Laser Engraved Stone, Tiles, and Slate Examples

Laser Engraving Stone, Ceramics, and Slate: Techniques and Examples


Welcome to our detailed guide on how to engrave on stone, ceramics, slate, and other stone-like materials. In this guide, we explore best practices, essential tools, and innovative techniques required to engrave on these durable surfaces. Whether you’re looking to personalize home decor, create unique gifts, or advance your crafting skills, you’ll discover valuable insights and instructions to enhance your engraving projects.


Disclaimer: Laser cutting and engraving may be hazardous if improperly operated. Please make sure to follow the safety guidelines such as wearing eye-protective goggles and using the machine enclosure while operating.

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Laser Engravers Used in This Guide

As the popularity of engraving on ceramics and slate stones continues to rise, many projects are being showcased, highlighting the diverse capabilities of various laser engravers available on the market. This trend demonstrates the artistic and functional possibilities of laser engraving and guides potential buyers in selecting the right equipment.

Collection of Laser Engraved Slate Coasters
Collection of Laser Engraved Slate Coasters
Image: Nich Buch, CoasterCraft

To test the technology on various stone surfaces, I used three laser engravers we reviewed on 3DWithUs recently: the TOOCAA L2 20-watt, the Longer Nano Pro 12-watt, and the Acmer P1 6-watt. The selection of these varying wattages demonstrates the versatility of laser engravers for different projects. The reviews provide additional examples of slate engravings performed with each laser engraver. Moving forward, this guide will be continually updated to include more laser engraving projects on stone-like surfaces and additional images.

Tools and Consumables

Laser engraving on shiny and stone-like surfaces may require specialized tools and consumables to achieve precise and lasting designs. These can be bought cheaply on Amazon.

Extra Materials and Tools for Laser Engraving on Stones and Ceramics
Extra Materials and Tools for Laser Engraving on Stones and Ceramics
©3DWithUs – Photo: Richard Hirst

– Consumables for coating. Titanium Dioxide TI02 Powder on Amazon; PVA Glue; ISO Alcohol on Amazon; Brushes or Spray; Spray Paint on Amazon; Water.

Stone Like Materials for Laser Engraving
Stone Like Materials for Laser Engraving

– Stone-like Materials. If pebbles can be collected from the beach, tiles and slate stones, especially slate stone coasters, are abundant on Amazon.

Safety gear, such as goggles and a dust mask, is important to protect against fine particles generated during engraving and post-processing.


Laser Engraving on White Tiles

This section aims to guide you through the necessary materials and techniques for applying coatings essential for ceramic engraving on tiles, as most lasers do not naturally leave a dark mark on ceramics. To begin, you can mix titanium dioxide in two different ways: one method involves a 50/50 ratio of titanium dioxide powder to isopropyl alcohol, and the other combines one part titanium dioxide powder with one part PVA (polyvinyl acetate) and three parts water. Detailed ratios will be provided later.

White Tile After Coating
White Tile After Coating
©3DWithUs – Photo: Richard Hirst

Start by choosing an airtight container to mix the titanium dioxide with either the PVA mixture or the isopropyl alcohol—both are effective. However, the alcohol emits a strong odor during engraving, so I prefer the PVA mixture. Once thoroughly mixed, apply the titanium dioxide solution to the ceramic tiles using a paintbrush or spray.

  • One part Titanium dioxide powder, one part PVA, three parts water
  • One part ISO alcohol, one part titanium dioxide powder 50/50 mix

I recommend using a foam brush since spray bottles may clog. Allow the coating to dry completely; typically, one coat suffices for detailed engraving results. Post-engraving cleanup involves simply soaking the tiles in warm water for a few minutes to wash away any residual coating.

– Settings. For engraving these, I used the same speed as wood laser engraving; I just adjusted the power to 60 to 100%. Here are a few tiles engraved using this method.

Images Laser Engraved on White Tiles
Images Laser Engraved on White Tiles
©3DWithUs – Photo and Laser Job: Richard Hirst

This was one of my attempts to engrave on ceramic tiles, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results the Longer Nano Pro 12W delivered. The white ceramic tiles were prepared by painting them with a mixture of titanium dioxide powder, PVA, and water to create a surface that would bond well with the ceramic. I engraved several tiles, some of which I mounted in a frame as a wedding present. The recipients were amazed by the detail and personalized touch of the gift.

Four Engraved White Tiles Framed
Four Engraved White Tiles Framed
Wedding Gift Idea
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

As a wedding present idea, I created a set of four engraved tiles and framed them, which I thought turned out beautifully. Each tile featured a unique design that symbolized aspects of the couple’s journey together, making the gift both personal and memorable. The elegant framing added a sophisticated touch, perfect for displaying in their new home.

– Spray paint. Spray paint is another option, though it tends not to adhere well to the tile and can chip off easily, so I generally do not prefer this method. Despite this drawback, it can yield visually appealing results. For example, I once spray-painted a white ceramic tile with silver spray paint and then engraved a design onto it. The laser effectively removed the spray paint, revealing and slightly engraving the image into the tile, creating a striking contrast.

White Tile Sprayed Silver
White Tile Sprayed Silver Before Laser Engraving
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

Tiles are an excellent material for laser engraving, offering a natural aesthetic. The advanced capabilities of modern laser engravers enable the creation of a wide range of decorative elements suitable for home improvement projects or personalized memorabilia.


Slate Laser Engraving

In my experience, slate is a standout natural material for laser engraving, consistently producing stunning results. It is affordable and readily available and also lends itself well to personalization, making it ideal for gifts or home decor. Depending on the specific characteristics of the slate, the engravings’ appearance can vary, with some slates being greyer and others nearly white.

