How to Brand Your Wooden Furniture with Your Logo

In the world of furniture design and woodworking, establishing a distinct brand identity is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. One effective way to leave a lasting impression on your creations is by learning how to brand your wooden furniture with your logo. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to elevate your brand presence or a newcomer eager to make a memorable impression, I’ll talk you through some of the most common ways to brand wood with your logo.

Creating Your Logo

Before you get started with any of the below forms of branding, it’s important to have a well designed logo. I’ll talk a little more about this below but for now you’ll need a vector file of your logo. This means it can be resized easily without an loss of quality. Vector file format include:

• EPS – Encapsulated PostScript
• AI – Adobe Illustrator
• PDF – Portable Document Format
• SVG – Scalable Vector Graphic

If you already have a logo in one of these formats, that’s great. You can move on to the next stage. If not, consider talking to a brand or logo designer to help you with this stage. You could also create your own logo with a design software solution both online or offline. Applications such as Adobe Illustrator, can be a great tool for this job.

How to Brand Wood with Your Logo

I have always been a fan of branding my furniture with a branding iron, but there are a number of other ways you can accomplish a similar finish. Here are some of the most used practices among professional craftsmen and women.

1. Branding irons
2. Laser engraving
3. Paint and stensils
4. Inlay or Marquetry
5. Custom stamps

Let’s talk a look at each of these in a little more detail.

Branding Irons

These neat little tools are available in two different forms:

• A stand alone logo made from brass or steel, mounted on and steel pole with a wooden handle.
• An electric branding iron made from brass, incorporated into a heating element with a wooden or plastic handle and a corded plug.

Each provide similar results but the electric iron can be a lot more convenient, especially when dealing with multiple products. For instance, if you’re someone who works with multiple wood varieties for damp or warm settings like in an Amerec sauna or steam bath, this could be the perfect way to brand your wood. They heat up within a couple of minutes and you’ll only need to wait 30 seconds between each stamp.

I have been using a stand alone branding tool which I’ve been heating with a gas blow torch. It takes a few minutes to heat the brass logo and then needs re-heating once one stamp has been completed. It’s fine for me when branding a couple of items at a time.

The trick with this type of iron is to heat the logo evenly so that each stamp leaves a good even finish on the wood. Overheat one side more than the other and it’s easy to leave a burn on one side.

Basic branding irons can cost between £30 and £70, whilst larger electric branding irons can cost up to £300.

Laser Engraving

A laser engraver is an excellent tool for achieving a uniform logo finish on all your wooden furniture. Its versatility allows for application on various wood types and thicknesses, ensuring consistent results across diverse pieces. Precise control over depth and contrast offers customization options to align with specific brand aesthetics.

LaserPecker 2 Portable Laser Engraver

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xTool D1 Pro Engraver

However, it’s crucial to plan the branding process before constructing your furniture pieces, considering the limited size of the laser bed. In some cases, you may need to engrave a smaller piece of wood separately and then integrate it into your furniture later.

While laser engraving is a reliable and consistent branding method, it can also be relatively expensive. Laser engraving machines range from £500 to several thousand pounds. Lower-priced options typically provide basic, small surface machines suitable for engraving most wood types. On the other hand, higher-end laser engravers come with larger beds and the capability to cut through wood up to 10mm thick. Understanding the cost and size limitations is essential when opting for laser engraving as your branding approach.

One particularly good model that stands out for me is the LaserPecker 2. It’s a great portable engraver which could be ideal for those looking to brand their wooden furniture with their logo. It’s a little pricey at £1059 but it has so many benefits. Check it out here.

LaserPecker 2 Review Video

Take a look at this review that details this laser engravers key points and limitations.

Spray Paints and Stencils

Spray paints and stencils provide a practical and cost-effective method for branding wooden furniture. Using pre-cut stencils to outline the logo and spray paint for the finish, this approach ensures a clear and consistent representation of the brand on each piece. It offers flexibility in colour choices and design, making it suitable for various types of furniture.

