How to engrave on pebble stone?
Posted by Joey Weng on
Engraving Pebbles with NEJE 10W Diode Laser
Transforming smooth river rocks into custom keepsakes, garden markers, or decorative pieces is straightforward with a 10W diode laser. While CO2 lasers often excel on stone due to superior beam absorption, a modern 10W diode can deliver solid results—especially on darker, smoother pebbles—by creating a frosted white etch through surface ablation.
Darker stones like basalt or black river rocks yield the sharpest natural contrast. Lighter ones may need extra steps, such as temporary coating or post-engraving paint fill, to make designs pop.
What You'll Need
- NEJE 10W Diode Laser Engraver
- Smooth Pebbles: River pebbles or beach stones with a flat or slightly curved surface.
- Size: 2-6 inches for easy handling.
- Software: LightBurn (recommended) or LaserGRBL.
- Safety Gear: Laser safety glasses rated for 450nm (blue diode lasers).
- Optional: Air assist, modeling clay (for stabilizing irregular shapes), black spray paint or tempera for better absorption on light stones.
Step-by-Step Process
1.Prepare Your Pebbles
Wash with soap and water; dry thoroughly. For light stones, apply thin washable black coating to improve absorption (it washes off later).
2. Secure the Pebble
After measure the area of the stone, you can place on laser bed. (Use clay or jig to stabilize and level irregular shapes.)
3.Design and Software Setup
Create bold, simple designs in software (grayscale/Jarvis for images; line mode for text). Set 300–400 DPI. Frame to align on pebble.
| Material/Type | Power (%) | Speed (mm/min) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark pebbles (basalt, black river stones) | 80-90 | 400-700 | 1-3 | Excellent contrast, single pass often sufficient |
| Light pebbles (quartz, white) | 100% | 500-800 | 1-3 | Use paint coating for better absorption |
| General starting point | 90-100% | 900 | 2-4 | Enable air assist to clear dust |
· Use full power for deeper etches, but slower speeds prevent cracking.
· Multiple passes improve depth and clarity on harder stones.
4.Adjust the Focus
Focus on center of design area. Test slight defocus for curved surfaces.
5. Engrave
Engrave Enable air assist; work in ventilated area. Monitor for movement.
6. Post-Processing
Rinse with water and brush. Remove coating if used. Optionally fill etch with paint or seal with clear spray.
Tips for Best Results with a 10W Diode Laser
- Test on scrap stones—results vary by material.
- Dark stones: best natural contrast.
- Prevent cracks: slower speeds, multiple passes, air assist.
- Simple designs suit curved surfaces best.
- Always prioritize safety: eye protection and ventilation.