Starry Night Laser Art using the Fordite Method
Instruction
I'll guide you through the process of creating a laser-engraved painting on canvas using the Fordite method. While I've seen others use this technique, Darkly Labs was the first place I saw it specifically referenced as "Fordite," which I think is a fitting name. For this project, I'll be recreating Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night—as closely as possible.
The Fordite method is a named after the man-made gemstone Fordite, a byproduct of an old automotive painting process. Fordite was formed over time as overspray from painting accumulated on factory rails, creating layers of cured paint. This material was later "mined," cut, polished, and used as a gemstone in jewelry. The randomness of this process results in something truly unique.
The technique I use for this project mimics the creation of Fordite by applying layers of paint on canvas and allowing each layer to dry. However, rather than random colors, I intentionally layer the paint progressing from lightest to darkest. This approach gives us some control, as a more intense laser engraves deeper and exposes lighter colors. Despite this, the final result is still unpredictable, which is part of the fun—you never quite know how it will turn out.
As mentioned, this process is inherently unpredictable, largely due to the variation of thickness and consistency of the paint layers. Aim for thin, even coats.
- Apply a thin coat of white spray paint and allow it to dry for an hour. Repeat this process to create two thin coats of white, which will serve as a primer and protect the canvas if you engrave too deeply.
- Apply an even, thin coat of yellow spray paint and let it dry for 2-3 hours before proceeding. Repeat this process with light blue, dark blue, and black. Allow the completed painting to cure for at least 12 hours.
Determining the right laser settings is one of the most challenging parts of this project. While creating a test grid can be helpful, I find it minimally beneficial. Instead, I prefer to start with conservative settings and perform multiple passes.
For this project, I started with:
- Power: 25%
- Speed: 400 mm/sec
I needed three additional passes to achieve the desired result, each with:
- Power: 12%
- Speed: 400 mm/sec
I took pictures between each pass to document the progress. Use compressed air to clean dust between passes. Keep in mind that the color may change slightly once cleaned and a clear coat is applied. Avoid touching the canvas between passes to prevent shifting.
Once you're satisfied with the final product, remove it from the engraver and clean it with a damp cloth. You can even lightly rinse it off at the sink, though this method may not be suitable for all types of paint. Allow it to dry completely before applying a couple of coats of clear coat.