Big Reaction: Woodburning without a branding iron

Here’s a chemical reaction for the DIYer. Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) mixed with water can be used as a “paint” to transfer designs to wood. Apply a little heat from a heat gun, and bam, instant woodburned art.

The reaction is NH₄Cl + heat → NH₃ + HCl. If you try this one, be sure to use appropriate PPE. Wear gloves, a face mask, and work in a well-ventalated area.

Fun fact, ammonium chloride is also called salmiak. It’s used to make salty liquorice, a popular snack in Nordic countries, Netherlands, and northern Germany. Apparently it produces a somewhat stinging sensation and can numb your tongue. (I’ve never tried it, but I don’t imagine it’d be my cup of tea.)

Source video, from Laura Kampf: