Texturing wood

Structured wood surfaces convey a valuable and qualitative impression. They find favor in diverse areas of application and contribute significantly to a rustic and antique wood look.

The interaction between the type of wood and the brush results in an individual depth structure in the surface. The working principle is simple:

The wood consists of early and late wood. The early wood can be described as "softer" wood, which can be "brushed out" with the help of a brushing tool. The late wood is harder and does not come off, creating the desired surface texture.

Many influencing factors contribute to the machining result, some of which cannot be controlled. Since wood is a natural material, the internal structure of the wood varies (annual rings, grain). Due to the different wood properties, such as the raw density, some types of wood are better suited for structuring work than others.

Wood can be structured both by machine and with the help of a hand brush. Primarily, brushes with (brass-plated) steel wire or abrasive grinding bristles are suitable for processing. We offer solutions for industrial woodworking and for Do-It-Yourself brushes that get used on drills or angle grinders.

Different types of wood require special processing tools. Since wood raw materials are a natural product, the structure and the resulting wood structure are individual. However, a basic distinction can be made between softwoods and hardwoods:

• Softwoods (gross density < 0.55 g/cm²): Abrasive bristle with silicon carbide or (brass-plated) steel wire. 
  • Caution: For finely structured softwoods, a brush with a small wire diameter should be used. The small wire ends reach interstices better and can follow the wood grain better than abrasive bristles.
• Hardwoods (gross density > 0.55 g/cm²): (brass-plated) steel wire 

When using brushes with wire trim, finishing with an abrasive bristle is recommended. This step serves to remove protruding wood splinters and small wood fibers. The previously obtained depth structure remains, only unevenness is removed.

Spruce is a softwood that is ideal for structuring. The soft spring wood parts can be effortlessly brushed out with the help of brass-coated steel wire.

In which direction must I guide my brushing tool when I want to structure wood?

• The tool must always be guided along the grain direction. For optimal and complete brushing out of the softwood components, the brush should be guided both forwards and backwards.

Is the brushed wood surface rough?

• No, fibers and smaller wood segments, as with a rough-sawn surface, are removed by brushing. For a particularly smooth finish, we recommend using brushes with abrasive trim and a fine grit. These are well suited for finishing after structuring with (brass-plated) steel wire to smooth the surface and to sand small, protruding wood splinters.

Do I need a powered tool for texturing?

• Depending on the purpose, the frequency and also the surface to be worked on, it is up to the worker whether he wants to work with a driven brushing tool or with a hand brush.
• In principle, a hand brush can achieve a comparable work result as, for example, a drill.
• The principle of operation is identical; with the help of the brush set, the soft early wood is brushed out in the direction of the grain to achieve the desired, rustic look.

What parameters can I adjust when I have the feeling that the grain is not coming out sufficiently?

• Increase the number of repetitions (traverse several times)
• Reduce feed rate
• If adjustable: increase the structure depth
• If adjustable: adjust the number of revolutions

The achievable surface structure depends on many factors. Some factors can be influenced, but the processor has no influence on many of them.

First and foremost are the properties of the wood, which cannot be changed. It is a natural raw material that is subject to fluctuations. Both in terms of its physical properties and its internal structure. Each tree is unique due to its growth: early and late wood proportions vary, and knots occur particularly in the knot area.

The achievable depth structure of the surface is limited, especially with hardwoods. In addition to the actual hardness of the wood, the "softer" early wood plays a decisive role. The early wood content is particularly pronounced in needlewoods, which is why good depth structures can be achieved here. 

Some of the conventional European wood species and their surface structures are shown below.

With a density of 0.47 g/cm², this light-colored type of wood is a softwood.
Spruce wood is an inexpensive building material and is therefore used as standard for various purposes. It is important that spruce wood is suitably treated before use so that moisture cannot penetrate under any circumstances. It is then suitable for cladding, fencing, building garden sheds or carports, making panels or furniture, for example.

With a gross density of 0.52 g/cm², pine is a softwood. It is considered to be insensitive and stable. Long beams free of knotholes can be obtained from spruce. It can therefore be used as construction timber , for example as roof trusses and in drywall construction. Spruce wood is also used in furniture construction, where it scores points with its grain, which is often used for furniture surfaces.

Alder has a bulk density of 0.53 g/cm² and is water-resistant. This property is best expressed when the alder wood component is used in direct contact with water. For example, as sluice gates, water pipes or in mill construction. The wood is easy to stain and can therefore imitate precious woods in furniture construction. The wood is also suitable for transport crates or pallets, as well as for instrument making.

With a gross density of 0.60 g/cm², cherry wood is a hardwood. The red-brown color intensity decreases from the inside to the outside, but overall it is a dark wood. The wood also has an even structure. Proper polishing and staining can ensure that the wood surface does not change color. This means that high-quality furniture, laminates and kitchen worktops can be made from cherry wood.

This type of wood is light in color and is a hardwood with a density of 0.61 g/cm². Maple is elastic, but does not expand very much with temperature fluctuations. This property makes it suitable for making musical instruments. Maple is also often used to make furniture. It tends to be used less as construction timber for outdoor use, as it darkens due to UV radiation.

With a gross density of 0.67 g/cm², this type of wood is part of the hardwoods. The wood is gray-brown and contains tannic acid. This makes it less susceptible to woodworm and resistant to moisture. In addition, components made of oak can be subjected to stress: In addition to exterior doors, timber framing, solid furniture, flooring, stairs and kitchen worktops, it can also be used for construction near water or in water itself. It is therefore generally very suitable as construction wood.

With a gross density of 0.68 g/cm², elm wood is a hardwood. Its color is reminiscent of chocolate brown. Despite its hardness, elm is easy to work and shape. It is therefore suitable for furniture production and interior design. Elm wood is less popular for outdoor furnishings as it has hardly any resistant properties and is therefore sensitive to weather and pest infestation.

With a gross density of 0.69 g/cm², this type of wood is very hard and heavy. The coloring is slightly reddish and the color intensity increases from the outside to the inside. Beech is used as parquet or for the construction of furniture and cutlery. Beech wood is also used outdoor, for example for ship masts or garden furniture. Beech wood is not suitable for building. The wood should also be handled with care. On the one hand, to prevent fungal infestation. On the other hand, to prevent moisture from escaping and causing the wood to shrink.

Ash wood has a gross density of 0.69 g/cm² and is therefore a hardwood. It comes in various shades of brown, the younger the tree, the lighter the color. The wood grain is uneven. Ash can be easily processed by machine or by hand and is suitable for furniture production and interior fittings. Ash wood is not very suitable for outdoor use as it is not weather-resistant.

Acacia wood is a hardwood with a density of more than 0.69 g/cm². It comes in various shades of color and has an irregular pattern. It is resistant and consistent, making it suitable for interior fittings and bridge construction. Due to its hardness, it is often used for solid furniture. But this also makes it difficult to create fine finishes such as scrollwork. This is why furniture made from acacia often has straight lines. When using acacia wood, care should be taken to maintain a constant room temperature and humidity to prevent strong movement in the wood.