Secure high-quality stencils, ensure proper alignment, and use wood-compatible spray paints for a durable and long-lasting finish. This method is scalable, suitable for both individual pieces and larger production runs. You’ll also find it to be one of the most cost effective approaches in the short term.

You can order your own custom stencils from places like Etsy. Simply send them your logo and they will be able to provide the stencils. You could also use the laser engraver above to create your own stencils. Here is a great seller on Etsy that can provide low cost, high quality logo stencils

Inlay or Marquetry

Inlay or marquetry is an artistic technique that involves incorporating different wood types to create intricate designs, including your logo, on the surface of wooden furniture. This method adds a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to each piece, elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Compared to other branding approaches, inlay or marquetry is time-intensive. The meticulous arrangement of various wood pieces demands precision and patience, making it more labor-intensive than quicker methods like laser engraving or spray painting. The handcrafted nature of the process results in a finely detailed logo, emphasizing artisanal excellence in the furniture.

While inlay or marquetry may take more time, costs can vary. Factors such as design complexity, wood types, and artisan skill level influence expenses. This method is often considered a higher-end, luxury branding option due to the craftsmanship involved.

Special tools like a Shaper Origin can be used to make intricate logo designs in the inlay format, but these can cost around £3500. A laser engraver can also be used to create inlays, but the results can be less accurate.

You can also order custom made inlays from companies like these on Etsy: Puzzle Wuzzle

Custom Stamps

Using a custom stamp is a cost-effective method for branding wooden furniture. Companies like Vistaprint can produce a custom stamp based on your logo design, with costs starting as low as £15.

While this approach offers an economical solution, it’s essential to consider the potential for stamp ink to fade over time, particularly in areas where the print comes into contact with moving objects. Regular wear and tear may affect the longevity of the stamped logo. Therefore, this method may be more suitable for furniture pieces with minimal abrasion or contact. Applying a coat of wax or varnish to the stamped logo will be essential for longevity. Regular maintenance and touch-ups may be necessary to preserve the clarity and vibrancy of the stamped design over the long term.

Branding Options Roundup

1. Branding Irons:
   • Available as stand-alone logos or electric irons.
   • Stand-alone tools heated with a gas blow torch, while electric irons offer convenience.
   • Heat evenly for consistent results.
   • Basic branding irons cost between £30 and £70; electric irons can go up to £300.
2. Laser Engraving:
   • Provides a uniform logo finish on various wood types.
   • Offers precise control over depth and contrast.
   • Consider the size of the laser bed and plan branding process accordingly.
   • Laser engraving machines range from £500 to several thousand pounds.
   • A recommended model is the LaserPecker 2, priced at £1059.
3. Spray Paints and Stencils:
   • Practical and cost-effective method.
   • Use pre-cut stencils and wood-compatible spray paints for consistency.
   • Flexible in color choices and design.
   • Suitable for individual pieces or larger production runs.
   • Custom stencils available on Etsy, with prices starting from £8.
4. Inlay or Marquetry:
   • Artistic technique involving intricate designs with different wood types.
   • Time-intensive and labor-intensive, but results in a high-end, luxury branding option.
   • Costs vary based on design complexity, wood types, and artisan skill.
   • Special tools like Shaper Origin or laser engravers can be used for inlay designs.
5. Custom Stamps:
   • Cost-effective method for branding wooden furniture.
   • Companies like Vistaprint offer custom stamps starting at £15.
   • Consider potential fading of stamp ink over time and apply a coat of wax or varnish for longevity.
   • Regular maintenance and touch-ups may be necessary.

Choosing the right branding method depends on factors like budget, production scale, and desired aesthetics. Each approach has its unique advantages, allowing you to tailor their branding process to meet specific requirements.

How I Brand my Wooden Furniture

For my own workflow I decided to use a simple branding iron. It creates my desired effect and doesn’t take too long to brand 2 or 3 items at a time. Here is the shop on Amazon I used for my branding iron. I simply sent them my logo design in a PDF format and they made this for me.

Here are instructions for how I brand my furniture.

