Can You Do Pyrography Indoors? – 8 Essential Safety Tips
One of the very frequent questions of wood burn enthusiasts is Can You Do Pyrography Indoors? The answer is YES. You can certainly do pyrography indoors, and if you take pyrography safety measures. Since, burning wood comes with dealing with high temperatures and fumes, maintaining safety rules to avoid hazards is essential.
Pyrography is not business for everyone. Many people choose to do it as a hobby or to explore something creative. And while, most of the time, this task takes place indoors, in the living room, garage, attic, or craft shop. The question arise naturally- is it safe to do it there?
In this article, you will learn what necessary precautions you must take when you are not doing it outdoors.
Issues Involved
- Though it has come from eons back, wood burning is now a hobby and a source of earning for many. As a result, one has to do pyrography at home or at a workplace, which usually means an indoor area like a room, garage, studio, or workshop.
- And that brings a concern regarding whether or not it is safe to do pyrography inside. Well, I think it is not an unusual question as pyrography involves using dust, fumes, hot tools, burners, etc.
- Moreover, working indoors means getting dust and debris all over, making it essential to use cleaning tools.
But yes, you can do pyrography inside home or a your workshop without too much worry. Besides, it is okay not to bother much as long as you are working on small pieces. Many professional pyrographers use their indoor areas to do bigger wood burning projects with much ease.
Now, remember that a professional pyrographer knows how to handle things well and make them look easier. But if you are a newbie or beginner, things might not be that easy, especially since handling the pen tool can be tricky.
It is essential to ensure your working area is safe and you have all the necessary gear. I will discuss more on this in the following part of this article. Meanwhile, you can watch this video to learn about wood burning indoors.
8 Safety Tips For Doing Burn Art Indoors
Pyrography creates a hot mess. And dealing with heat and fumes is no fun. That is why it is vital to take precautions to maintain safety and cleanliness at your workplace, whether it is your room or a workshop. Here are some tips to help you do pyrography indoors with more ease.
1. Select A Well-Ventilated Room
- When you plan to do pyrography indoors, there is no alternative but to choose a well-ventilated area to ensure safety.
- The room has to be big enough so that the emitted fume does not cause any suffocation. So choose a room where you can keep the doors and windows open to ensure the air passes properly.
2. Set Up A Portable Fan
- Sometimes an airy room is not enough if you have a smaller room and work with a very high temperature. You may still face a temperature rise in the workplace, which can be really uncomfortable as a beginner.
- It is better to have a portable fan and set it up on your work table. It will help the heat and fume pass more efficiently.
- I keep my table side window open and fit a small fan facing outside that drags out the burnt gas.
3. Select The Right Wood
Why am I bringing the wood here? Because it’s important to be extra careful with the wood you use for pyrography when doing it indoors.
Make sure the wood is
- Dried (or else it will contain sap and will make fumes)
- Properly sanded
- Having no raised grain
- Does not contain chemicals or finish
- Not treated
- Not a wood with a chemical substance, paint, or finish that releases toxic fumes when you burn it
4. Wear Safety Gloves And Masks
- As I mentioned before, professional pyrographers make pyrography much easier. Since they are more experienced, they can do pyrography without using all safety tools and equipment.
- So unless you are a pro, it is essential to wear heat-resistant gloves or finger gloves to protect your skin from the heat. You should also wear a respiratory mask to prevent inhaling fume.
- You can keep a pair of safety glasses nearby in case the smoke causes eye irritation, which often happens during doing pyrography projects indoors.
5. Watch Out For Hanging Jewelry Or Loose Hair
- This tip is applicable for both indoor and outdoor pyrography because it comes with certain risks. It is tough to notice if your jewelry is hanging or hair is coming loose when your sole focus is on your art piece.
- But having hanging objects like necklaces is risky because they can be coming in live electrical connections, if you are not careful when working on wood burning indoors. So make sure you have your hair tied up, and necklaces tucked away properly when doing pyrography. I take no chance in handling electrical device. Before switching on my burning tool I take a deep breath and take a minute to look around everywhere for any loose end left unnoticed, though I have a checklist of safety precautions posted on the wall beside my desk.
6. Keep Children Away
- Last but not least, pyrography is not for young children. The age restriction for wood burning should be 15 years or older. And if you want the little ones to learn this art form, it should be done under close adult supervision.
- But if you are doing wood burning indoors for your own projects, it is best to keep children away from your workplace. I mean, they are kids. One small mischief can lead straight to 911.
7. Use Proper Electrical Wiring and Apparatus
- While using the pyrography pen and power supply, you are dealing with electricity with high current and high voltage. This is really a big threat if not taken proper connections and insulations.
- Your apparatus and wires must be kept leak proof.
- Joints must be kept properly insulated. There must not be any water or liquid near the electrical wires.
8. Keep A Fire Extinguisher Nearby
- Just in case, a fire breaks out from the pyrography tool spark, or over heating, you have to have an extinguisher to douse the fire.
- Always keep checking the expiry date of the extinguisher materials and refill date.
- Never use water to control this fire. It is a big NO!
- You can keep a bucket (having easy access to it) of sand near your work place.
As you are prepared to do some pyrography, this article can help here as guide for how to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wood burning a safe hobby?
Yes, wood burning is a safe hobby, but it is also not for young children. Even an adult should take precautionary steps when doing pyrography.
Is it necessary to wear mask for pyrography?
It is best to wear a wood burning mask for the sake of your health. Wood burning releases fume that can cause health issues if inhaled directly.
Is it necessary to do wood burning outdoors?
It is better if you choose to do wood burning outdoors than in a closed area like indoors. Doing it outside ensures you have enough air to prevent health and work hazards.
Can you do wood burning inside?
Yes, you can do woodburns inside home. But it is not suggested if the place doesn’t have a better ventilation system and if you do not have safety tools.
EndNote
Pyrography history or evolution never stated if you need to be in a specific place or area to do it. That gives you the liberty to choose any place you find comfortable enough. And you can do it indoors. However, wood burning indoors is not always fun if you do not have sufficient light and air passing through the room. Also, you need to wear a safety mask, gloves, and glasses to avoid risking your skin and lungs.
