Laser Engraving Color Hack for Wood: No More Paint Bleed - Take #2

In this video, I share a simple hack I use when laser engraving on rough wood surfaces to add color without masking tape. When the wood surface is too rough for tape, I coat the surface with dishwashing detergent before painting. This method keeps the paint from sticking to the wood and only allows it to adhere to the laser-engraved areas. It’s an easy solution to get professional-looking results on your woodworking projects. Watch to see how it's done!

[@steinbierz]

Very nice sign! I’m curious…couldn’t you put down your Dawn, let it dry and then mask it, engrave, clear seal, paint, etc. Seems like masking tape would reduce the area that you had to scrub and your 1st use of Dawn would prevent the bleeding.

[@tgif3657]

Thank you! I usually put down a thick 1st coat of soap and let dry and then come back and put another layer but not as thick and let it dry for a little bit so its not messy to handle and laser it. But the sign in this video set for a few days, because during making this video my daughter went into labor and gave birth to two heathy boys! But the delay didn't seen to make a difference.

[@TonyMueller]

Try sealing with clear before the dish soap... it seems to me that the dish soap is soaking into the wood rather than just drying on the surface.

[@tgif3657]

You could do that if you wanted a clear or mat finish when done, that is definitely an option.

[@batchrocketproject4720]

Interesting technique and the sign looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to hearing of any refinements such as the best number of coats of dish soap, and how long to leave after coating before engraving to get the cleanest removal. 💯👏

[@tgif3657]

I'll share any improvements that I come up with. Going to try putting on one coat letting it dry and then put on a thin wet coat and laser it and see how that works.

[@wYatt121509]

Love the rustic look. Great info, subbed!

[@tgif3657]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joefalcon870]

good job. what font is hopkins?

[@dannylynch332]

Now that you have that piece of wood soaked with water, what is going to stop it from warping?

[@tgif3657]

There’s definitely a possibility of warping, but I avoid soaking the wood. I usually just run water over it and dry it off with a towel. Out of all the pieces I’ve made, only a couple have warped slightly, and they were both pine. I mostly use this soap process when making rustic-style signs, where taping or sanding won’t give me the results I want. Typically, I use cedar fence boards for these projects, but I do occasionally use pine if the piece won’t be used outdoors. Give it a try and let me know your results!

[@woodpeckercontrol687]

Wood and water dont mix well, specially since the ends are not sealed either. I can only imagine the warp that wood is going to have later. So much easier to just mask the wood before engraving

[@tgif3657]

I agree, this process is not for all project or wood types. The wood I am using the video is cedar fence boards. I have also used pine fence boards. Did have one pine one get a little of bow but not much. I try not to soak the wood more than necessary. It works for me for the purpose I use it for.

[@gaylewilliams7353]

Is that water based paint?

[@tgif3657]

@@gaylewilliams7353 No just regular spray paint.

[@lastlight05]

I dont understand how this works. Why would it not remove the engraved area as well?

[@tgif3657]

@@lastlight05It allows you to paint the engraved area only. The engraving process removes the soap, allowing the paint to only stick to that area and the paint will not stick to the soap. So when you wash off the soap it also removes the paint that is outside the engraved area.