, I love how you share your experiments with all of us and educate your readers with different art techniques and terms. I think, your frame looks splendid. Thank you or sharing with us at Meraki Link Party. Hope you join back this week too. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Naush

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:20 am

      Thank you so much Naush, I love learning new techniques along the way.

  • Reply
    Cecilia
    March 22, 2021 at 8:23 am

    Anita, you are the queen of DIY! What a cool technique! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:21 am

      Aww thank you so much, Cecilia, your comment has made my day.

  • Reply
    Rosemary Palmer
    March 22, 2021 at 11:19 am

    What a great job – I love the rustic look and perfect for the picture.

  • Reply
    Grandma's House DIY
    March 23, 2021 at 2:57 am

    I’m featuring you this week! Thanks for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s house we go link party, happy spring!

  • Reply
    Marilyn
    March 23, 2021 at 6:55 am

    Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. We appreciate your shares. They have been Tweeted Pinned. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

  • Reply
    Barbara Chapman
    March 23, 2021 at 1:58 pm

    Really nice effect this gives your picture frame! My father used to use this technique in the early 1970’s, before I ever knew the actual name for this burning technique. Your frame and its photo turned out beautifully!!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:34 am

      Thank you so much Barbara, this method has been used for so long I think it is just becoming popular again.

  • Reply
    Linda
    March 23, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    Beautiful…and I learned a new word. Thank you for sharing on the Classy Flamingos.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2021 at 8:34 am

      Thank you Linda, I learnt a new word too lol

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Mario
    August 29, 2023 at 12:19 am

    Hola Anita, felicidades por ese marco está precioso y gracias por compartir…
    Solo una duda. El lienzo lo pegaste a alguna base??
    Gracias

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 1, 2023 at 8:41 pm

      Thank you, I used metal brackets on the back to attach it to the frame.

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