LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Willy Ivy wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 Ian, when I purchase acrylic I try to get it with paper protective covering instead of plastic. The plastic tends to melt and does not perform as well. If what I purchase only comes in plastic film, I remove it and mask it instead. If you paint it after engraving, use multiple light coats of paint and don't try to do it with one heavy coat.

I didn't actually know about the acrylic being supplied with a paper mask, and makes a lot more sense as the plastic film melts at the edges and draws back, then when I spray the paint makes the edges curl too. Oh and yes I am impatient when spraying, why spray 20 coats when 1 will do Yes I do tend to overspray each coat.

I have used "masking tape" at times, but i'm sure there's a better alternative as the stuff I use is quite thick in comparison to paper, wonder whats available/recommended in A3/A4 sheet sizes

I have found that calendared acrylic mostly comes with plastic film and cast comes with paper. I always remove the plastic film and remask with application tape. The tape comes on rolls in many sizes and is cheap. This is what we use at the shop:

https://www.amazon.com/Application-Tape ... 167&sr=8-8

There are cheaper brands and most will probably work but failures cost money for a sign shop. I would stay away from the clear films-they are handy for some things but rarely- and they will melt. Paper can be removed by wetting with water normally. On wood I use a cabinet scraper- will smooth the wood and take off the mask nicely and can be re-burnished.

After engraving there will be debris in the cavity which I normally use a cheap electric toothbrush on and then blow off so the paint will adhere.

Cheers Gene, i'll look for that transfer paper in UK and give it a whirl, should save me some cleanup hassle

Any particular grade or type I need to watch for

As I said- the R-tape is good stuff with good tack which we need and is handy on raw wood. I have seen some real crap, and some is sawn to size [rough edges] so I don't experiment with success.

I have ordered some, will see how it goes, thanks for the advice