I did these two Shou Sugi Ban boards per Fig A and B based on my past experimenting.

Fig A was done a while back. It was a surface burn. No alligator skin. It was stained then shellacked. It's more subdued in appearance and softer.

Fig A

Fig B was just done recently. I did an even medium burn with a light alligator skin.

Then used my 5" drill flap brush. This made life much easier and allowed me to concentrate on the "look" that I wanted.

As you see it there is no stain and no finish at all.

Fig B

Which do you prefer?

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

Cheers!
MrRick

I think I'd go with "B"

Agree, "B" is my preference.

I made a sofa table based on B. Unfortunately I didn't take photos of it and sold it.