I'm working on a floating bookshelf made from recycled pine, using dovetails and through tenons to keep costs down. I really want a dark finish, but staining pine can be a pain. So, I'm considering Shou Sugi Ban because I've had good results in the past. My worry is ruining the glue up or melting the glue layers since I'm using quite a bit of it. Plus, my pine boards are 12mm thick and 300mm wide by 1200mm long, so I'm concerned about warping too. Do you think it's best to burn and scrape the wood first before gluing it up, or should I do the Shou Sugi Ban treatment after assembly? Or is this finish just not ideal for this project? I've also thought about using vinegar and steel wool, but I'm not a big fan of the results.
1 Answer
I suggest going for a high-quality black stain instead of trying Shou Sugi Ban. As you noted, doing it before or after gluing could lead to issues, both with the glue and potential warping. Just sticking to a reliable stain might save you a lot of hassle. Your boards are only 1/2" thick, so they could warp badly if burned at any point in the process!
Totally agree! The thinner the boards, the more likely they'll warp. Just play it safe with a stain that will give you that dark look without the risks.