1. Buy a branding iron!!
2. Heat up the logo on your branding iron with a handheld gas burner.
3. It needs to be very hot and heated evenly across the whole logo to get a perfect result.
4. However, if it’s too hot then the burn mark will spread too far.  So take your time to practice on a scrap piece of wood before branding any creations you plan to sell.  This will help you learn how long to heat the iron up for to get the best result.
5. Unless you are very confident, then always brand your wooden furniture creations on the underside where it can’t be seen, just in case it doesn’t brand perfectly.
6. Press evenly down on the surface to ensure even contact across the whole logo.  Hold for three or four seconds.

Heat Branding Iron or Electric Branding Iron?

Which type of branding iron is preferable: a heat branding iron or an electric branding iron?

The choice between the two depends on your work setup and the scale of your branding activities.

If you prefer the tactile process of using a blowtorch or fire to brand your items, especially when working on individual pieces, a heat branding iron may be suitable for you.

On the other hand, if you are branding multiple items simultaneously, opting for an electric branding iron is more efficient, provided you have access to an electrical outlet. An electric iron maintains a consistent temperature between uses, allowing for faster and more precise branding with cleaner lines. Additionally, it eliminates safety concerns associated with using a blowtorch or fire around wood.

However, it’s important to note that an electric iron may have a limited lifespan and could become obsolete if it malfunctions. In comparison, a heat iron is considered a potentially more eco-friendly option as it can last a lifetime and is also more budget-friendly. The choice between the two depends on your preferences, workflow, and consideration of long-term sustainability.

3 Top Tips to Create Your own Business Logo

If you’re spending way too long trying to come up with a fancy logo design for your business or you don’t even know where to start, here are my top tips for business logo design:

1. Keep it Simple

The second two logos were too complicated.  I can’t imagine them on the side of a van, printed on merchandise such as a pen or even standing out very well on business cards.  However, the final logo is suitable for all these sorts of printing.  It’s also easy to read from a distance and in black or white.  Make sure your logo suits printing in black and white such as on letterheads or emails.  If it’s unreadable in black and white then you may want to redesign it.

2. Download Logo Templates

To make things a lot easier for yourself, especially if you don’t have any graphic design skills or the time, is to download a readymade logo for your business or your merchandise.  These mock up logos often come in bundles so you can choose the ones you need or even the one that you prefer the most as your actual company logo.  You simply download logo templates and then edit them with your own business name.  They are created by graphic designers and look great!  It’s an easy way to instantly give your business a professional image.

3. Ensure it can be Made Larger, Much Larger!

Depending on your type of business, you may one day want your brand name and logo across the front of a large store, the side of a lorry or a billboard.  Make sure your logo can be made much smaller for brand merchandise, but also ensure it works when made much larger too.  Imagine your business in the future if hugely successful and the sorts of things you’d want to place your logo on.

Final thoughts

In the intricate world of furniture branding, where the goal is to imprint a unique emblem onto wood, the process involves careful consideration of techniques and tools. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan seeking to enhance brand presence or a newcomer eager to create a lasting impression, this article has explored common ways to brand wood with your logo.

Before delving into the various branding methods, the importance of creating a well-designed logo was highlighted. A vector file of the logo in formats like EPS, AI, PDF, or SVG is essential for versatility and quality.

The article then delved into five popular methods of branding wooden furniture:

1. Branding Irons: Discussed the types – stand-alone and electric. Electric irons were noted for efficiency and precision, especially for larger quantities.
2. Laser Engraving: Highlighted its uniformity on different wood types, with a focus on planning and cost considerations. The LaserPecker 2 was recommended for its portability and features.
3. Spray Paints and Stencils: Explored the practical and cost-effective approach of using stencils and spray paints for consistent and flexible branding.
4. Inlay or Marquetry: Discussed the artistic technique involving intricate designs, emphasizing its time-intensive nature and higher-end appeal.
5. Custom Stamps: Covered the cost-effective option of using custom stamps, with considerations for potential fading over time.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide equips both artisans and newcomers with valuable insights into the diverse world of furniture branding, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their brand identity, workflow and long-term goals. Whether using traditional branding irons or cutting-edge laser engraving, the key is to find a method that not only leaves a mark on wood but also leaves a lasting impression on your audience.