How to: Get Clean Edges on Painted Laser Products

Hey Maker! Today I’m sharing my process on how to get clean and crisp painted edges quickly! I also threw in how to send a job from LightBurn over to your Ruida controller and how to run a simple cut job. I hope this helps! What paint method works best for you do you have any questions? Comment below and let me know!
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Supplies:
Chalk Paint: amzn.to/2UXUjWF
Lacquer: amzn.to/30Wftsa
Foam Roller: amzn.to/2YLtINM
Masking Tape: www.createwith614.com (use the code TMWALYT for 20% off)
Masking Tape (outside of the US): amzn.to/2UWHJqS

[@kennichols9663]

I really enjoy all the amazing tips, tricks, walk-through's, and creative projects you post. They provide a constant inspiration and how-to guide filled with wisdom from someone who has discovered what to do and what not to do so we do not have to re-invent the crafting wheel. All of your videos are very well done productions, so thank you for all you do for your community of Laser makers!

[@kathybennett8293]

that's really a neat trick! thank you for sparing me the task of hand painting each tiny piece of wood!!

[@conniefrahm1984]

Thanks to you I just ordered my MIRA7 yesterday! All of your videos and advice helped me make my decision so Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Now that I have 4 months before I can start my business it gives me plenty of time to learn how!! You're the best, keep it up

[@MileyonDisney]

The chalk paint you use is just an acrylic paint with a chalk finish. Dixie Belle chalk paint, for example, is a mineral paint with a chalk finish. The reason I bring this up is that I knew there were different chalk paints, and I didn't know if they would both work with laser cutting. Knowing that the cheaper WalMart paint will work is great news. Thanks! And thanks for the great tip!

[@jodifrey6918]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm just a beginner getting started with a laser (XTool D1 Pro) so this is a great help.

[@Prodfluencer]

I was having tons of problems keeping paint off the sides, kept looking so sloppy. This video was super helpful, thank you so much for sharing!

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

My pleasure! I hope it helps. ❤️

[@giftsfromthemagi1842]

This is a perfect solution---my business partner (brother) and I have problems with painting items with our CNC printer and I think we can devise a method similar to this to help us! I am very excited about this!!

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I really hope it helps. I swear, painting after was going to be the death of me 🤣

[@I-LOVE-EARTH]

That wrinkle in your masking tape is killing me. LOL!

[@michellecriswell1805]

AWESOME video Emily ! Thank you ♥

[@stuartwalsh4974]

That was really helpful, many thanks

[@EffingtonCouldBe]

Cool - I'm in Florida too.... just got the WeCreat Laser and getting tips from pros, like you.

[@mikeledee8786]

How do you clean or remove the excess soot from the edges so they don't end up on the front? Thanks

[@zcstrife]

I really want to know too. If you manage to have a clean front, it doesn't matter since the edges will eventually stain the clean top while manipulating

[@beneaththeredoak3962]

Thank you for the video! I am a beginner with my laser and have really been struggling with spray paint! I was so happy to see how you do it! Do you have any issues with ashyness on the sides? My laser cut words, etc. always need to be wiped on the sides or I will end up with a black dust on my projects. How do you deal with it?

[@stewartwhittier3455]

Great job!

[@TH3MA7CHS7ICK]

Keep up the good work. Your videos are very helpful. My wife and I have a Glowforge and I believe you're pulling us over to the Mira. lol

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Daniel Jordan 😆 the GlowForge is a really nice place to start. If everything goes the way it should you want to outgrow it bc it’s a sign that you’re having the success you set out for in the first place 😊. The mira is incredibly fast. How long have you had your GF?

[@TH3MA7CHS7ICK]

That Mom with a Laser we’ve had ours a little more than a year. And we are really trying to give the home business a go. We have 4 kids and we both want to be home as much as possible. The GF has really helped open our eyes to what’s possible for us.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Daniel Jordan amen! Thank is so awesome!!! Are you part of my community on FB?

