How to Darken Laser Engraving on Wood: Complete Guide

Laser engraving on wood can create stunning designs, but achieving a deep, dark engraving requires more than just running the laser. So how do you darken laser engraving on wood? Factors such as wood type, laser settings, pre-treatment methods and post-processing techniques all influence the final result.

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In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to darken laser engraving on wood for a professional and visually striking finish.

Best Methods To Darken Laser Engraving On Wood

There are four main strategies that are used to darken laser engraving on wood. These are;

1. Adjusting Laser Settings
2. Choose The Right Wood
3. Pre-Treatment Methods
4. Post-Processing Techniques

Let us have a look at each of these in greater detail.

1. Adjusting Laser Settings To Darken Laser Engraving On Wood

Optimizing laser settings is one of the most effective ways to achieve a darker engraving without relying on post-processing. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to fine-tune your laser engraver for deeper, darker marks.

Adjust Laser Power and Speed

Increase Power

• Higher power settings burn deeper into the wood, creating a more pronounced engraving.
• However, excessive power can cause overburning and charring, reducing detail.

Recommended Power Settings:

• Softwoods (Pine, Cedar, Balsa): 40-70% power
• Hardwoods (Maple, Oak, Cherry): 70-100% power
• Plywood & MDF: 50-80% power

Lower Speed

• A slower speed allows the laser to linger longer on the material, enhancing darkness.
• However, if the speed is too slow, it may lead to excessive burning.

Recommended Speed Settings:

• Softwoods: 200-400 mm/s
• Hardwoods: 100-300 mm/s
• Plywood & MDF: 150-350 mm/s

Testing Approach

• Perform test engravings on scrap wood using different power and speed combinations.
• Adjust in small increments (e.g., 5% power or 20 mm/s speed) to find the optimal balance.

Optimize Focus for Maximum Burn Effect

A well-focused laser beam ensures maximum energy concentration, leading to a darker engraving.

Steps to Optimize Focus:

1. Adjust the Laser Head: Set the focal point at the surface or slightly below for deeper burns.
2. Use a Smaller Spot Size: Focusing the laser to the smallest possible dot increases engraving intensity.
3. Check & Clean the Lens: A dirty lens diffuses the laser beam, reducing engraving efficiency.

Pro Tip: If using multiple passes, slightly adjust the focus between passes to maintain effectiveness as material burns away

Increase DPI (Resolution) for Better Engraving Depth

• Higher DPI (Dots Per Inch) settings allow for more laser pulses per inch, creating a deeper and darker effect.
• However, extremely high DPI values (>600) may not significantly improve darkness and can slow down engraving.

Recommended DPI Settings:

• Softwood & Plywood: 300-400 DPI
• Hardwood: 400-600 DPI

Testing Tip: Start at 300 DPI and increase in increments of 100 to see how darkness improves

Use Multiple Passes To Darken Laser Engraving on Wood

Instead of a single high-power pass, running multiple passes at moderate power can darken engravings while maintaining detail.

Best Practice for Multiple Passes:

• Reduce power slightly (by 10-20%) to avoid excessive burning.
• Adjust focus slightly between passes to account for material removal.
• Let the wood cool between passes to prevent excessive heat buildup.

Adjust Pulse Frequency & Interval (PPI Settings)

• PPI (Pulses Per Inch) determines how many laser pulses are fired per inch.
• Higher PPI increases the density of laser burns, making engravings darker.
• Lower PPI can leave gaps, resulting in lighter engravings.

Recommended PPI Settings:

• Softwood: 200-400 PPI
• Hardwood: 500-1000 PPI
• Plywood & MDF: 300-700 PPI

Tip: Experiment with different PPI values to find the best setting for your wood type

Enable Cross-Hatching for More Coverage

Some engraving software allows for cross-hatching, where the laser moves in multiple directions instead of just left-to-right.

• Enable Bi-Directional Engraving: Laser moves both left-to-right and right-to-left.
• Enable Cross-Hatch Mode: Adds diagonal passes, increasing burn density.

When to Use Cross-Hatching:

• For darker images or text where contrast is essential.
• When engraving on high-grain woods where a single-direction pass may leave uneven darkness.

Consider Air Assist Settings

• Too much air assist can cool the engraving area, reducing burn depth and darkness.
• Lower air assist or turning it off can allow more heat buildup, leading to darker burns.

Best Practice:

• Reduce air assist when aiming for a dark engraving.
• Keep minimal airflow to prevent excessive charring and smoke stains.

