How to Color Infill for Laser Engraving

Laser Engravers watch to see how the color infill process works including masking, painting and weeding techniques. This is a great resource for new laser engravers and experienced laser heads.

[@raynikkel1501]

Thats the way I did it 15 years ago, now I put a good 3 coats of finish on the wood first. then engrave, paint entire wood and wipe off the paint from the un-engraved area and go over everything with a light sanding after to get the paint that didn't wipe off, I also give the entire sign another coat of finish so the painted design also has protection. Good video, it's great that people share their techniques

[@mia9118190]

Sorry, what do you use on the first 3 coats?.thank you

[@raynikkel1501]

@@mia9118190 water base Varathane

[@kevingamache1512]

Ive always lasered the object then painted then sanded and the etch is paint filled and the rest is back to wood. The method you use here i used in a modified way for two or more colers of the exterior and maybe the etch. Good video.

[@stellerstallion253]

This looks extremely therapeutic, I think I would absolutely love this. Great job its beautiful.

[@Pinoyphilly]

you are so good when you explain this infill process! thanks and god bless you for sharing your talent to us in the youtube world.

[@laserup9426]

+Freddy Panes Thank you for the kind words.

[@edsapp7842]

I have made over 500 signs using the same method, with the exception of the mask. I use blue painters tape in 3", 2" and 1" sizes. The is a slight overlap with the tape but this is a really nice method.

[@428ghost]

An option for preventing bleeding: while the mask is still on spray in the engraved areas with the same finish to seal the engraved areas, THEN do the colour fill. Some woods are prone to more bleeding than others so seal/paint prevents a lot of the cleanup.

[@keithmiller9861]

any problem getting the paint to stick to the clear cover?

[@428ghost]

@@keithmiller9861 To date, no. Always enamel on enamel. haven't tried mixing acrylic with enamel to see if there's any drama.

[@lasermania6805]

Awesome work, great video 👌

[@Peeremoghan]

Sir, You could have sprayed this with a normal spray can. It gives the same result but the spray of course works faster.

[@houstonfirefox]

Very Nice! I tried the squeege method for pressing the transfer tape down (for vinyl projects) but got fantastic results with a small wooden wallpaper roller. Allows you to REALLY press the tape down evenly and prevent the peel-up you get at some of the edges. Awesome video!

[@laserup9426]

+Houston Firefox Thanks for the tip. I will try the wood wallpaper roller.

[@laserup9426]

Good tip. I will give it a try

[@isaacvaldez6757]

greetings from Holland, MI!

[@doublet277]

thank you for that Mark - we haven't actually done any colour infill... shall give it a go :) Cheers Teresa

[@ParkerOsmon]

Nice technique, I'll be giving that a try.

[@ncxbeats]

+Yazoodle Thanks Yaz. There will be a vid on using CerMark for laser engraving metal. It will be out in about 1 week.

[@rfabian201]

excellent video thanks , greetings from peru

[@heveslaserengravingchemica5476]

A productive alternative is to use chemicals to concentrate and enhance the laser beam, and at the same time incorporate dyes in the substrate. It works on plastic, metal and other materials.

[@RJMachine62]

Something that really helps stop the bleed thru or fuzzy edges it to spray or put the clear in the etched marks, then let dry then color fill. This will not only seal the edges of the mask, but also the open wood capillaries. This keeps your infill colors contained to only the unmasked area with no bleeding. Works great. I use a plastic edge like a credit card to smooth out the edges when the mask comes off.

[@laserup9426]

Thanks to everyone for the positive support. I am working on a vid on how to use Cermark to mark metal products for CO2 laser engraving.

[@redsailella1338]

Good Job.I like it very much!

[@katiekelley3984]

Where is the link to the materials and patterns? I'm interested in where you get the mask from

[@msyverson3]

you can go to a sign supply store and ask for pre-mask. It is used quite frequently when applying self adhesive graphics. It's bascially 12" (or whatever width) masking tape.

[@zenithenterprisenetwork8310]

@@msyverson3 Thanks!

[@Dave-ni4vg]

Yes where do you get material what companies want to use what you use

[@lonerangercowboy9465]

Nails on a chalk board moment.... YIPE!!!! LOL .. great video

[@claudionascimentodesouza3107]

Thanks!