[@TH3MA7CHS7ICK]

That Mom with a Laser I just liked your page and I’ll tell my wife to check out the group that you have for the ladies. 😎

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Daniel Jordan sounds good! Feel free to pm me if you have any questions about the mira 👌🏻

[@user-wq5zw1fi7p]

Love all your tips and info!!!!! Was wondering what you are using for masking on the big roll Thanks and we Love you up here in Canada

[@Justanurse357]

Thank you for sharing!

[@freeseja]

Thank you for another informative video. I'm new to laser cutting/engraving. I've subscribed here and I'll look for your FB page as well. Thank you again.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Jim Freese welcome!

[@tanialimacosta]

Hi. Love your videos. Thank you for so many tips and tricks. I'm having some problems when laser cutting plywood and was wondering if you could help me. How do you clean the scorched edges when using plywood?

[@dymarke]

Just a thought re cost saving on paint, have you tried making your own chalk paint? Super easy and you can use cheap paint and still get good coverage. If you do need two coats use just paint on first coat and chalk paint on second coat.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Thank you! I considered it but never got around to it. Now I pretty much use acrylic for everything. 🙈

[@frankiewhite2963]

Great videos. Love watching the step by step and wonderful tips. Thank you so much. I noticed there is a lot of soot from the cutting and it spreads everywhere. How do you manage the cleanup or avoid it getting on the wood surface?

[@fmaz1952]

Wood has masking tape on it.

[@RyKnocks]

Love your content. Can you tell me what thickness and type of wood you use for your lettering? Would be super helpful. Thanks!

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Ryan Nanca thank you! it depends on my mood. 🤣 sometimes I work with 1/4” and other times 1/8”. It really just depends on what I’m working on

[@rmg5353]

do you think this will work with a diode 20W laser? thanks!

[@gilbertwilliamson4314]

what brand of masking do you use and where to buy it ....thanks

[@paulac2903]

Thank you so much for your videos! I’ve learned some really great tips for a newbie as myself. Where do you buy the 1/8” wood, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Im so happy to hear it! Thank you for sharing! I haven’t gotten it from anyone in particular yet. Just Etsy and no particular seller.

[@dasg5805]

Hi. Do you generally paint the edges of the letters you cut out? I find that paint does not stick easily to the sides and I'm not sure if there's an easy way to make the tiny inner surfaces hold the paint better. Thanks for all of your instructional videos they are awesome!

[@moegasim]

Definitely subscribed.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Thank you!

[@syed09]

Hi great video. So you dont paint the edges where the wood has been cut? I've been making similar products and it's a nightmare to paint the edges. It didnt occur to me that I could just not paint them lol!

[@trishmadore2104]

What do you use to mask your wood pieces, please.

[@lightsonmilton]

Hello. Love the videos!

[@Amy-MyLoveCreative]

The purpose of the video is to show how not to get paint on the edges. She wants the dark charred edges. Apparently she has corrected the title of the video.

[@beehr4468]

Great video - I have a question If I use black acrylic and engrave it, then paint the engraving in white should I use lacquer before peeling everything off or just use the lacquer to seal the white painted engraving ??

[@hectorflores6666]

Hi I need help!! But first I should tell you that I enjoyed your videos. I had follow you advise about painting the wood first and sealing it with lacquer before any engraving and painting. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong but I’m having a problem removing the blue painters tape and also I have a Lot of bleeding. Question, do you seal the engraved area before you applied the paint? How deep is your engrave area? is it deeper than 0.5mm? How long do you wait before applying the tape over the seal painted wood ? any assistance is greatly appreciate it!

[@MrTobbo]

Got my Mira 9 coming next week, watched sooo many of your videos whilst waiting lol been an amazing help (I've just joined your fb group also) Every time I see a video I end up buying something else on Amazon! 1. Between the layers of putting the chalk paint on how long do you wait? 1st layer.. Wait x then sand wait x? 2. Don't suppose you know any uk sellers for the masking tape? Tried the link in description but it's an old link. Looked on amazon but they all look way different to what you use not sure it's the right thing Thank youuu!!! :)

[@frankalviso3147]

Are you using 3 or 5mm boards for the letters?