Final Testing & Best Practices

1. Use Test Grids: Create a test pattern with different power, speed, and DPI combinations to compare results.
2. Monitor Engraving Process: Watch for signs of excessive burning, charring, or lack of contrast.
3. Keep a Settings Log: Document the best laser settings for different wood types for future reference.

2. Choose The Right Wood To Darken Laser Engraving

The type of wood you use has a significant impact on how dark your laser engravings appear. Some woods naturally produce darker burns, while others require additional processing to enhance contrast.

Here’s how to select the best wood for achieving dark, high-contrast engravings.

Best Wood Types for Dark Laser Engraving

Some woods engrave darker due to their density, resin content, and burn characteristics.

Best Choices:

Wood Type	Why It’s Good for Dark Engraving?	Recommended Power (%)
Cherry	High resin content, burns dark, smooth grain	60-80
Maple	Fine grain, good contrast, even burning	70-90
Alder	Softwood, darkens well with light burning	50-70
Walnut	Naturally dark, engraves with high contrast	60-90
Mahogany	Dense but burns dark with high power	80-100

Why These Woods Work Well:

• Higher resin content leads to darker burns.
• Even grain patterns prevent uneven burning.
• Moderate density allows for deep engraving without excessive charring.

Why Alder is a Top Choice for Producing Deep, Dark Laser Engravings

Light Color for High Contrast
Alder wood has a naturally light, uniform color, which enhances the contrast of laser engravings. The darkened burn marks stand out clearly against the pale background, making designs more visible and detailed.

Even Grain and Soft Texture
Alder is a fine-grained hardwood with a smooth, consistent texture. This ensures that the laser beam interacts evenly with the surface, preventing patchy or uneven engravings.

Burns Easily with Minimal Power
Alder is relatively soft compared to other hardwoods, allowing it to burn deeply and darken quickly with lower laser power settings. This reduces the risk of over-charring or excessive heat damage.

Ideal for Both Engraving and Cutting
Because of its balanced density, Alder works well for both deep engravings and clean laser cuts, making it a versatile choice for laser-engraved projects.

These qualities make Alder one of the best woods for achieving deep, dark, and highly detailed laser engravings.

Woods to Avoid or Modify for Darker Engraving

Some woods are difficult to engrave darkly due to their composition:

Wood Type	Why It’s Not Ideal?	How to Improve?
Pine	High sap, burns unevenly, light contrast	Increase power, use multiple passes, or apply stain
Birch	Pale color, engraves lightly	Stain after engraving for better contrast
Oak	High grain variation, uneven burning	Use masking tape to prevent overburning
MDF/Plywood	Engraves light due to glue content	Increase power, use post-processing methods

Fixing Light Engravings:

• Apply wood stain after engraving.
• Use a lower-speed setting to allow deeper burns.
• Experiment with multiple passes for richer contrast.

Consider Wood Grain and Moisture Content

Choose Wood with a Fine, Even Grain

• Woods with consistent grain patterns engrave more uniformly.
• Avoid woods with knots, as they can disrupt engraving depth.

Keep Wood Dry for Best Results

• Wood with high moisture burns less effectively and may produce lighter engravings.
• Tip: Store wood in a dry area before engraving.

How to Choose the Best Wood for Laser Engraving

3. Pre-Treatment Methods to Darken Laser Engraving on Wood

If you’re working with wood that doesn’t naturally engrave darkly, try these techniques:

Staining Wood with Varathane Water-Based Wood Stain

Applying Varathane Water-Based Wood Stain before engraving can enhance the contrast of the laser marks. This stain penetrates the wood fibers, creating a darker background that makes engravings stand out.

How to Apply:

1. Sand the wood surface smoothly to ensure even stain absorption.
2. Use a clean cloth or brush to apply a thin, even layer of the stain.
3. Let it dry completely (usually within a few hours).
4. Once dried, perform laser engraving—the darker wood background helps the engraving appear more pronounced.

Borax or Baking Soda to Darken Laser Engraving on Wood

Laser engraving on wood creates beautiful designs, but sometimes the contrast may not be as dark as desired. Using Borax or Baking Soda can enhance the engraving’s darkness by modifying how the wood reacts to the laser.

These natural compounds help achieve deeper burns, improving the overall engraving contrast. We will explain how to use Borax and Baking Soda effectively and safely to darken your laser engravings on wood.

Why Use Borax or Baking Soda?

Both Borax and Baking Soda affect the way wood absorbs heat and burns during laser engraving.

