Testing A Substitute For Borax For Darker Laser Engraving [not borax substitute]

Apparently using this method a better substitute for using Borax to get a darker engraving with your laser engraver
I tried this so you don't have to and at the moment it's definitely a no from me but, I think more testing is needed. It might work but will not be as effective and quick as Borax.
If you have ever tried this with any success then put it down in the comments section and let me know your process.
I will be trying this again with different speeds and powers to see if it does actually work.

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

I’m new to the laser game, and this is good information to have. The comments have useful information too. I have bought baking soda in bulk for many years for cleaning and laundry. Now I have another use for it. LOL

[@MARCAM]

Can never have too much baking soda 😅

[@paolosauro6170]

I couldn't find any borax, so yesterday I tried sodium percarbonate, a common whitening detergent made of sodium carbonate + hydrogen peroxide. I am surprised. Not that much yellowish wood color, very dark engraving with low power and high speed, where the untreated area was unmarked at all. I am very satisfied, very cheap powder from supermarket.

[@MARCAM]

I did another video on something similar and the results were amazing. As one of the ingredients was a borax substitute I found it to work just as good as borax 😊

[@squirrelmanbob]

How do you get borax here in the UK anyway, I thought it was banned here 🤔 Edit, I wrote my moment before you mentioned about it being hard to get here 😂

[@MARCAM]

As far as I know, you can only get borax substitute in the uk. I just purchase online

[@squirrelmanbob]

@@MARCAM ya I've seen tha when looking for borax for something else but wasn't sure how compatible I would be for that purpose, I wrote that very early into the video 😂. I am new to the laser world. I've only had it a couple of weeks

[@MARCAM]

Yeah the substitute works fine. Its a good idea getting used to something like this being so new into lasers IMO. It’s honestly a game changer when it comes to engraving portraits

[@fyireviewsandhowtos3118]

Do you wipe the image down before adding a finish and if so what do you use?

[@MARCAM]

Try not to touch the engraving at all afterwards as there will be a fair bit of soot afterwards and will smudge if touched. I spray a clear coat over the top once engraved to stop protect it and stop it from smudging 👍🏻

[@elmalhechor]

I wipe it down 1st with vinegar. Then lightly sand it to dislodge any soot. Then one last vinegar wipe, dry, and seal with your preferred finish.

[@MileyonDisney]

You should have used baking SODA.

[@MARCAM]

😅 yeah we found that out afterwards. I did do smother update using baking soda and the results were far better

[@SpikeyBoy25]

It's "baking soda" you should use, not "baking powder" Soda is an oxidant causing a darker burn.

[@MARCAM]

Yeah, I figured this out afterwards 😅

[@paulowen9736]

Try Vanish... 😊

[@MARCAM]

That’s a good idea! I tried bicarb soda recently and it smelt just like washing powder when mixing 👌🏻

[@goodwoodman1]

Try wirewool and vinegar

[@MARCAM]

How does that work? Do you leave the wire in vinegar then paint it onto the wood?

[@DougKing4416]

yep and it gives the wood an older look @@MARCAM

[@robertdavison2650]

i tried this but i dont think i did it correctly as my wood turned yellow

[@MARCAM]

It is normal for it to yellow your wood slightly. The more borax you add the more the wood will yellow.

[@pblais404]

don't use borax on anything you will be using food with... like cutting boards.. it leaves soot the rubs off

[@MARCAM]

That’s a very good point 👍🏻

[@406guymt7]

Baking SODA mate.

[@MARCAM]

😂 yeah I figured that out afterwards.

[@prakkari]

I think this is supposed to baking soda, not baking powder.

[@MARCAM]

Yep, you’re spot on there 😅

[@danielseymour8771]

Not baking powder, baking soda. There is a difference.

[@MARCAM]

Oh really? 🤦🏻‍♂️😂 best be trying this again 😂

[@wileycovington4497]

His can reads baking powder, not soda.

[@wileycovington4497]

And yes there is a huge difference.