How to Make Laser Engraving Darker

Want get darker engraves on wood? Are your engravings too light?
Today we are testing some methods on plywood and various hardwoods using Borax and other stuff for our tests. The results might surprise you.
Learn more on our website at www.makershangout.com

[@robertprice9052]

I have an older laser on my XCarve, 4.2 Watts. It doesn't cut and in engraves deep. I do a lot of retirement plaques for local military. I use borax. You can find it in the laundry section at the grocery. I use a cup of hoe water and a table spoon of borax. I stain the wood and then brush on two coats of borax letting each dry completely. I got good crisp black lines. After I engrave it I spray it with clear lacquer. After two coats I sand it smooth and apply a light final coat. It looks great and everyone loves the quality.

[@Makers_Hangout]

Thanks for the comment Robert. I started with an XCarve and a JTech 7 Watt. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Dan

[@Burbsi]

Some of these results are quite impressive. I just set a defocus offset in the software when engraving softer wood. Surely lines become less defined but its fast and does the job

[@Makers_Hangout]

I will have to try that also. I defocus when cutting thru wood for sure (closer). I found I can run twice as fast with better results and less power. I learn something new every day! Thanks for watching

[@carphotography]

borax you want a much lower power and you dont want to wipe it and sand it, it should be finished when it comes off the laser and just need a clear coat.

[@patdennis4576]

id like to see another comparison with everything Marsked ! including the oxy clean! maybe on to something here as it did look the darkes ! also, spray a clear coat before removing the mask. leaving a lot darker!!!! let me know if you try this pat

[@Makers_Hangout]

Great suggestion!

[@RonMarshallrone]

I read today water and baking soda does a good job. I plan to try it when I get my xtool setup.

[@Makers_Hangout]

Would love to hear how it works. Borax so far has been my go to

[@RonMarshallrone]

@@Makers_Hangout My 20w is doing a decent job so far but i've only had it a few weeks so I haven't tried the borax baking soda quite yet but im sure I will.

[@catsjc]

I've not been using a pre spray, but use powder coating paint after initial engraving. That said I'm able to fill with any color I can find. I also have to disconnect my air assist hose or it blows it off.

[@Makers_Hangout]

I have tried powder coating material - but a little leary of not having some air on to keep the junk off my lens. I also found some colors/brands didn't laser well. What powder coating are you using Jesse?

[@Bianchi77]

Nice video, thanks :)

[@Makers_Hangout]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching and your comment. - Dan

[@sergioaguis]

My test with borax are really bad, it smear a lot... any fix to this?

[@Makers_Hangout]

Maybe less borax in the water? I try to use hot water so it mixes better also

[@gunracksonline]

with air or without?

[@Makers_Hangout]

Just a min amount 5psi or so. I use just enough to keep the lens clean unless I am cutting - then I crank it up to 25psi.

[@gunracksonline]

@@Makers_Hangout thanks ran a test today came out nice on maple. I just d to work on the settings.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

Walmart has borax

[@Makers_Hangout]

Yep - that's where I got mine