Slate Stone Engraved with Personalized Message
Slate Stone Engraved with Personalized Message
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

– Setting Tips. I used the same speed and power settings for engraving slate as I did for tiles. Moreover, slate is an excellent material for engraving as it emits minimal smell or fumes and yields impressive results. The engravings are permanent and do not fade or rub off. While multiple passes can deepen the engraving, a single pass is usually sufficient for excellent outcomes.

I enjoy using slate for laser engraving because it delivers impressive results and often becomes a conversation starter due to the quality of the work. Slate is also easily accessible and affordable, making it an excellent material for special occasions and personalized items.

– Machines. For engraving on larger surfaces like the image above, I used TOOCAA L2 20-watt, and then I used the Longer Nano Pro 12-watt for smaller tile-like surfaces. Here are some examples where I engraved custom images on a coaster like slate stones.

Image of the Dog Engraved onto the Slate Stone
Bailey the Frenchy – Image of the Dog Engraved onto the Slate Stone
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

Using the photo, I engraved a friend’s French Bulldog in the image above.

I also engraved the Celtic knot in both positive and negative forms, which yielded different results, as you can see.

Celtic Knots Engraved on Slate Stone
Celtic Knots Engraved on Slate Stone. Positive vs Negative Settings
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

Custom engraved slate stone coasters offer a unique blend of functionality and style, making them an excellent choice for both personal and commercial use. These coasters can be personalized with logos, monograms, or bespoke artwork, adding a sophisticated touch to any setting. They are perfect for corporate gifts, wedding favors, or as a stylish addition to one’s home decor. Additionally, their natural durability and resistance to heat make them practical for protecting surfaces from drink condensation, while their custom designs turn them into conversation pieces at any gathering.


Laser Engraving on Natural Pebbles

Pebbles and stones are easy to engrave and carry sentimental value, whether collected from a beach during a holiday or picked up at a memorable location. The engraving results on such materials can range from creamy to bright white, especially on granite-type pebbles. I’ve observed that darker pebbles yield better results, with the engravings appearing brighter and whiter.

Laser Engraved Pebbles
Laser Engraved Pebbles
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst

For those with more natural colors, the engravings retain a rustic and authentic look, yet remain strikingly effective. As demonstrated in the pictures, each stone or pebble produces a unique result in terms of color and texture.

– Engraving Tips. When engraving these, I slightly reduce the speed and adjust the power settings between 70 and 100%, though the optimal settings will depend on the specific laser engraver used.

Natural Pebbles with Engraving - Celtic Knot
Natural Pebbles with Engraving – Celtic Knot
©3DWithUs – Laser Job & Photo: Richard Hirst
Custom Engraved Natural Pebble
Custom Engraved Natural Pebble
Two Engraved Natural Pebbles
Two Engraved Natural Pebbles

– Engraving on Stones. I am continuing to explore the potential of pebble engraving. It’s exciting to consider the variety of designs that can be achieved. Each pebble’s unique shape and texture offer a new canvas for creativity, whether you’re engraving names, dates, or intricate patterns. This method is not only a fantastic way to personalize a space or commemorate special occasions but also a gentle, eco-friendly craft that makes use of natural materials directly from the earth.

Other Examples

As always, we will continue to update this guide with more examples of laser engraving on stone-like materials over time. Stay tuned for new additions.

Vector variation of Guernika - Laser Engraved
Vector variation of Guernika – Laser Engraved on Tiles
(Photo: Michail Gedeon)

Here is a practical example of laser engraving on kitchen tiles by Michael Gedeon. Visit his profile on Facebook to see many other impressive examples of work on tiles and stones.

Laser Engraved Slate Stone Coasters
Laser Engraved Slate Stone Coasters
©3DWithUs – Laser Job and Photo: Phil Macey

In his review of the Genmitsu Kiosk 10W, Phil Macey showcased its capabilities by creating slate stone coasters with images of the Joker from Batman and R2D2 from Star Wars.


Slate Stone Embossing and Engraving

Will Zoobkoff created remarkable slate stone coasters when he recently reviewed the xTool F1 Ultra. Below are two slate coasters, one with an embossed design and the other with a simple engraving. Both jobs feature artwork from the Laser-Pics website.

Slate Pieces Embossed and Engraved
Slate Stone Coasters: Engraved (3 minutes job) and Embossed (3+ hours job)
©3DWithUs – Laser Job and Photo: Will Zoobkoff

To make the details stand out, he inverted the image and adjusted the greyscale to darken it a bit for the engraving. The procedure took slightly under three minutes using the recommended slate stone settings.

Moon Art Work Engraved on Slate
Moon Artwork Engraved on Slate
©3DWithUs – Laser Job and Photo: Will Zoobkoff
Frogs Art Work Embossed on Slate Stone
Embossed on Slate Stone – Close Look

It took over three hours to emboss the second coaster using the slate stone settings, but the outcome is incredible, and the design is particularly stunning. Embossing on slate stone takes it to a whole new level.

Conclusion

After exploring this guide, I hope you now have a clearer understanding of the engraving techniques and the essential materials for various projects. We’ve offered a detailed overview to help you achieve notable results with your engravings. Whether for personal projects or professional applications, this guide should serve as a reliable starting point for exploring the creative potential of laser cutters and engravers.

Read more: Laser Engraving Inlays: Techniques, Tips, and Tools

Curious about the potential of desktop laser cutters and engravers? These versatile tools can transform a variety of materials into stunning, artisan-grade creations. Discover how to laser engrave inlays with precision and creativity as you learn essential techniques to bring your designs to life.


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