[@P.Olegon]

Thanks! Perfect method. But, what is the paper you glued first? Where people use this paper? I have not found in Russia this material.

[@eagleeye5520]

nice work keep going on

[@mihealth100]

is it general use masking tape? or is there a specific tape used? thanks

[@ohjaekwon3337]

Hello, which masking tape should I use? Does it leave any sticky residue behind?

[@richhandler2621]

Your website seems to be down- I'd like to learn more! I must learn from you laser guru.

[@laserup9426]

+Ollenberger You can enter the site using a password which is firepoint. let me know what you think of it.

[@Northponder]

Dude, use blue masking tape. Works perfect every time.

[@markconde694]

Dude- Blue painters tape will work. But… Masking used in the video is faster to apply and is more cost economical than blue painters tape.

[@Checkitfirst]

Just a bit curious. Doesn’t a laser usually leave the engraved part black

[@gallahant]

I was wondering if you could use frisket film instead of masking tape.

[@nickverzino3220]

what do u mean by 4 coats of general finishes, exterior oil? thanks much

[@markconde694]

We use an Epilog.

[@DJFairGame]

Spray paint will also produce this very same effect.

[@ExtraFungus]

Hosh Furr it will produce a better result if you spray clear first, it greatly reduces bleed through.

[@giantchriss.stovall-lopezi3581]

Do you have a link to the mask material?

[@thebeststooge]

Wouldn't spray paint be better for this since it is like stenciling?

[@GoLightly01100]

Give the mask a light vector cut first, and weed it out before you raster. Then the mask doesn't get over-heated.

[@mklink5813]

Great idea.

[@Tuffenough4u]

Get you some chalk paint! They sell the chalk mix on amazon "calcium carbonate". some use plaster of paris on the cheap, and there are a load of videos showing why it's the way to go, explaining how it acts as a molecular pigment binder so the coat can be very light, yet still hold it's opaqueness and will dry at 3-4 times the speed of standard paint and be twice as durable. Also, it you want to cut the time almost completely out, invest in a drum sander plainer, or build one. It takes all the work right out of weeding and cleans up any bleed at the same time. Have fun! Here's a link if you're the DIY type kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKCxYmSKrrhorsk

[@bhenson001]

What font was that? the wife loves it

[@graceland75]

Thanks, great information, question, where do you get this 12 inch masking tape?

[@markconde694]

Both JDS Industries and Johnson Plastics Plus carry it

[@stephensharma3259]

what ink is used here

[@iaxl]

How to buy this paper?

[@yarivkenigshteinhellden1891]

hej! where do you buy that wide masking tape. need it:) thanks

[@MentallFloss]

the outdoor oil you apply is a kind of varnish, right ? and you apply it before engraving, correct ? I'm trying to do the same on pine wood with no finish with acrylic paint or oil paint and the bleed goes quite deep I have to scrape quite deep in the wood and it ruins the piece I'm guessing the oil or varnish makes the difference, have to try it later Thank you nice video

[@laserup9426]

Applying to exterior grade oil creates a smooth finish that allows the mask to adhere to -- then you can engrave and color fill--- easy peasy.

[@vachevyguy]

Hi great video I'm new to this and would like to know what type of tape you are using and where can I get it Thanks again

[@chriscunninghammusic2233]

vachevyguy it is probably made by 3m. There are kinds specifically designed for lasering, however I've also used 6 inch blue mask for painting through the entire process and it worked pretty well too.

[@FrankSandqvist]

More episodes :)

[@nyetloki]

What is that mask made of?

[@parvezuddinansari1044]

Nice #Irfaninfotech

[@shariiight]

for those that dont know, its not fun burning the adhesives on laser, and smells really bad. you can just laser engrave it or cnc route it pain the whole image then sand your face down, then seal it all in, unless u enjoy picking and pulling tiny pieces of mask specially if u have tiny details images. like pictures etc..

[@markconde694]

Weeding is not fun. But it goes quickly once you get into the zone. It just goes with the territory.

[@XBTUKN19S]

Paint it all, sand the face and seal it. Way easier right?! Lol

[@j0hmama]

Are there any way easy ways to go from text to vector cuts ? I want to make stencils.

