A Shou Sugi Ban Memento
One of Restore-Rite's distributors is Economy Lumber in Oakland, California. In 2024 an eight-alarm fire destroyed the building that housed their offices, window-and-door showroom, and molding shed. All parts of the burnt building were a total loss.
When Restore-Rite’s owner, Allen, stopped by and saw the demolition crew hauling away the remains of the building he asked the onsite foreman directing the loading of the truck to pick out a section of a charcoal-encrusted 12"x12" beam of old-growth redwood, and cut a 32" tall section that could be used to make a memento of the old building for the new offices.
Two weeks later Allen had a game plan to preserve the charcoal beam using 600ML dual cartridges of StrongBond Sealer and a 22 oz. dual cartridge dispensing gun. The static mixing nozzle on the cartridges automatically mixed the penetrating Sealer in a precise 1:1 ratio and the dispensing gun delivered the desired amount on demand. When Allen applied the Sealer on the burnt beam it sucked up the contents of three cartridges without creating any heat. After waiting 45 minutes he coated the beam with a 12 oz. can of automotive clearcoat (Rust-Oleum 5-in-1 spray paint in clear gloss). This was his first attempt to create a Shou Sugi Ban piece and to use a spray automotive clear coat, but the end result was impressive and took less than 3 hours to complete.
After the Shou Sugi Ban beam was dry, the store manager and Allen carried it up to the owner's office. Returning to work the following Monday, the owner was surprised and delighted with the gift and has kept it in his office.
Before
A piece of a charcoal-encrusted 12”x12” beam from the fire was cut off to create the memento.
After
The finished Shou Sugi Ban memento.
Project In Process:
01.
A 32” tall section of a burnt old-growth redwood beam was used to create the Shou Sugi Ban memento.
02.
Three 20.29 oz dual cartridges of StrongBond Sealer were applied to harden the wood in the beam.
03.
The piece is ready to have automotive clear coat applied.
04.
The finished memento of the company’s catastrophic fire.
05.
The preserved beam is ready to move into the owner’s office.
