Using my NEJE Master 2 (20W) machine to laser engrave a ceramic tile.
My Dad asked for a laser engraved Vault Boy tile. I engraved the ceramic tile with my NEJE Master 2 (20W) machine and colored it with Posca paint markers.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Prepping
I sprayed a single coat of cold galvanizing compound onto a ceramic tile. Spraying the tile's surface prevents the laser light from reflecting off it and potentially damaging itself or something else. The laser engraver machine is not equipped to engraved shiny, reflective surfaces, so this preparatory step was essential.
A single, thin coat of the compound was all that was needed to eliminate the shiny surface of the tile. Additional coats would lead to a failed engraving as I learned the hard way with My Recent Mistake with a Laser Engraved Tile.
Unfortunately, I accidentally sprayed the compound on too thick. My error fortunately did not result in a failed engraving, but the engraving was not as deep as I would have preferred.
After I sprayed the tile, I let it sit under the hot Texas sun for a day.
Engraving
I downloaded a Vault Boy image online and used an art program to omit the colors. I only wanted the silhouette of Vault Boy for this project. I saved the image as a PNG file.
I uploaded the image to the NEJE app on my laptop and resized it to fit the tile's dimensions. I used a ruler and the positioning feature of the app to determine the tile's placement under the laser module.
I wore my laser goggles to adjust and narrow the focus of the laser light. The smaller the light, the more accurate the engraving would be.
I used the following settings in the NEJE app:
Laser brightness: 50%
Sensitivity of tilt detection: medium
Motor speed: medium
Laser power: 90%
Burn time: 30mS
Total passes: 1X
I should mention that I complete all laser projects in my garage. I partially opened the garage door to allow air flow and ventilation. Engraving projects emits an odor. While an engraved tile emits less odor than wood or acrylic, it helps to be safe rather than sorry.
The engraving took a little over two hours to complete from start to finish.
Cleaning
I washed the excess compound off with water and a scrubbing pad. I found it is easier to scrub when the tile is submerged in water.
I do not know if water temperature is important. I have always used cold water with no issues.
Coloring
I normally fill-in the engraved areas of a tile with alcohol inks. I would then clean the tile with rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Since the engraved areas were not as deep as I liked, I knew I would have to reapply ink to achieve a dark color.
However, my Dad walked by to check on the progress and requested that I colored it with Posca paint markers instead. So, I used beige, blue, yellow, and black to color-in Vault Boy.
Using paint markers on tile was smooth. I did have to apply a second coat to ensure full coverage of colors. I also used a paintbrush to cover the streaks left behind from using the marker nibs directly onto the tile.
For a while, I believed engraving the tile was wasted since I ended up painting over it. However, the engraved lines beat having to draw Vault Boy by scratch. I did not have to worry about getting the perspectives wrong.
I finished the coloring with a black outline. The marker nib fit snug within the engraved outline of Vault Boy allowing the lines I drew to be smooth and sharp. As I saw it, engraving made it easier for me to color the tile afterwards.
My Thoughts
I loved the way the tile turned out! Unfortunately, you cannot tell that it was laser engraved since I went over it with paint markers. Yet, the colors were bold, vibrant, and pleasant to look at.
What mattered is what my Dad thought of his Vault Boy tile. He told me, "You did it wrong." Granted, Dad always tells me I am doing something wrong, even when he does not know what I am doing at the time.
The Vault Boy tile is now displayed on a shelf above Dad's monitor.
What's Next?
Since July as National Picnic Month in the US, I believe my dogs and I will enjoy our time outdoors when it is not too unbearably hot. This could be a great way to gather inspiration for upcoming projects!
How would you have colored the Vault Boy tile? Comment below to share if you would have used alcohol inks, paint, or other colorant on this tile.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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