Thread: How to infill laser engraved timber ?

I fill with a dark wood filler, and then sand it down flush with the surface.

Dark sawdust and glue is another alternative.

Be careful whatever you do as the paler wood may stain.

Test a piece first and wait to see the results.

Originally Posted by artme

Dark sawdust and glue is another alternative.

Be careful whatever you do as the paler wood may stain.

Test a piece first and wait to see the results.

I agree. I haven't filled laser engraving, but for similar things like small routed inlay shapes, I use Epoxy with extra-fine Jarrah sawdust. Not black, but it is very dark, with a reddish tinge. Comes up great.
As artme says, be careful and try to get it only in the areas you need it, but usually any excess will sand off OK. (Some wax strategically applied around the area as a mask will help. It'll wash off afterwards with white spirits and elbow grease.)
Black pigment in epoxy should work, too.

If they are all lines then I would just use black paint.

Art supply stores sell a wax based product that the laser engravers use, available in various metalic colours such as gold, silver, copper etc. Also in other colours.

For the life of me I can't think of the name, but if you send a PM to Penturner (Amos) he can tell you.

If you look at some of Penturners posts in the Penturning forum you will see example of some his filled engraving on pen boxes.