[@laserup9426]

Eric Lovejoy stencils are fairly easy if you have a laser to cut them. Turn text into an object in your graphic software like Corel Draw or Illustrator. Use Mylar for the stencil and cut on the laser

[@kellyken1000]

hi what laser are you using

[@laserup9426]

We use an Epilog and we have a Universal laser. Both perform well

[@ricardodesantiago1375]

it's that masking tape?

[@rickmccaskill7888]

Thanks for the video. Where did you buy the mask?

[@FirePointCreations]

Rick McCaskill I like JDSindustries.com. Search for paper transfer tape- med tack

[@txgabe7465]

Why don't you just use a couple light coats of spray paint? You are getting bleed through because you are painting it in. Good job if that is your thing.

[@bestandinformative758]

awesome, sir, really amazing work if u dont mind , can u share ur laser printer setting for this work, as i saw many videos. but only few of them told about laser setting. and specially laser distance from laser to object plz share thanks

[@herberthail7542]

Normally you set the distance from the laser head to the work 2" using 40 watt laser tube. I set mine to power of 70 and the speed to 40. Play with this idea and see what your laser works best for you. This setting is what I use for plexiglass. Wood like pine I use 80 for power and speed is 25 in order to get a good depth, it all depends on what the finish look you are looking for.

[@oregonhomebuild9450]

I dont understand why your not using vynil paint mask. It bonds better and wont be effected by the paint.

[@laserup9426]

Abram Heard laser Engraving or cutting vinyl is harmful to the laser and humans

[@lahongthang]

Please tell me about the printer you used in this video. How much and where to buy it? Thanks!

[@laserup9426]

+Thang La Hong I have an epilog laser system. Epilog is the GOLD STANDARD in laser engraving. They range in price from around $13,000 to $50,000+ You can go to their website to get in touch with one of their distributors. www.epiloglasers.com

[@kimh4589]

Love love love my Helix!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevemopolis]

Is there any reason that you don't use spray paint?

[@zephroth]

spray paint will bleed into the porus surface. From what ive found wax and oil based paints work best. Its also very wasteful if your doing it for production. A little bit of paint goes a long ways.

[@mundomacias1206]

Hi where you Get the margen fonts for láser engraver ?

[@laserup9426]

+Mundo Macías I get fonts from a variety of online font stores. 1001fonts.com is one of my favs.

[@GeppettoCreations]

What is the brand and model of the mask that you use?

[@laserup9426]

GeppettoCreations we use JDS Industries

[@LaserGuy1]

If you give your engraved wood and the mask a light coat of rattlecan laquer, this will seal the letters from bleed through into the wood edges, and give some more body to the mask. Then colour it, let it dry and give it one more coat of rattlecan lacquer let it dry overnight, then weed your work.. Everything is sealed and no additional cleanup..I use heavy tack masking..

[@staggwood1624]

what is the tape you use and where do you get it

[@DEBarker1953]

www.johnsonplastics.com/glassguard-6-x-100yd-paper-mask-for-laser-engraving?m=Abstract&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlK7cBRCnARIsAJiE3MjcYr_TN3uWZVUECOctNwx8wpCDLNfdpFobnx9F4qhxyJQ3qvHV9egaAm4uEALw_wcB

[@freebird1963]

So you said it was pine wood . Any type of pine or a specific type ? Like the good stuff you can get at a local Lowes ? Thanks

[@isaacvaldez6757]

what font is that?

[@FirePointCreations]

Harrington

[@munawarsoomro8958]

Hi, I just got my first engraver and saw this year old video. What is the mask called and where can I get it. I have tried masking tape and it doesn't work.

[@houstonfirefox]

+Munawar Soomro Any vinyl graphics store will have this. It's called "Transfer Tape" and is used in the vinyl industry to lift the cut vinyl and hold everything into position until it's pressed onto the object and then lifted off, leaving just the vinyl behind. It's "low tack" and doesn't leave a residue. You can find it at www.signwarehouse.com and possibly other placed like Amazon.

[@munawarsoomro8958]

+Houston Firefox Awesome, I'll try that! Thanks. What is fast drying paint I can use for wood or acrylics? Thank you for help.

