Superb Lichtenberg Pyrography (High Voltage or Fractal Burning) – 10 Steps To Do It

Lichtenberg pyrography is an exciting thing that went viral on TikTok during the Covid-19 pandemic period. It is also known as High Voltage pyrography or Fractal wood burning.

High voltage or fractal pyrography involves burning chemical applied wood surface with high voltage, i.e., large electrical power. It creates a lightning-like pattern on the surface as the electricity runs through it. A natural phenomenon is translated into amazing art here. However, this process is done only by very skilled artists as it is extremely dangerous and can cause electrocution.

But why go through the risk of making art like that? Is there a safer way to do it? Well, you will learn all about this technique from this very article.

All About Lichtenberg (Fractal) Woodburn

What is a Fractal?

Fractal is a Mathematical term. The features are as following:

• Geometric structures that are irregular, infinitely intricate, having zoom symmetry, having complexity from simplicity and appearing in fractional dimensions
• Cannot be described by classical geometry
• Magnification of the structure reveals repeated patterns of similarly irregular, but progressively in smaller dimensions
• They appear in natural forms and phenomena because the geometric properties of the physical world are largely abstract, as with clouds, crystals, tree bark, or the path of lightning, leaves of trees, human lung alveoli system (Information Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fractal)

Background

• High voltage pyrography is commonly known as fractal wood burning.
• Sometimes, the patterns are even called the Lichtenberg figure, named after the German scientist who invented it. In 1777, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg designed and built the electrophorus device. This device discharged high-voltage electric current on any insulated surfaces, such as wood or glass. And he experienced that special effect creating on the insulated material.
• And the electricity travels through the carbons of the tree stem fibers, creating high heat on it’s way and a beautiful Lichtenberg pattern is revealed. Here, the carbon, which has better conductivity than an insulator, creates high-voltage burn pattern.

• When Lichtenberg created the geometric effect, he pressed a sheet of paper on it and transferred the design for the record. He later experimented with various insulating materials to create the 2D fractal effect. And over time, the use of this high-voltage power on insulated material becomes a unique way to burn wood.

What Do You Need For This?

High-voltage wood burning (Lichtenberg/Fractal Pyrography) is nothing like regular ones. When it comes to tools and equipment, there is a slight difference here. Here are the essential apparatus you will need for doing it.

A Burner Tool

You must have seen the regular burner tools (or machines) with an electrical wiring systems to connect the pen to it. And they are comparatively low voltage and low power equipment.

Generally, a power tool used for this pyrography is 10,000 to 15,000 volts. High voltage and low current (measured in ampere). Since, such a power supply tool is not always available in the market, many pyrographers make their customized tool.

Chemical Conductivity

You will need to apply moisture to the wood before you burn it. Because without it, the electrical conductivity will not be created on dry wood and will not create the Lichtenberg effect.

As for the chemical insulator, many people use sodium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, or potassium hydroxide. If you want to use something commonly found in households, you can create a mixture of water and baking soda.

Wood Choices

You must get yourself the right wood for this type of pyrography. My suggestion would be to go with hard and compact fibrous ones as it has tight grains. And the good thing about tight grains is that they smolder really well and in defined fashion.

You can also use pine or cedar, but they are soft, nevertheless, they have harder varieties as well. While soft ones can be used for high-voltage works, such wood can get overburnt pretty easily.

How To Do It?

Here is the process of firing up the wood using a high-voltage power supply tool.

1. Choose a piece of hardwood for the project and lay it on a flat surface.
2. Use an electric sanding machine or sandpaper and sand the surface until it becomes flat and smooth.
3. Use a clean fabric or brush to remove the sanding dust from the surface.
4. Apply moisture or insulator with a sponge or soft brush with a handle where you want to burn the surface to create fractal patterns.
5. Place the metal probes on your desired point. Some people use handheld devices and clamps as the probes, but that is too risky to use any handheld tool. You can also hammer nails on the starting point and attach two clamps, connected from the voltage generating machine, to them.
6. Being at a safe distance, switch it on.
7. In between burning, you can change the metal probes’ positions in zigzag pattern and more fractal forms. But make sure to turn off the voltage source or electricity generating machine when you do that. You can also apply some more insulators to ensure the patterns burn properly.
8. Once the design is created, turn off everything and carefully remove the wood.
9. Use a soft bristle brush to remove the charred and loosened carbon and dust off the surface, or wash it well.
10. You can sand it again to ensure the surface is perfect and apply a finish, resin or paint to decorate it.

This is a fantastic video of Lichtenberg Pyrography. Or else you can play it right here.

Risks Involved

The reason you are advised to stay away from doing high-voltage pyrography is because it is very dangerous, even for experienced people. One wrong move, and you may end up dead. That’s right! It is that much risky. 

And if you are still not convinced, here are the risks you should know about fractal pyrography.

Electrical Shock/Death

Every year, many people die just because of electrical shocks from household appliances. DIY high-voltage tools are not always safe when you make them from household appliances, such as microwave transformers. So unexpected occurrences can happen if the tool is not properly made or handled.

Harmful Caustic Chemical

The insulation solution you use contains chemicals. Even the one you make at home with baking soda and water can leave a chemical burn. So they require very careful handling.

Toxic Fume Inhalation

While regular pyrography also emits fume and carbon, the one emits from high voltage works is more intense and mixed with chemicals, hence, more toxic. With the chemical insulation added, it just doubles the level of toxic fume. And inhaling the fume is very harmful to your respiratory system.

Fire Hazard

Since fractal burning involves the use of high-voltage, it can easily set the wood on fire if the temperature is not controlled. So fire hazard is a common risk this artwork method comes with.

Safety Tips For This Pyrography

If you are still convinced to try this pyrography technique, here are safety tips you must follow.

• Have an extra pair of experienced hands to help and guide you. If it is your first time trying this technique, especially with a DIY tool, it is safest to allow someone more experienced to observe the task.
• You should wear safety gloves and a respiratory mask for your own safety, and wear a pair of rubber boots if you have to. And also makes sure the room is well-ventilated to let the smoke or fume out easily.
• While professionals use DIY burner tools, it is best to get one store-bought as they are less hazardous.
• Do not touch anything or do not apply the solution when the metal probes are conducting current or alive. You can never touch anything else other than the turn-off switch once it is in operation.
• Make sure the two probes never touch one another.
• It is best to avoid hand-held metal probes for burning tools and use nails or clamps to let the probes do the work.
• Always keep a good distance between you and the work table.
• Do not remove your gloves or boots without turning off the electricity supply first.

This is a good read for woodburning safety tips.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now, what do you think of high voltage pyrography? Do you think it is worth taking the risk? There is no doubt that this type of pyrography is very eye-catching and unique. In fact, nowadays, you will find many household items, such as tabletops, and wall décor, made of this technique. 

At the same time, you cannot deny the risk this technique comes with. So if you are up for it, make sure to research well, use good quality tools and equipment and follow the safety tips when burning wood using high volts.

Additional Reads

• Landscape design on wood
• Pyrography for beginners
• Calligraphy wood burning