Borax Laser Engravings that Don't Smear!

Comments · 138

• RI

  @rightinglegends9289 · 4 years ago

  I use Borax because the crystaline structure that forms on the surface of the wood gives me a more consistent and better overall burn when I am doing images,  When I am doing lettering for things like cutting boards, then I tend to avoid it and rely on the settings of the laser.  I usually finish the project with compressed air, then, a brush, then air again, followed by wiping it off with a microfiber cloth that has denatured alcohol on it.  Seems to work great for me.

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• LM

  @LMS-NW · 1 year ago

  Borax isn't outright "banned" in Germany but is severely restricted, especially for general consumer use, due to its Reprotoxic Category 1B classification under the EU's CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation, meaning it is believed to potentially harm fertility and the unborn child. This EU-wide regulation applies to Germany and has led to restrictions on products containing significant amounts of borax, with alternatives like sodium sesquicarbonate now sold as "borax substitutes" for cleaning purposes.

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• RO

  @robertprice9052 · 4 years ago

  I don't laser engrave cutting boards, but I do a lot of personalized military and law enforcement plaques.   I builds the plaque, stain it and let dry for a day or so.  Then i put a table spoon of borax in a cup of warm water and sponge brush it on with 50% over lap.  I let it dry over night and then laser engrave it.  It comes our beautifully; crisp and dark.  I put several coats of poly on it then do a final sand and recoat.  Perfect every time.  I have a low wattage laser (2.8w) so it speeds things up and gives me a good image without a deep engrave.    Thanks for the video!

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• MI

  @mihaimastacaneanu8505 · 10 months ago

  Hi, I have obtained good results by pre-treating wood with acrylic primer and also using air assist. I believe charcoal and black dust whatever its nature is stil generated, but pores in wood being sealed, dust particles have less chance to hang to. Additional use of compressed air and wet wiping after engraving makes the rest with good results. I have only used method with baking soda because it was all I had for the moment. First apply soda solution and after the primer. Acrylic primer, being water based, is compatible with previous wash.

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• VA

  @valkyriemayaweaver1960 · 1 year ago

  I just spray clear coat like laquor over it and that keeps it from smearing

• NI

  @nick066hu · 1 year ago (edited)

  Since June 1, 2009, the sale of borax to private consumers in the EU (not just Germany) is prohibited. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies borates (including borax) as reprotoxic substances, which resulted in bans on their sale for cleaning or household use throughout the EU.<br>BUT: &nbsp; Industrial, Professional, or Specialized Use &nbsp;Borax can be legally purchased when it’s marketed for professional, industrial, laboratory, or metalworking purposes. &nbsp; &nbsp;This is exactly our use case. &nbsp;With a short search I found 100g for €4.60 &nbsp;and 1kg for €13.60 from a German supplier online. &nbsp;But pls don&apos;t misuse, they must not and will not sell it to private persons.

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• SN

  @snarkheart · 4 years ago

  To remove masking, I prefer Gorilla Tape- much stickier than regular duct tape

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• EL

  @electroninjection183 · 3 years ago

  Stellar video! &nbsp;Thank you, very much.

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• OB

  @ob1coyote · 2 years ago

  I&apos;m about to test this myself in the coming weeks, but I just heard tonight that if you sand and clearcoat the wood before burning then the soot can be more easily removed if it smears.

• WO

  @woodlandsnorth · 1 year ago

  I normally use compressed air to blow out the loose soot, then seal it. Never use it on charcuterie boards though, im told its toxic?

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• AN

  @andreschoen9180 · 3 years ago

  Great Video, &nbsp;Borax can be a life saver on Bamboo.<br>As you get a far more consitent black tone across the board.<br>or should I say black &quot;Toner&quot;.

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• OM

  @omanstyles2449 · 3 years ago

  e\Excellent research!

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