• Borax (Sodium Borate) helps wood fibers react more intensely to the laser, creating a darker engraving. It acts as a mild flame retardant, slowing down combustion slightly while allowing the wood to char more evenly.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) raises the wood’s pH level, making it more reactive to heat, which can lead to a deeper and darker burn.

These substances are safe and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical wood treatments.

Here’s a comparison table for using Borax and Baking Soda to darken laser engraving on wood:

Feature	Borax	Baking Soda
Effect on Engraving	Enhances contrast, deepens color	Slightly darkens, mild contrast
Application Method	Mixed with water and applied before engraving	Applied before or after engraving
Reaction with Laser	Improves burn depth and darkness	Reacts mildly, enhancing details
Ease of Use	Easy to mix and apply	Very simple, commonly available
Safety Considerations	Non-toxic in small amounts, requires ventilation	Generally safe, minimal concerns
Best Wood Types	Works well on soft and hardwoods	Most effective on softwoods
Overall Effectiveness	High – creates darker engravings	Moderate – slight enhancement

Borax generally provides darker engravings, while baking soda offers mild enhancement with less dramatic results.

Materials Needed

• Borax or Baking Soda (whichever you choose, or you can experiment with both)
• Water (distilled or filtered for best results)
• Spray bottle or brush
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing container
• Clean cloth
• Wood piece for testing

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Solution

For best results, mix the Borax or Baking Soda with water to create an easy-to-apply solution.

Borax Solution:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Borax with 1 cup of warm water.
• Stir until fully dissolved.

Baking Soda Solution:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Baking Soda with 1 cup of warm water.
• Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Apply the Solution to Wood

• Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the wood surface, or apply the solution using a brush or sponge.
• Avoid over-saturating the wood; a thin, even layer is sufficient.
• Let the wood fully dry before engraving (this may take 30 minutes to 1 hour).

Engraving Process

• Once the wood is dry, proceed with laser engraving as usual.
• The pre-treated surface will result in a darker and more defined engraving.
• Adjust your laser power and speed settings as needed for best results.

Post-Engraving Finishing

After engraving, consider enhancing the darkness further:

• Wipe the surface gently with a damp cloth to remove excess residue.
• Apply a light coat of wood oil or clear sealant to protect the engraving and enhance the contrast.

Safety Considerations

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical treatments.
• Avoid inhaling fine powders—wear a mask if necessary.
• Test the solution on scrap wood first to see how it reacts with different wood types.

Using Borax and Baking Soda to darken laser engravings is an effective and safe method. These natural compounds help create deeper burns, making your designs stand out with improved contrast. With the right preparation and laser settings, you can enhance the quality of your laser engravings on wood effortlessly.

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These pre-treatment methods help achieve darker, high-contrast laser engravings, making the designs more visible and visually striking.

4. Post-Processing Techniques to Darken Laser Engraving on Wood

If your laser engraving appears too light, you can use various post-processing methods to enhance the darkness and contrast. These techniques help bring out details, create a professional finish, and make engravings more visible.

Using Marsh Black Stencil Ink Spray

Marsh Black Stencil Ink Spray is another effective method to darken laser engraving on wood. This product is excellent for achieving jet-black lettering on wood without any bleeding or prep work! Simply apply masking to the wood, engrave your design, spray with Marsh, and seal it with a clear coat. Once dry, peel off the mask to reveal crisp, dark engravings.

How to Apply:

1. Apply masking tape to your wood surface.
2. Engrave your design.
3. Shake the spray can well before use.
4. Apply a light, even coat from about 6-8 inches away.
5. Allow the spray to dry completely, then seal it with a clear coat of Clear polyurethane (matte or gloss).
6. Let it dry, and then peel off the masking tape.

Applying Wood Stains

Why It Works:

Wood stains seep into the engraved areas, enhancing contrast without affecting the surrounding surface.

How to Apply Stain:

1. Choose the Right Stain – Use gel-based stains as they are thick and less likely to bleed into non-engraved areas.
2. Apply with a Brush or Cloth – Gently dab the stain into the engraved area.
3. Wipe Off Excess – After a few minutes, use a dry cloth to remove stain from the surface while keeping it in the engraving.
4. Let It Dry – Allow the stain to dry completely before sealing.

Staining wood after engraving can be challenging due to uneven absorption. A better approach is to apply masking tape before engraving, allowing the laser to engrave through the mask. After engraving, apply the stain over the design, letting it settle into the engraved areas. Once dry, simply remove the masking for a clean, sharp finish.

