Mark Winlund
01-03-2007, 5:21 PM
Hi... I thought I would pass this along to the group. I bought my laser several years ago, and was looking for new ways to use it. I have not seen this mentioned on the forum, so maybe I am the first!
I discovered a source of paper thin veneers: http://www.lenderink.com/
These people produce a really thin veneer product from various kinds of hardwoods... only 4 or 5 thousandths thick. When I first got samples, I was at a loss as to how I could use it. Finally, after a lot of trial and error, I discovered a remarkable effect. I could make lettering look like inlaid brass! The technique is this: Take a piece of engravers brass (the thin kind, polished... available from any engraver's supply such as Johnson plastics) and adhere some of the veneer to it. You can use the thin 3M adhesive, or use photo mounting tissue and a heat press. Engrave through the veneer, exposing the brass. You may have to do it twice, as the adhesive sometimes leaves a residue that interferes with the final effect.
The final step is to spray lacquer with a rattle can over the surface, using a fairly heavy coat. Sometimes two coats works better.
After it dries, you will notice that the lettering looks raised... as if you had inlaid tiny brass letters into the wood! The reason for this is that the surface tension of the liquid lacquer causes the surface of the lacquer to rise up where the edge of the wood is. When the light hits it, it gives an optical effect making the lettering look like it is raised above the surface. It is really a quite remarkable effect, and quite easy to do. It will not work with thicker veneers. It also works with chrome plated brass to a very good effect. Aluminum does not work quite as well. The metal surface must be well polished, or you won't see the effect as much.
The only problem I have had is sometimes the veneer won't stick to the polished brass because it is so smooth. I have tried various methods, and some work better than others. Lenderink also has various adhesives that they manufacture for their veneers. I have found them to be very helpful.
You can buy this veneer in letter sized sheets, bare or with a paper backing.
I hope that some of you can use this idea to make a couple of bucks!
Mark http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon7.gif
I discovered a source of paper thin veneers: http://www.lenderink.com/
These people produce a really thin veneer product from various kinds of hardwoods... only 4 or 5 thousandths thick. When I first got samples, I was at a loss as to how I could use it. Finally, after a lot of trial and error, I discovered a remarkable effect. I could make lettering look like inlaid brass! The technique is this: Take a piece of engravers brass (the thin kind, polished... available from any engraver's supply such as Johnson plastics) and adhere some of the veneer to it. You can use the thin 3M adhesive, or use photo mounting tissue and a heat press. Engrave through the veneer, exposing the brass. You may have to do it twice, as the adhesive sometimes leaves a residue that interferes with the final effect.
The final step is to spray lacquer with a rattle can over the surface, using a fairly heavy coat. Sometimes two coats works better.
After it dries, you will notice that the lettering looks raised... as if you had inlaid tiny brass letters into the wood! The reason for this is that the surface tension of the liquid lacquer causes the surface of the lacquer to rise up where the edge of the wood is. When the light hits it, it gives an optical effect making the lettering look like it is raised above the surface. It is really a quite remarkable effect, and quite easy to do. It will not work with thicker veneers. It also works with chrome plated brass to a very good effect. Aluminum does not work quite as well. The metal surface must be well polished, or you won't see the effect as much.
The only problem I have had is sometimes the veneer won't stick to the polished brass because it is so smooth. I have tried various methods, and some work better than others. Lenderink also has various adhesives that they manufacture for their veneers. I have found them to be very helpful.
You can buy this veneer in letter sized sheets, bare or with a paper backing.
I hope that some of you can use this idea to make a couple of bucks!
Mark http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon7.gif