8-6 Sample Materials
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Engraving mirrored acrylic is similar to engraving regular acrylic. The idea is to engrave through
the mirrored backing enough to begin to penetrate into the acrylic. Engraving deeply will cause,
a crusty residue to form just like with non-mirrored acrylic. A double image will appear if
engraving on the front side of the mirror. It is not necessary to mask the backside when
engraving because the mirrored backing shields the acrylic from smoke damage. To cut
mirrored acrylic, it might be necessary to remove all original masking, re-mask with transfer
tape, and dampen the tape with water from a spray bottle. Next, place the acrylic in the laser
with the mirrored surface facing upwards and elevate at least 1/8 inch above the table. The
laser beam will not reflect off of the mirrored surface because it is absorbed by the acrylic first.
Sometimes cutting the acrylic from the back side will cause the mirrored backing to distort and
crack from the intense heat required to cut. If the combination of engraving and cutting is
desired, our suggestion is to engrave the backing, unmasked, remove the acrylic, mask both
sides with transfer tape, flip the acrylic over, dampen, elevate, re-focus, and cut from the
front side. When paint filling the engraved area, make sure to use an acrylic based paint or
paint that does not contain acetone or alcohol as these chemicals will crack the acrylic. Water
based paints also work very well. Since the mirrored backing serves as a masking, it is not
necessary to mask the back side before engraving.
Acrylic is extremely flammable. Do not leave the laser system unattended when cutting
or engraving.
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