How to Create DIY Laser-Engraved Painted Canvas Art？
Posted by Joey Weng on
Background
What if a simple blank canvas could become a stunning, personalized masterpiece—ready to hang in your home, office, or even sell on Etsy? Let’s explore this together.
What Materials Will You Need?
- Canvas. (Maintains tension; heat from laser won't distort it.)
- Spray paints: white primer (base), then colors like orange, yellow and black(Last layer).
- Image editing software** (Photoshop, GIMP, or free alternatives).
- A **royalty-free image (try Unsplash or Pixabay).
- LightBurn software (NEJE’s recommended companion). Why is it essential?
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NEJE MAX 4 & E80 laser engraver
- Optional: **clear sealant spray** for protection and gloss.
Step 1: Prepare the Canvas
- Inspect and sand: lightly if needed. ( If factory bumps or weave ridges cast shadows or cause uneven engraving.)
- Apply white prime evenly. Let it dry fully for an hour. (High reflectivity = safer base; bright underlayer pops through dark topcoats)
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Layer your colors — e.g., orange over white, then black on top. (You reveal underlying colors—creating faux 3D, color gradients, or hidden details. The last even black is for the laser to engrave the whole canvas evenly)
- Wait patiently— full drying for 2 hours.(Tacky paint smears, clogs laser lens, or uneven burn)
Step 2: Prepare Your Image (high-contrast, bold images work best for engraving)
- Open your image in editing software.
- Crop, resize, and enhance contrast, gamma and dpi.
- Save as PNG or high-res JPG.
Step 3: Converting to Grayscale
- Use Image-R, LightBurn’s tools, or an online converter to turn your image into grayscale.
- Black = engrave deeply. White = leave untouched. (FAQ: What happens in the gray zones?** → *Answer: Partial paint removal—creates texture, shading, or subtle color blends.)
- Import into LightBurn. Scale to fit your canvas.
Step 4: Setting Laser Parameters
| Parameter | Starting Value | Why This Value? |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 30% | Answer: Removes paint without burning canvas fibers |
| Speed | 15,000 mm/min | Answer: Fast yet detailed—E80’s focus holds edge sharpness |
| Passes | 1 | Answer: Clean single-layer removal |
| Focus | 23-25 mm | Answer: Optimal beam convergence |
| DPI | 254-318 | Answer: Matches E80’s optical resolution |
But wait — should you accept these blindly💥Test first!** Engrave a small grid on scrap canvas
- Try 15%, 20%, 25% power.
- Vary speed: 10,000 → 20,000 mm/min.
- Observe: *At what point does the laser engraving too deep? Too shallow? If the engraving is too deep, slow down the power.
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Key Insight: Thicker paint needs lower speed or higher power. Thin layers? Stay gentle.
Step 5: Finishing & Sealing — How Do You Protect Your Creation?
- Gently brush away ash.
- Optional: Apply **clear matte or gloss sealant**.
- Let cure 24 hours.
Share your results on the group! Tag us or comment below — let’s learn from each other.*