The Japanese have a wood burning process called " Shou Sugi Ban"

 

With this Shou Sugi Ban process, I did a "Deep Burn" on a fully mitered Pine box. Then wire brushed it

Zoom in and check out the grain. 

I then dyed it.

 

 

 

Afterwards, I gave it three coats of 2 pound blonde shellac. 

I made a lift handle.... look closely. 

 

 

Installed brass hinges....

 

 

Here's a view of the bottom.

 

 

Feel free to comment, ask questions and thumbs up if you like it!

 

Thanks for looking! 

Cheers!
MrRick

 

 

Edited September 19, 2025Sep 19 by MrRick
A misspelling

Amazing grain match/wrap around the sides

Whole new look and meaning to a "pine box." Well done. Thanks for sharing.

Sweet!

 

I really love this box and that Japanese method of burning wood. I saw the website linked Rick thanks for that. I saw this method used first awhile back for fence work, and the builder was torching all the fence boards, and finished them and it made for a stunning backyard.

Hey Rick, gotta question, does your box have the raised grain as well? Did you wire brush the box after first burning and consequentially taking down the softwood from the hard grain? Just curious, I saw the fence guy do that and I loved the texture it left behind.

This simple mitered pine box is really cool, great work sir, great topics and posts by you as well, love that you are here with us. 🙂 

Thanks John... yes I wire brush away the loose charcoal soot on the surface. Different amounts can be brushed away depending on what you like but I pretty much brush it all off. I'm after contrast. Yes this technique "pops" the grain. It's raised. Perhaps I'll do more on this topic. 

Just now, MrRick said:

Perhaps I'll do more on this topic. 

Would love it! I seem to remember this method was and is also used for exterior purposes to protest the wood? Does the burn give the wood a level of protection from the elements, or is it purely aesthetics. 

Thanks lew, Grandpadave52, Handfoolery!

John... the Shou Sugi Ban process gives wood a high level of protection by creating a charred layer that makes it resistant to water, insects, mold, fungus, and even fire. This durable, carbonized barrier also improves the wood's stability and longevity, reducing the need for maintenance and protecting it from UV damage and rot. But they don't brush the burned wood. The charred coating gives ultimate protection from the elements. The Japanese have been doing this for centuries and there are buildings that have been around for thousands of years without rotting. 

I'll have to do a deep dive into the website you linked, I am interested in the process, wherever we land in retirement I hope to build a small shop and I have had the idea of using the process for the raised beam foundation of the shop and underlying support for the wood floor. Thanks Rick.