Wood Burning Mandala Tray

Wood Burning Mandala Tray

Learn how to make a DIY Mandala Tray using wood burning with a heat-sensitive pen and blowtorch. This is a quick project and only takes a couple of hours.

Materials

Directions

Step 1 – Prep the tray

No matter what you choose to make, surface prep is extremely important. Sand the surface with a fine sanding sponge in the direction of the grain and wipe away all the dust. You can use a tack cloth to make sure to get all of the dust particles.

Step 2 – Stencil

Decide on the positions of the patterns and lay the stencil on the tray. Attach the stencil to the tray using masking tape to keep it from moving. Using the heat-sensitive marker, fill in the stencil.

Stencil

Depending on the color of the marker, the markings can be hard to see. Starting at one end and keeping track of the pattern helps. This design calls for a pattern in the center and two on opposite corners.

Step 3 – Burn!

Lay the plank/wood tray on a few pieces of scrap wood elevated over a concrete or stone floor. Using a Bernzomatic BZ4500HS and propane, slowly torch from one end to the other.

Burning wood

If you are using a wood plank like me, also torched the back of the plank and a couple of 6″ pieces of 1×2. Attach the 1×2 to the backside using a brad nailer and finish nails.

Step 4 – Add the epoxy

Mix up the epoxy using directions on the package and pour it on top of the patterned side. You can use painter’s tape on the edges to keep the epoxy from flowing to the edges.

Step 5 – Pop the bubbles

Use a Bernzomatic ST2200 Detail Torch loaded with butane to pop all the bubbles in the epoxy. Allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time.

Popping bubbles with torch

What You'll Need


BZ4500HS

DuraCast™ Wide Surface Torch

BZ4500HS
Product Info

ST2200T

Detail Torch

ST2200T
Product Info

BF56

5.6 oz. Butane Cylinder

BF56
Product Info

TX9

14.1 oz. Propane Hand Torch Cylinder

TX9
Product Info

Materials

  • Tray. You can use a wood plank or any piece of wood you desire.
  • Stencil of your choice
  • Heat sensitive marker
  • Sanding sponge
  • Tack cloth
  • Brad Nailer and 1-1/4″ finish nails
  • Tabletop epoxy
  • Mixing cups
  • Stir sticks
  • Gloves
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