Why Varathane Premium Gel Stain is a Top Choice to Darken Laser Engraving On Wood

Varathane Premium Gel Stain is a great choice for darkening laser engravings on wood because of its thick consistency, deep pigmentation, and easy application. Here’s why it works well:

1. Thick Gel Formula – Unlike liquid stains, the gel consistency prevents excessive absorption into the surrounding wood, reducing the risk of bleeding and ensuring the stain stays within the engraved lines.
2. Rich, Dark Pigments – The deep color enhances contrast, making engravings stand out more prominently.
3. Easy Application & Control – It can be applied with a cloth or brush directly into the engraving and wiped clean from the surface, leaving the recessed areas darker without staining the entire wood.
4. Works on Various Wood Types – It adheres well to both softwoods and hardwoods, making it versatile for different engraving projects.
5. Quick Drying & Durable Finish – Once sealed with a clear coat, it provides long-lasting protection and maintains the enhanced contrast.

This makes Varathane Premium Gel Stain an effective post-processing method to achieve deeper, darker engravings with minimal effort.

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Using Acrylic Paint

Why It Works:

Paint adds a deep, rich color inside the engraving without requiring burning.

Steps to Apply:

1. Select a High-Contrast Color – Black, dark brown, or even metallic colors work best.
2. Use a Fine Brush or Marker – Fill the engraved lines with paint or ink.
3. Remove Excess – Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or use sandpaper for a cleaner finish.
4. Let It Dry & Seal It – Apply a clear finish to protect the engraving.

Best Paints:

• Acrylic paint (e.g., Liquitex Basics)
• Paint markers (like Posca or Sharpie Oil-Based)

Why Liquitex Basics is a Top Choice to Darken Laser Engraving On Wood

Liquitex Basics Acrylic Fluid is an excellent choice for darkening laser engravings on wood due to its high pigment concentration, smooth consistency, and durability. Here’s why it works well:

1. Strong Pigmentation – The rich, opaque color enhances contrast, making engravings appear darker and more defined.
2. Fluid Consistency – Its thin, flowy texture allows it to seep into engraved areas easily without excessive buildup, ensuring even coverage.
3. Fast Drying & Water-Based – Dries quickly without requiring long curing times and is easy to clean up with water.
4. Minimal Bleeding – Unlike traditional wood stains, acrylic paint stays within the engraved areas, reducing the risk of spreading onto the surrounding wood.
5. Versatile & Sealable – Works well on various wood types and can be sealed with a clear coat for added durability and protection.

By applying Liquitex Basics Acrylic Fluid carefully into the engraved areas and wiping away excess from the surface, you can achieve a deep, long-lasting, and high-contrast finish on laser-engraved wood.

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Sealing for Long-Lasting Darkness

After applying any darkening technique, sealing helps preserve the look and prevents fading.

Best Sealers to Use:

• Clear polyurethane (matte or gloss)
• Spray lacquer
• Beeswax finish

How to Apply:

1. Lightly Sand the Surface – Smooth out any rough edges.
2. Spray or Brush on the Sealer – Apply in thin layers.
3. Let It Dry Completely – Avoid handling until fully cured.

We recommend using Minwax Clear Polycrylic Water-based Protective Finish

Minwax Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish (Satin) is an excellent choice for sealing wood after darkening laser engravings due to its clarity, durability, and ease of use. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Crystal Clear Finish – Unlike oil-based finishes, this polycrylic dries clear without adding a yellowish tint, preserving the true color of the engraving and any applied stains or paints.
2. Water-Based & Low Odor – Easy to clean up with soap and water, making it a convenient and eco-friendly option with minimal fumes.
3. Satin Sheen – Provides a subtle, professional-looking finish that enhances the wood grain and engraving without being too glossy or too matte.
4. Protects Against Wear & Moisture – Forms a durable protective layer that prevents fading, smudging, or damage from handling and environmental exposure.
5. Fast Drying – Dries quickly between coats, reducing waiting time and allowing for faster project completion.
6. Non-Yellowing Formula – Ensures that darkened engravings retain their contrast and depth over time.

Applying Minwax Polycrylic as a final sealant helps lock in any darkening techniques used (such as stain, ink, or paint) while keeping the engraving sharp and well-protected.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Darkening a laser engraving on wood enhances its depth and visibility. By optimizing laser settings, selecting the right wood, and using pre-treatment methods and post-processing techniques such as staining, or painting, you can achieve a professional, high-contrast engraving. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your specific project.