Randy Digby
09-04-2009, 10:03 AM
I'm working on my first wood project with the new laser and could use some help from the Creek. The material is 1/4" craft plywood made by Midwest Products and purchased at Michaels. The part is laser engraved and cut, which all went well. Here is the process followed:
- Laser cut and engrave the bare wood
- Lightly sanded with 320 grit to remove smoke stains
- Applied coat of Minwax Polycrylic - let dry
-Lightly sanded with 320 grit, applied another coat and let dry (3 Times now)
The part is looking good, but what I want is a more gloss, smooth finish (similiar to poured polyurethane) but with fewer applications. If this was a for-fun-craft, time would not be an issue, but I hope to add this item as a production item. What product/process would you recommend?
I prefer water based products for clean-up ease.
The base wood is light in color (not sure what tree it came from) and the engraving looks ok. I am certainly open to suggestions for some coatings or process prior to (or after) engraving that would enhance the engraving.
Other sources for laser friendly 1/4" plywood would also be helpful. The Midwest product laser cut very well.
Sure is fun exploring new ideas with the flexibility a laser offers over traditional rotary machines.
Thanks for your help.
- Laser cut and engrave the bare wood
- Lightly sanded with 320 grit to remove smoke stains
- Applied coat of Minwax Polycrylic - let dry
-Lightly sanded with 320 grit, applied another coat and let dry (3 Times now)
The part is looking good, but what I want is a more gloss, smooth finish (similiar to poured polyurethane) but with fewer applications. If this was a for-fun-craft, time would not be an issue, but I hope to add this item as a production item. What product/process would you recommend?
I prefer water based products for clean-up ease.
The base wood is light in color (not sure what tree it came from) and the engraving looks ok. I am certainly open to suggestions for some coatings or process prior to (or after) engraving that would enhance the engraving.
Other sources for laser friendly 1/4" plywood would also be helpful. The Midwest product laser cut very well.
Sure is fun exploring new ideas with the flexibility a laser offers over traditional rotary machines.
Thanks for your help.