I use a CO2 laser to create panels on 3mm white acrylic. After spray painting the panel with primer, I allow it to dry before applying a top coat of satin. The panel is then left to dry for 24 hours before being etched using the laser machine. (this prevents the paint from burning and smoking while being lasered)
If you opt to 3D print the panel, it's best to print it in white. After printing, spray it with four coats of primer before applying a top coat. I usually have raised text on my panels, which can be sanded easily to remove the paint without damaging the panel.
If you have a bamboo printer, it can automatically do color changes for you, and the panels come out really well.
Hi Karl - Thank you and yes it helps. I'll put this in the duh column 'cause I should have figured that out! Guess I'm letting some of the more obvious details get clouded by the overwhelming amount of "new" info coming at me WRT 3D printers and etching machine pros & cons. Seems like for every positive recommendation there's a negative one. Glad to have your expert opinion(s) as a guiding light!
Hello Ken,
I use a CO2 laser to create panels on 3mm white acrylic. After spray painting the panel with primer, I allow it to dry before applying a top coat of satin. The panel is then left to dry for 24 hours before being etched using the laser machine. (this prevents the paint from burning and smoking while being lasered)
If you opt to 3D print the panel, it's best to print it in white. After printing, spray it with four coats of primer before applying a top coat. I usually have raised text on my panels, which can be sanded easily to remove the paint without damaging the panel.
If you have a bamboo printer, it can automatically do color changes for you, and the panels come out really well.
I hope this helps. Kind regards, Karl.