When crafting with the wood, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the grain.

Wood-working and burning is nothing like drawing on paper, and using liquid on it (like the liquid found in our wood-burning pen) can result in bleeding.

It doesn't have to be that way, though.

Your Scorch Marker crafts can be crisp and clean without worry. 

And, we're going to show you how! In this article, we're sharing the top tips for preventing bleeding while crafting with the Scorch Marker. 

How to Get Crisp Lines with the Scorch Marker

1. Prime Your Marker on a Paper Towel

While it's important to prime your Scorch Marker before using it, this should never be done on the craft itself. 

Prime the marker on a paper towel before starting to draw.

This will prevent the tip of the marker from drying out or getting clogged, depending on the kind of craft project you are working on!

2. Sand Your Wood Before Crafting on It

You might be excited to simply jump into crafting, but sanding your wood is absolutely critical. 

Sandpaper is the primary way to create a smooth surface and prevent bleeding with your wood grain.

A good rule of thumb is that you should always use a coarse grit before starting any project, and then move up to an even finer grit as needed. 

We typically like to start with 220-grit, and then move up to 500-grit and - if necessary - finish off with 1000-grit sandpaper. 

3. Make Sure to Sand Away any Existing Stains 

In order to prevent bleeding or any other issues with the Scorch Marker, you’ll want to sand away any existing stains or finishes.

When sanding with the grain of the wood, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper (if there are still stains) or even just one that is not too coarse—or it will remove all of your hard work! 

4. Take Advantage of Stencils

Stencils are a great way to help get a cleaner line on your project.

You can find stencils in our store or make them yourself with cardboard and tape or paper and scissors.

The latter option is probably better, as it will save you some money while also giving you more control over how your design looks.

The Cricut is another wonderful investment for creating your own stencils at home. 

You Can Prevent Bleeding When Crafting with the Scorch Marker by Following These Tips:

• Use a paper towel to prime your marker
• Sand the wood before crafting on it
• Sand away any existing stains or finishes
• Apply stencils to help create thin lines and shapes
• Use only a light coat of the marker

Don't forget to follow us on social media for additional tips and tricks for successful creating with the Scorch Marker.