[@proudcanadianeh4663]

Question on using spray lacquer. How many coats do you do? (It seems like one). After say 1 coat, how long do you wait before putting it into the laser? Do you wait a full day until it cures, or until it is dry to the touch which for me is like 10 minutes? I fear putting it in the laser after it's only dry to the touch for combustion or it's okay? Thank you!

[@proudcanadianeh4663]

And how long between painting coats?? Thanks!!

[@sianmelville1147]

Hi - thanks for this video really helpful! What do you mask with? I see you are using a really large piece of masking?

[@user-ke8ec5fs9q]

Do you have to use a clear coat?

[@LaserWoodShapes]

My laser does not need a masking to remain clean on front. It also leaves it clean on the back (not easy to do).150Watts of power, tons of air, and speed is what it takes to do the work with no burn marks, even the sides are clean (it leaves the wood a nice amber or purple color, not black)

[@chastitymcewen8198]

What type of glue do you use?

[@heartsdesire4u]

What drying time do you allow after painting and sealing before you mask? I have never used the rustoleum lacquer does it yellow on the white?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Hearts Desire it doesn’t yellow. That’s another reason why I love it. I usually mask it as soon as it’s dry to the touch so anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour. Haven’t really timed it.

[@heartsdesire4u]

@@ThatMomWithALaser PERFECT that is about how i do as well I will try this because I am not loving what I have been using. Thank you for the great video as usual you are amazing!

[@sirsmalls4565]

What type of masking tape you use so that it sticks but doesn’t pull off the paint?

[@itsjessicavictoria8834]

Do you mask both sides?

[@JF-xv5yk]

Could you please give me advice on how to paint laser cut wedding seating names that will go on the plates. They are plain unfinished wood. I want gold. Can you recommend paint and brush i can use that is ok for putting on wedding guest plates

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I recently made a video on this and will link it below. I've seen people spray paint them but you could also use acrylic paint with a foam brush, let it dry, and the cut. :kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXzQeaSChr6LhZY

[@amymangel8882]

Hi. What type of laser do you own? I am currently learning the tool D1 Pro. I am having a hard time getting Lightburn connected to it. So the experience has been a challenge. Thank you.

[@jennifermaier3965]

Hi - it doesn't look like you prime your wood first...? If you do sometimes prime - do you use a brushed on primer or spray? Also, how do you handle projects that have multiple colors in a single piece. For example, a floral piece might be one cut, but will ultimately be painted several colors.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Jennifer Maier I don’t prime it and when I have multiple pieces I measure the space needed and only paint that amount 😊

[@chedder18]

Hi! Loved this video :) what do you use for the masking? 🙏

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Yay! I’m glad to hear it! I get my masking tape from www.createwith614.com if you use the code TMWALYT you will get 20% off.

[@janenguyen7572]

Just wondering when you preprint your board and mask it down. How long can you leave it masked for without the paint coming off?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Good question. I have tons of scraps that haven't been used for months and no paint comes off when I finally get around to using it. Paint not sticking to the boards has never been an issue. :)

[@germanmarcano5510]

First I want to thank you for your great videos for me have been very usefull!! I want to ask you a question: when I remove the masking tape from the painted mdf I notice sometime like a masking glue residue over the paint how do you remove that without damage the paint?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Thank you! I have not had this happen but if I did I would try using a baby wipe or damp paper towel.

[@ericawilliams18]

Where can I get that mask take from

[@chrishall3326]

Do you know of a laser adhesive for sticking paper to wood and then lasering?

[@PastaDNA]

what are you using for masking? Transfer tape?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Hey there. I’m using masking tape from www.createwith614.com it’s 20% off with the code TMWAL

[@michellelonergan3223]

hello where do you get that masking tape from please?

