ABSTRACT
Wood is affected by different environmental elements – e.g. heat and moisture. Different finishes can be applied to wood to protect it, enhance its weathering properties, and also enhance its aesthetic qualities. Wood charring is also a technique used for wood preservation. In Japan, this traditional technique is called yakisugi or shM sugi ban. The is evidence to suggest that charring may have some beneficial effects in terms of enhancing durability, but this is as yet unquantified. Some products used in finishing are hazardous, and there are requirements that wooden items are coated with a non-hazardous coat if the end use is associated with food or children.
