Don, I am wondering what type of wood you are using. Woods with the most sap seem to fade the burn because they dissolve the carbon that is the burn. Pine seems to be once of the worse, especially if it is not dried. I have found that the works that I have done on basswood do not fade some have been around for over 20 years and are still as good as the day they were created. Try using basswood and see how you like it.
Walnut is another good wood to use.
Whatever woods you use, they must be dried and seasoned. Hope this is of some help. Hello, Mr. Dulaney I was wondering what your view is on using acrylic glaze for color on woodburnings. I have several of these glazes and wondered if they could be used or if you feel the oil crayons you mention in your lessons are better. I have come across your excellent site last night and now am very interested in trying out woodburning.