Laser Engraving Clear Acrylic: The Ultimate A-Z Guide for Beginners

Since its invention, clear or transparent acrylic has established itself as an indispensable material in everyday life, offering versatile applications and almost unlimited creative opportunities.

Many people know that colored acrylic is easy to engrave and cut. But what about clear acrylic? Can you laser engrave clear/transparent acrylic? What steps are necessary to achieve optimal results when laser engraving on clear acrylic ?

In this article, we answer all your questions about engraving clear acrylic with a diode laser and guide you through the process step by step. We also present some exciting project ideas to inspire your next creative masterpiece!

Part 1: Can clear acrylic be laser engraved?

Not all lasers are suitable for effectively engraving clear acrylic. For example, 450 nm diode lasers and 1064 nm fiber lasers generally cannot directly engrave clear acrylic because clear acrylic is transparent to these wavelengths—the laser light simply passes through without being absorbed. (CO₂ lasers with a wavelength of 10,600 nm are excellent for engraving and cutting clear acrylic.)

For laser engraving to work on clear acrylic, the material must absorb the laser energy and convert it into heat to create a visible mark. Since clear acrylic barely absorbs these wavelengths, the effect is usually minimal.

Is it possible to engrave clear acrylic with a 450 nm diode laser?

Don't worry. There are several techniques you can use to engrave clear acrylic with a diode laser . Below, we present four effective methods:

Part 2: How to properly engrave clear acrylic with a laser

Laser engraving on clear acrylic can be challenging due to its transparency, as the laser beam simply passes through the material without effectively marking the surface.

For sharp, high-quality engravings, you need to create contrast and efficiently absorb the laser energy. Here are four effective methods to achieve the best results when engraving clear acrylic:

Option 1: Use black cardstock

Placing a sheet of black cardstock under the acrylic improves the engraving process. Any dark background absorbs excess laser energy and minimizes unwanted reflections. This technique is especially useful when using a diode laser, which otherwise struggles to engrave transparent materials.

Cut a piece of black cardstock slightly larger than your acrylic sheet and place it underneath the acrylic on the laser cutting bed. Ensure both materials are securely fixed during engraving.

Option 2: Use markers

Coloring the engraving area with a black marker helps to focus the laser beam and allow it to be absorbed effectively. This method is fast and particularly suitable for fine details.

Apply several coats of ink to the area to be engraved until the acrylic is opaque. Allow the ink to dry completely before engraving. After engraving, you can remove any remaining ink with water and a damp cloth.

Option 3: Use tempera paints

Applying a thin layer of tempera paint to the acrylic ensures that the laser beam works more efficiently and produces sharper engravings. This option is particularly suitable for large or detailed designs.

Apply the paint evenly with a brush or spray bottle and allow it to dry completely. After engraving, wipe carefully to avoid scratches.

Option 4: Use masking tape

A thin layer of masking tape (e.g., painter's tape) can improve laser reception and reduce reflections that could lead to uneven engravings.

Completely cover the engraving area with the tape, smooth out any air bubbles, and wait for the acrylic to cool after engraving. Then remove the tape and clean off any adhesive residue.

*Extra tip: Choose the right machine

For optimal engraving of clear acrylic, you need a suitable tool that facilitates the process and delivers precise, long-lasting results.

Many people wonder which laser is best suited for engraving clear acrylic. For home use or small projects, diode lasers like the LP5 , LP4, or LP2 are ideal. These clear acrylic laser engraving machines are user-friendly and budget-friendly.

🧪 Practical example – Laser engraving clear acrylic for an LED light with a Spotify code

Combine laser engraving with LED lighting to create a personalized acrylic display featuring a Spotify code. Engrave the code along with a song title or album artwork onto clear acrylic and mount it on an LED base. When the code is scanned with a mobile phone, the song starts playing instantly – a perfect gift for music lovers!

Materials required for laser engraving on clear acrylic:

• Material: Clear acrylic sheet
• Laser engraving machine: Diode laser (diode laser engraving of clear acrylic)
• Design: Text, images, patterns, etc.
• Materials: Cardboard, markers, tempera paints or masking tape

Step 1: Choose your material – Clear acrylic sheet

Choose an acrylic sheet that is not too thin, otherwise it may deform due to the laser heat.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate laser engraving machine

Make sure your engraving machine is suitable for clear acrylic. Consider different application scenarios and choose the machine accordingly.

Here we use LaserPecker 5 (LP5) , a dual-laser and multifunctional laser engraver.

Don't have a LaserPecker 5? No problem! Use an LP4 , LP2 , or another laser engraving machine suitable for acrylic and proceed with the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare your engraving design

Use the LaserPecker graphic design app/software to create your design and save it as an SVG, PNG, or in another format. Consider size, shape, and details.

Source: Design for laser engraving on clear acrylic

Step 4: Set up the laser engraving machine

First , connect the laser engraver to your computer or mobile device and open the LaserPecker Design app or LightBurn to load your design.

Secondly , place the acrylic in the workspace and activate preview mode to ensure the laser is correctly focused. When the two red dots overlap, the focus is optimal!

Third , check if the design fits the acrylic. If not, adjust the size and position.

Finally , adjust the laser parameters in the software, such as power, speed, and resolution. You might be wondering: "What laser power is needed for clear acrylic?" Don't worry, here are some recommended parameters:

LP5 (20 W 450 nm laser): Resolution: 2k; Power: 28%; Depth: 26%; Passes: 1
LP4 (10 W 450 nm laser): Resolution: 2k; Power: 100%; Depth: 15%; Passes: 1

Further recommended settings for all LP machines, including LP1 to LP5, can be found in the settings table .

Step 5: Engrave your clear acrylic

Check everything carefully to avoid mistakes. Then press start and watch the engraving. The laser brings your design to life!

Wear safety glasses or use a laser safety cover while working to protect your eyes and body from potential hazards, as the blue laser poses risks.

Please note that laser engraving may produce smoke or toxic gases. Wearing a mask or using an air purifier is recommended.

After engraving, rinse the acrylic under running water or gently agitate it. Do not rub the surface, as it scratches easily.

💡 More inspiration – Two creative projects for laser engraving on clear acrylic

If you are looking for unique ways to laser engrave clear acrylic, here are two creative project ideas:

Clear acrylic with laser-engraved photo

Source: LP5 Official Facebook Group

Transform your favorite photos into stunning engravings on clear acrylic. Using a background technique – such as black cardstock or a temporary coating – you can achieve high-contrast, detailed engravings. Perfect as a gift, for home decor, or memorial plaques.

Laser-engraved acrylic sign

Acrylic signs lend a modern look to any room. Whether it's a company logo, a welcome sign, or a decorative quote – laser engraving on clear acrylic ensures a professional and long-lasting result. For better visibility, you can place the sign against a dark background or use color for added contrast.