[@houstonfirefox]

+Munawar Soomro Hobby stores and your big-box retailers have all sorts of paints depending on what you're substrate is. I like Testors model paints for acrylic items and any other sort of paint for wood depending on whether it will be inside or outside.

[@laserup9426]

+Munawar Soomro I use Heavy Body Acrylic paint found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. It dries fast and is very durable. But its not designed for exterior projects.

[@munawarsoomro8958]

+LaserUP: thanks for the info. All of my engraving projects are small indoor stuff like pens, keychains, coasters and all. I'll try heavy body acrylic paints, wait to dry then peel off the vinyl contact paper.

[@lawrencekelley506]

Hello, New to all of this, where do you get the "MasK" and what is it's name for me to order some ?? Love your video, keep it up :-)

[@markconde694]

Lawrence Kelley I get mine from JDS Industries. But you can also get it from Amazon. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017URUT92/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1505065369&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=paper+transfer+tape&dpPl=1&dpID=31gtwDMQHpL&ref=plSrch

[@Kkyak11]

Thanks so much for the link~! Just bought a laser and was searching for this.

[@TechSupport100]

Have you tried LiquaMASK?

[@laserup9426]

+TechSupport100 I have tried Liquimask. It is not my favorite. It's expensive and takes more time to remove the dried mask.

[@kellybower5418]

This looks like an an older gen model

[@markconde694]

Kelly Bower it's a min 24 from 2011. We also have a ULS as well.

[@dapoopta]

At what point do you seal it?

[@markconde694]

dapoopta I do not seal it with anything. At this point it's already sealed. You are good to go

[@dapoopta]

mark conde thanks!

[@coolchick568]

I just spray mine- much faster and easier, is there a reason you don't just spray??

[@FirePointCreations]

jodi berning spray paint is very thin and is prone to bleed thus ruining the project. Heavy body paint prevents bleeding.

[@pauledwards3833]

why didnt you show it being laser engraved instead of just putting the "mask" on the wood

[@FirePointCreations]

I did not show it being engraved because that process is very boring to watch. There’s not much to see. It would be like watching paint dry.

[@andreejmarbbf52]

The project like this step by step is described on the Stodoys website and many more plans you can find on that website.

[@cavemanworkshop]

Why not use an enamel spray paint? It would be much faster.

[@jessicasommy1741]

work has never been as easy as with Stodoys instructions.

[@gws0126]

could you please post some details on the material you used for a mask? Source? Thanks.

[@laserup9426]

www.laserbits.com/sus-016-paper-mask-medium-tack-12-in-100-yds.html Gary - I have used this mask from Laserbits. I also use the medium tack mask from JDS Industries.

[@shariiight]

standard vinyl mask get it from any sign supply company

[@Rommuss12]

The centers of letters are called 'counters'...

[@remillardsigns755]

I always called them( islands)

[@hankdafishtanka943]

why not just screen print it?

[@laserup9426]

It’s not cost effective to screen print one piece. Plus it’s nit the look I’m after.

[@oregonhomebuild9450]

Not if its urethane based.

[@laserup9426]

Not many folks cutting vinyl are also going to stock Urethane based "vinyl. And a paper mask is significantly less expensive than vinyl or urethane. But yeah. It will work. There's always more than one "right" way. Thanks for giving everyone options.

[@alanbyram6015]

How come the piece of wood that you take the masking paper off, is different to the one you started with, I think this is a con, Stay with the original engraving. You actually started to paint the letter 'K' but on the final engraving there was NO 'K'.

[@tonecas2735]

where's the laser

[@FirePointCreations]

Antonio Florinel Costea watching the laser is boring and not meaningful to the colorfill process.

[@tonecas2735]

@@FirePointCreations the title is wrong

[@tonecas2735]

How to color fill with stencil

[@shariiight]

i can make that sign in less then half the time look just as good no mask, just laser it paint whole engraved area, and sand it, sometimes simple job require simple work, this is allot of working picking and probing at removing mask

[@stugauju]

you should stop smoking because its very hard to watch video when you breathing like that it is very anoying

[@laserup9426]

thank you for your concern. I sincerely appreciate the feedback. Interestingly, I have never smoked. Again thank you for your concern in my health. I am soooo sorry I annoyed you. I will try to do better-- just for you. Because you deserve the best. you deserve to not be annoyed.