How to Make Painted Canvas Art with a Laser Engraver?

Canvas art could serve as the focal point in your home or office. Having beautifully designed DIY canvas art on the wall will not go unnoticed.

Furthermore, if you're looking for profitable hobbies that make money, you should consider canvas art.

Making canvas art with a laser engraver is arguably the best way to make your canvas art ideas become a reality.

Here are the materials and tools needed and steps to make a laser-engraved painted canvas art.

Tools and Materials Needed for Laser Engraved Canvas Art

Here are the major tools and materials needed to laser engrave canvas paintings.

• Laser engraver. Ideally, you should opt for the CO2 laser or the diode laser.
• A frame
• Canvas
• Sandpaper
• Spray paint

After gathering your tools and materials, the next step is to begin making your laser engraved painted canvas art.

XTOOL S1

Best Diode Laser for Painted Canvas

Best enclosed diode laser. Safe for home use. Ideal choice for both DIY and Business Projects.

Learn More

Step-by-Step Guide on Making a Laser Engraved Painted Canvas Art

Here are the major steps to making a laser engraved painted canvas art.

Step 1: Prepare the Canvas

Most canvas come with some imperfections (or bumps). You can use sand to remove these bumps (or imperfections). To do that, you will need to sand your canvas. 

After removing the bumps with sand, paint the canvas. The pain should be allowed to dry completely before taking the next step.

Step 2: Design an Image

There are photo editing software to help you with image design. Popular photo editing software is the Adobe Photoshop. 

Alternatively, you could source for royalty free images across the web. For instance, if you're looking to engrave a fire breathing dragon onto your canvas, you can get your desired image by going to platforms that offer royalty free images.

Step 3: Convert the Image into the Grayscale Format

Converting the image into a grayscale format with software like imag-r helps in ensuring that the black areas of the image are the only areas that are engraved by the laser engraver.

Step 4: Import the Image into the Laser Engraver Software

At this stage, you will have to import your image into the laser engraving software. After importing the image, you will have to make some minor adjustment to it. These adjustments could be sizing and positioning the image so it fits on the canvas.

Step 5: Adjust the Laser Engraving Settings

The laser engraving canvas settings are largely dependent on the laser engraving machine. Follow the manufacturer's instruction. For example, if you use the xTool S1(20W), the settings will be 50% power and 150mm/s speed.

Step 6: Start Engraving the Canvas

By laser engraving the painted canvas, the paint on the surface is removed, revealing a stunning, high resolution artwork. The laser engraving process could take some minutes. The time taken for the engraving process is largely dependent on the complexity and size of the image.

Step 7: Finishing Touch

If you have a clear sealant spray, spray paint the canvas with it. Although the finishing touch is not a compulsory step — but it's worth considering. Spray painting the canvas with a clear sealant spray helps in the protection of the engraving. It also gives your canvas art a more professional look.

Aside from these major steps, here are other things to keep in mind.

• Always use high-quality canvas. Using high-quality canvas boost your chances of getting the best results.
• If you're unsure of the right laser engraving settings, you need to experiment using multiple parameters. Keep experimenting until you come up with the right parameters that produces your desired effect.
• Avoid over-engraving the image. Over-engraving could damage your canvas.
• To ascertain detailed, sharp engravings, opt for laser engraver that are built with high-quality lens.

XTOOL S1

Best Diode Laser for Painted Canvas

Best enclosed diode laser. Safe for home use. Ideal choice for both DIY and Business Projects.

Learn More

Conclusion

Laser engraved canvas are one of the easiest (and affordable) ways of spicing up your living space. Engraving these items is a sure way of showcasing your unique style and personality in your home or office. Aside from that, it also helps you fill empty spaces and mask imperfections on your walls.

Laser engraving on canvas is also a viable business opportunity you can explore.

Now you know how to make laser engraved canvas, what designs will you be engraving onto your canvas?