How to engrave onto metal surfaces with a standard CO2 laser and easy to access materials.

Materials needed:

• Metal surface to engrave on
• extra fine Plaster of Paris
• water and a mixing vessel
• Spray applicator or paintbrush

Method

1. mix a fine slurry of plaster
2. thoroughly clean the surface of the metal to be laser etched
3. spray/paint/apply a thin, even layer of plaster on the surface to be lasered
4. allow the plaster to dry fully
5. For a good starting parameter laser etch at ~90W (75% dual laser tubes), 10% speed, 500PPI (multiple passes may be needed depending on the thickness of plaster)
6. Rinse off plaster residue
7. remove any sharp edges with fine sandpaper or scotch pad

References:

http://frankieflood.blogspot.com/2014/12/laser-engraving-stainless-steel-w.html

http://frankieflood.blogspot.com/2014/12/cermark-alternative.html

Note: apparently this process works with table mustard also