Burning and Sealing a Maple Slab: A Unique DIY Project

TLDRIn this video, Cam from Blacktail Studio takes an old maple slab and burns it to create a gator skin char. He then seals it with epoxy and creates a stunning high gloss finish. The process involves using a weed burner, carefully controlling the burn, and using a deep pore epoxy for the seal. The final result is a beautifully warped and charred table that is both unique and eye-catching.

Key insights

🔥Burning the maple slab creates a gator skin char.

🌌The deep pore epoxy is used to seal the wood and create a high gloss finish.

💡Using a weed burner allows for precise control of the burn.

🔨The warped wood can be straightened by burning the opposite side.

💭The burning process is experimental and may require some trial and error.

Q&A

Where can I get a weed burner for this project?

You can find a weed burner at most home improvement stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe's.

How do you prevent the wood from catching on fire?

It's important to carefully control the burn and monitor the wood throughout the process. You can also have a hose nearby to cool it off if needed.

Can I use a different type of wood for this project?

While this video specifically uses maple, you can experiment with other types of wood as well. Just keep in mind that each type of wood may react differently to the burning and sealing process.

How long does the epoxy take to cure?

The curing time for epoxy can vary depending on the specific product used. It's best to follow the instructions provided by the epoxy manufacturer.

Is it necessary to sand the epoxy between coats?

Sanding between coats can help achieve a smoother finish, but it's not always necessary. It depends on the desired final result and the quality of the previous coat.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Cam introduces a unique DIY project involving burning and sealing a maple slab.

01:58He demonstrates the burning process using a weed burner.

02:28Cam explains how to straighten the warped wood by burning the opposite side.

04:48He applies a deep pore epoxy to seal the wood and create a high gloss finish.

08:09Cam shares tips and lessons learned during the project, including sanding between epoxy coats and warming the wood to thin the epoxy.