I’ve only just started my laser engraving journey. I have a 20w diode, and have been doing glass cups.
I was looking at a glass ik making for a local coffee shop, and wishing I could make the logo more prominent. I was thinking about how cool it would be if I could do a gold leaf effect, or something similar. I looked up a few things for materials that can be used. There are people claiming that gilding wax can be used on glass etching/engraving.
I was wondering if anyone here had any success with this. I just tried this morning, and in the couple of attempts I tried, could not get it to stick (aside from some speckles here and there). The problem most immediately in this experiment is cleaning it up; wiping off everything except the engraving.
I have found that coconut oil works really well for removing the excess and a couple of coats of carnauba wax will seal and protect.
Less is more when you apply this stuff. I use a latex glove and rub it on with the tip of my finger. The bad thing is it is like glitter, it gets on everything, fortunately it is easy to clean up.
I’ve seen people use that online. I got Metallic Lustre. I just used a dab on a gloved finger, still looked sloppy. But I’m not sure how else to do that.
How long did you let it sit before using the coconut oil? Did you just rub it with a rag?
I’m just trying to experiment with it. I’m curious what the durability and longevity of it is. These are drinking glasses, so idk if it’s something that would be dishwasher safe, hand wash only, or if none of that would work.
pretty much the same stuff, just a different brand.
I apply wax paint the same as you, but I use a light dab at a time. I rub it into the engraving, just enough to thoroughly cover but not enough to leave a thick buildup in the grooves. Only work with a small area at a time. I dab a Scott brand blue shop towel with my finger in coconut oil and lightly wipe the surface to remove the excess. You only want the towel damp, not wet. If you remove too much just wipe it down with a clean paper towel and reapply the wax paint. This stuff is very forgiving.
The wax paint isn’t going to hold up in the dishwasher, but if you seal it with carnauba wax it will stand up to warm, mild soapy water. Occasionally reapplying wax will also help. that’s what I have been recommending to our customers.
Thank you, I appreciate it very much. From the sounds of it, drinking glasses aren’t a good fit for this, but that’s ok. Anything else that doesn’t have to be washed sounds like it’d work just fine.
I agree. It would be okay for display glass or the occasionally used beer mug.
What I think may work for you is UV DTF transfers. There are companies that will print your design on a special adhesive film that will allow you to stick them on almost any hard surface.
I have used 'Rub ‘n Buff’ for etched glasses although I made stencils of vinyl with a cricut machine and used an etching paste. The paste does not etch deep and I am sure a laser can definetely etch better. I let apply it to the etching and let sit for 45 secs or so, not much longer, and wipe it down with a damp cloth of mineral spirits or paint thinner, nothing stronger. Once excess is removed, I wait 48 hours before washing it. I don’t recommend dishwasher use. But it has worked for me for 2 years now.
I use coconut oil for clean up with rub n buff. it works fine and it smells much better than paint thinner.
You can’t use alcohol based solvents or toluene on acrylics so I had to try other things.
In all honestly, anything that has ‘oil’ in it will work for removal. Olive il, vegetable oil, even peanut butter will. It does not have to be petroleum based. I’m pretty sure that any alcohol based solvent will not remove Rub n Buff. Not sure about using it on acrylic, but if it works for you, good to know. Thanks, good to know
Alcohol & paint thinner are not good for acrylic, I have no idea how they work on rub N buff.
I prefer coconut oil because the smell reminds me of girls in bikinis & olive oil just makes me hungry.
