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Coloring Laser Engraving

Laser engraved signatures and logos really stand out when filled in with a complementary color. Although all WoodWrite, Ltd. woods can be laser engraved, darker hardwoods do not always show to best advantage as the engraving tends to be dark. Logos or signatures can easily be enhanced by filling the engraving with gold, silver or a color. Gold is particularly striking against a dark hardwood.

The following procedure has been developed for close-grained hardwoods such as Cocobolo, Purpleheart, Rosewood, Hawaiian Koa, Bloodwood, Padauk and Violet Kingwood. You will need WoodWrite, Ltd. CN-11 Gloss Sealer and either Turner’s Magic™ CN-17 Super-Gloss or CN-16 Semi-Gloss.

! Start by putting two coats of CN-11 Gloss Sealer on the barrels, followed by three or four coats of either Turner’s Magic™ polish (your preference.)

! After the engraved barrels are returned, apply your color fill with an appropriately colored "Acrylic Latex Cream Paint", available at most art supply stores. (Do not use acrylic vinyl.) The paint typically comes in a tube. Do not thin the paint, even though the instructions may suggest doing so. Brush the paint (use a small sable brush, also available from the art supply store) to fill the engraving. (We have found Stencil Magic® by Delta Technical Coatings, Whittier, CA 90601 USA to work well in this application. They may be reached at 213-686-0678. Although this product is not 100% water-based, it does clean up well with soap and water. Do not use paint thinner to remove any excess paint from your engraving.)

! Next, using a damp (not wet) cloth, wipe off the excess paint. Be gentle to avoid removing the paint from the engraving, itself. Set the barrel aside to dry; this usually takes 24 hours.

! If you wish, before assembling the pen or pencil, you may place the barrel back on the lathe and apply another coat or two of Turner’s Magic™ Semi or Super-Gloss.

Working with Purpleheart

Purpleheart is a beautiful exotic wood that varies in it’s purple intensity; however, there are a few ways you can increase the depth of color. One way is to turn your blanks to the desired size, but do not finish them. Place them in direct sun light turning the blanks periodically so all sides are exposed. The rays of the sun will cause the color to deepen. When they have reached the desired depth of color, place them back on the lathe and finish them with two coats of Turner’s Magic Gloss Sealer and two coats of Turner’s Magic Super Gloss Polish. These two products will seal in the color and give you a permanent, impervious finish.

You can also impart deep purple highlights to completed and unfinished barrels by placing a piece of purpleheart against the spinning wood and applying slight pressure. You must be very careful not the apply too much pressure, as this wood does friction burn very easily. You should really test this method before you try it on a completed barrel. Once you get the hang of it, you can place darker purple rings on a completed barrel and get some fantastic results. After you impart the rings, finish with the Turner’s Magic products.