Engraving Clear Acrylic Lights on the D1

Step 1 - Painting

The first step is to apply an even coat of black tempera paint to the acrylic blank. I dilute the tempera about 2:1 with water. Remove the paper or plastic covering on one side and apply the paint. I use a cheap airbrush and apply 3-4 coats. i use a heat gun to dry the paint in between coats on low setting about 12 inches away. Key is getting an even coat across the surface. i've seen it brushed on or even pieces dipped in paint. Airbrushing works best for me.

*** Be sure to remove the protective sheet from the back side of the blank before you use the laser. Especially if it is a paper backing, this will heat up causing the acrylic to burn. Burning acrylic stinks. ***

Step 2 - Test Grid

Burn a test grid to find your best settings. Optimum settings for me were speed of 50 and power at 30%.

Step 3 - Load Your Image

I'm using a vector image so I can load it straight into light burn. Next I need to click on the mirror button on the top of the page because we are actually engraving the back of the acrylic piece. Change your setting to the ones you determined were best by your test pattern. Place and frame your acrylic piece in the laser.

*** If you are using a raster based image or photo it is best to process it on the imagR website first. This will invert and mirror the image so you won't have to mirror it again here. ***

Step 4 - Burn

Making sure that the backing material is removed from the other side of the acrylic, place the piece, paint up, on a piece of metal or aluminum foil in your laser bed. Adjust focus and frame and click start.

Step 5 - Rinse

Tempura paint works well with acrylic and glass, but one of the best things about it is, it rinses off with warm water. No need for solvents or other chemicals. Rinse. Dry. Put your piece in it's light base and Enjoy.