Advanced Depth Technique - Two-Layer Low Relief Wood Engraving

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Instruction
This project is created with Atomm AI
High Relief Durga.xcs
High Relief Durga
.xcs
Application scenario
Laser processing (180min)
Machine & module
xTool F2
5W, 15W
Compatible xTool Machine
P3
F2 Ultra UV
F2 Ultra(Single)
F2 Ultra
F1 Ultra
F1
F1 Lite
S1
P2S
P2
M1 Ultra
M1
D1 Pro 2.0
D1 Pro
D1
Laserbox
X1
M2
Material used
5/16"(8mm) Basswood Plywood
gift
111
1976
Source Image Generated with Atomm AI
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Information

      In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a two-layer low relief engraving on wood using xTool Creative Space (XCS).

This artwork uses:

• Layer 1 → Low Relief base depth engraving
• Layer 2 → High-detail surface engraving

By separating the design into depth layers, we create a realistic carved effect instead of a flat grayscale burn.

This technique works perfectly for:
• Religious art
• Mandala panels
• Portrait engraving
• Decorative wall art
• Premium gift products

If you want your engraving to look sculpted instead of printed, this workflow is essential.

🛠 Materials & Tools

• xTool laser (F2 / D1 Pro / S1 etc.)
• Basswood or plywood panel
• xTool Creative Space (XCS)
• 3mm–6mm wood panel
• Soft brush
• Sandpaper (optional fine grit)
• Warm lighting for photography

🎨 Artwork Overview

The final relief consists of:

Layer 1 – Base Relief Depth

• Background texture
• Ornament foundation
• Crown structure
• Surrounding floral depth

Layer 2 – Surface Detail Layer

• Facial lines
• Jewelry detailing
• Eye contours
• Hair and fine highlights

The contrast between these two layers creates visual depth.
    

Instruction

1

Step1: Prepare the Artwork for Relief

Import your high-resolution image into XCS.

  • Convert to grayscale.
  • Adjust contrast so depth differences are clear.
  • Use “Relief Mode” or grayscale engraving mode.
  • Increase the sharpness to all the way up

Important:
The darker areas will engrave deeper.
The lighter areas will stay raised.

2

Step2: Create the Base Low Relief Layer

This is the foundation layer. Engrave in basswood in Atkinson bitmap mode.

This layer engraves:

• Background
• Ornamental depth
• Crown base
• Texture foundation

This creates shallow depth across the whole artwork.

Do NOT move the material after this step.

3

Step3: Engrave the trace layer

Now the second layer thats the trace, use the trace and then score so that we have darker edges.

4

Step4: Clean and Enhance

After engraving:

  • Use soft brush to remove debris.
  • Lightly wipe surface.
  • Optional: Very light sanding on raised areas.
  • Optional: Apply oil or clear coat for richer contrast.

Oil dramatically enhances relief depth visibility.

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