Weatherproof the Wood Using Shou Sugi Ban
At 2:21 in
How to Build a Backyard Water Feature
What happens here
To give the water feature a unique, weather-resistant finish, employ the ancient Japanese wood preservation technique known as Shou Sugi Ban. Attach a Bernzomatic propane cylinder to a TS8000 torch. Carefully and evenly burn the entire exterior cedar surface of the water feature frame. The goal is to char the wood to a desired degree of blackness. Once sufficiently charred, use a wire brush to gently scrape off any loose, sooty residue, cleaning the surface. Next, apply three to four coats of boiled linseed oil (Crown brand is shown) using a paintbrush. Continue applying coats until the wood is fully saturated and no longer absorbs the oil. This process seals and protects the wood, enhancing its durability and appearance. After the final coat has been absorbed, wipe off any excess oil with a clean rag.
Goal: Preserve and aesthetically enhance the cedar facade through charring and oiling.
Tools and materials
- Bernzomatic Propane Cylinder Bernzomatic — Fueling the torch for wood charring
- Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch Bernzomatic — Charring the cedar wood
- Boiled Linseed Oil Crown — Sealing and protecting the charred wood
- Clean Rag — Wiping off excess oil
- Heat-resistant Gloves — Protecting hands during charring
- Paintbrush — Applying linseed oil
- Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes during charring and brushing
- Wire Brush — Cleaning charred wood surface