[@ThisIsHowIMadeIt]

Nice video! My family is in the process of moving to Florida as well. To the Cape Coral area. Where are you in the sunshine state?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

This Is How I Made It South Florida!

[@ayamichin3456]

What grit sand paper do you use?

[@Birdnson2012]

Do you mask both sides ? Great video

[@cindylor6635]

What sanding grit are you using?

[@fmaz1952]

What do you use for Mask?

[@lorraineholland697]

The masking you used and link to says not to be used with a laser

[@rsucgang]

So helpful! Thanks for taking the time to document this. I just started making monograms and spray painting is the worse! Btw, how powerful is your laser (watts)?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Raymund Sucgang I hope it’s helpful! I have a 60w Have you seen my video on it?

[@rsucgang]

@@ThatMomWithALaser No haven't but I will watch it. That's a great looking laser. I have a 100w C02 from ebay. I just stumbled upon your FB group (just joined today) and it's a great resource! I'm new to laser cutting and putting out my first monogram cut in the market. I have so many things to learn!

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Raymund Sucgang Im so glad you found the group and I hope it continues to be a source of help and inspiration for you. Remember, you’re never a beginner for long 😘❤️

[@phyllislong8209]

Is the masking tape the same as transfer paper?

[@mvercetti5721]

What paint do you recommend when talking about acrylic paints?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Honestly any acrylic paint will do. I've used apple barrel, fold art, etc. The key is to just make sure it's fully dry before you mask. If the piece feels cool to the touch then it's not completely dry and the masking will peel up.

[@laceyhamilton4409]

@@ThatMomWithALaser Can you use latex or only acrylic?

[@blewprent]

Does the smell stay contained to your one room? I'm worried about cutting acrylic in the house.

[@generalpattonpending7256]

great subscribed

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Yay! Thank you!

[@vickyvickay]

Sorry if I missed it, but what material are you using?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Vicky Vu 1/4” birch plywood from Home Depot 😊

[@meganmatthews1239]

What Kinda Wood Do You Get And What Size ?

[@marybethmeek1263]

What laser are you using?

[@Machine_NZ]

Hi, great channel. How come you use Birch Ply. Why not use a cheaper wood...something like MDF?. Regards Kevin

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I had yet to use MDF back then but I do now ☺️

[@janenguyen7572]

Love your videos. I'm still waiting for the arrival of my machine. I just had a quick question. Do you always need tape over the wood for each job? Also I'm from Australia and the largest tape size is 30cm wide. Will it make a difference if I tape it in two rows? Sorry newbie question

[@janenguyen7572]

All good found tape!

[@bradg3650]

The part where the tape overlaps each other might not cut through as well since there are two layers of tape. I know it cause problems when engraving

[@allenyarberry7502]

Emily, I have been following you on your channel and I have learned a lot from you videos. GREAT JOB!!! I am have a Mira 9 and I ordered the masking tape you use on your project s from Amazon and I noticed it was Vinyl - will this laser without any toxic fumes or make the machine corrode? Using blue tape is a pain and I would like to use the vinyl to cover parts of a project by just scoring the vinyl and cover the parts from painting . Thanks for your insight. Keep up the videos - I really enjoy the content and continue to learn!

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Thank you! I'm so happy to hear that you are enjoying my channel. I know it seems confusing because the company is named "Vinyl Ease" but the masking tape is not vinyl. That's a big no no to use in a laser as it released toxic fumes and is not safe to laser. Thanks for bringing the link to my attention. I actually started using a different company since I like to support small businesses when possible. I am going to update that in the description to this video now. Thanks for pointing it out to me.

[@allenyarberry7502]

​@@ThatMomWithALaser Emily, thank you for the clarification. I have a role from your link and I will use it on my machine in the future. When you update the new company for the masking - let me know and I will order it too! Keep up the good work on your channel. Always nice to see a new video. Have a great day!

