What is 'Punk' or Tree Mushroom?

Question: What is 'Punk' or Tree Mushroom?

Answer: "I read something wherein mention was made of 'punk' or tree mushroom which is basically wood. Although I mostly work with acrylics I do a lot of woodworking and pyrography (woodburning). I am very interested in learning more about this material called punk. Where can it be obtained, how large is it, how is it surface prepared for painting or possible woodburning applications, is it hard as wood, light or dark in color?" Barbcramer.

I have never seen them sold in stores. This is a mushroom that grows on trees in the wild. They could come in all different sizes. I have seen very large ones and also small ones. I have seen many crafters paint on this and even do woodburning and it comes out really nice. From what I have found out is they usually collect these themselves in the woods. I know that after removing them from the trees I think they have to cure for quite a while until they harden. I believe you can put on a water based polyurethene sealer prior to painting on them." Tootsiecat

"I have painted on punk. Punk is a name used around here for tree mushrooms. They look like shelves that grow on the side of trees. There are two types that I know of, one is soft and flimsy but the other one has the look of bark on the top and it is hard as a rock. It is not unusual to break a saw blade when you try to create the flat surface on the end cut from the tree so the mushroom can stand upright. This then allows the painter to paint on the underside and gives it a natural way to display it. The mushrooms should be dried for six months or more, then clean off the spores from the underside (carefully since they are very fine and can cause a reaction in some folks), I used a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and then you put a coat or two of polyerthane to seal it. Then you are ready to paint. I have one I painted in the early 1980's and it is in excellent condition. You do have to watch out for wood worm, I made sure I put several coats of polyerthane on every cut surface also this seals these areas from the worm.You would be amazed by the size some of them get to. I have one that is approximately 12 inches across and 7 or 8 inches high."Ginny.