[@frederick5597]

Hello if you don’t mind me asking what kinda laser do you have?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Hi Fred! I have an 60 watt Aeon MIRA7. The link is available in the description box if you want to see more about it. I also have this video on it

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaTHiGqjpZysg80

[@bradg3650]

New to the channel. What size laser is this? I see it it run off of light burn and has ruins controls

[@bradg3650]

*ruida

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

Hey Brad! My MIRA7 is about 27.75” by 17.5”.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

You can see the specs here on my affiliate link aeonlaser.us/?refmomlaser

[@runifuceeme406]

WHAT FONTS DO YOU USE?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

This one is so old I don’t remember but Rasty King is one of my go-to’s

[@dianehutchins9206]

How much was your machine? I'm not sure which one to get as well. I have been doing research but I'm still not sure. I want to engrave, make rubber stamps, cut out earrings from wood and leather.

[@metacraftstudios4153]

Hello, I have just found you and I am learning so much. We have a laser machine and make various things on it like the lord's prayer or crystal grids. Do I need to mask the MDF first? I'm in Brisbane Australia, do you know what that masking tape is called before I jump down the rabbit hole of Google :)

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I'm so sorry I'm seeing this so late. I do have a link to the masking tape I got from Amazon above in the description box.

[@freshprintz3356]

How do you remove soot from backside of items that are painted on both sides?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I use a compressor now so I don’t get soot anymore. However, if you seal because you cut, the sealant acts as a barrier between the spot and the paint so I used to just use a damp cloth or baby wipe.

[@freshprintz3356]

@@ThatMomWithALaser thank you i will try that. I did mask the back side as well in hopes it will not make soot marks lol. That helped some. What compressor do you recommend. I have one of the air assist compressors that came with my laser.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

@@freshprintz3356 I have a video on how an added compressor can help make operating a laser more efficient. I have a small 8 gallon California Air. It’s small so it has to refill frequently. Otherwise, it’s awesome. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZqWf4ugaMSoY80

[@kristyfuiten5909]

Do you not paint the edges after the piece is cut?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I do not. I love the crisp look of the cut edges.

[@kwisclubta7175]

@@ThatMomWithALaser Hilarious for a video titled "how to paint clean edges on small laser cut items " 🤣

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

@@kwisclubta7175 please suggest a better title and I will gladly update it.

[@kwisclubta7175]

@@ThatMomWithALaser Oh, I don't know, maybe one that doesn't directly contradict what you admit in the above comment?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

@@kwisclubta7175 sure. Enough with the sass though. If you’re going to give me a hard time about it then you can offer a better suggestion.

[@archer7153]

Which font are you using??

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

archer7153 Hi! Times New Roman for the monogram and Madina Clean for the name ☺️

[@lemuero]

*giggle

[@yvettereynolds5945]

How much smoke and smell you get in the house ?

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

None really. I have it well vented so it all goes out the window.

[@carloscastanyeda]

Bro! I thought you where gonna paint edges

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

You know, this is one of my most viewed videos and it’s been up for over a year and youre the first person to make me realize I should probably change that title. 😅 Thanks for pointing it out and I’m sorry the video wasn’t what you were looking for.

[@kwisclubta7175]

You didn't paint the edges, though.

[@Amy-MyLoveCreative]

The purpose of the video is to show how not to get paint on the edges. She wants the dark charred edges. Apparently she has corrected the title of the video.

[@GuillaumeCollic]

The linked masking tape on Amazon is dangerous. It's not for laser cutter, it's dangerous for both your health and your machine if laser cut.

[@ThatMomWithALaser]

I know it can be confusing because the brand is called “Vynil” Ease but the transfer tape they offer is not vynil. Were you thinking it’s vynil?

[@GuillaumeCollic]

@@ThatMomWithALaser well the name is indeed confusing, but my remark is less about the name, and more about the fifth picture saying it's not to use for laser cutting

[@peterfarkas943]

What do you use for nesting the letters?