How to Enhance Laser Cut Projects with Resin

Laser cutting allows creators, small businesses, and crafters to shape detailed designs from wood, acrylic, and MDF. Yet, even clean-cut pieces can benefit from added color, depth, or gloss—and that’s where resin shines.

Pairing epoxy resin with laser-cut bases offers both visual appeal and creative range. Whether you're making signage, jewelry, or decorative accents, resin adds vibrancy, texture, and durability to your work. This guide takes you through the complete process: planning your design, using an OMTech laser machine to cut or engrave, and applying resin for a professional finish.

Why Add Resin to Laser Projects?

Laser-friendly materials such as wood, MDF, and acrylic produce sharp, consistent cuts. But if your goal is to:

• Add custom color fills

• Create a glossy, glass-like surface

• Highlight engraved details

• Protect delicate design areas

• Boost visual contrast

...then resin is the ideal solution. It bonds well with these materials, can be mixed with pigments, and works well for flat pours or domed layers.

Materials and Tools Checklist

Before you begin, gather the essentials:

You’ll Need:

• OMTech CO2 laser engraver

• Vector file (SVG, DXF, or AI)

• Your base material (MDF, acrylic, or wood)

• Two-part epoxy resin

• Mica powders, alcohol inks, or resin tints

• Stir sticks and mixing cups

• UV light (for UV resin, optional)

• Masking or painter’s tape

• Nitrile gloves and eye protection

• Heat gun or micro torch

Step 1: Design and Laser Your Piece

Start by creating a layout that includes recessed areas or engravings where resin will be poured. Use design software like LightBurn to set up your file and laser parameters.

With your OMTech laser:

• Use MDF or hardwood for deep engraving

• Choose acrylic for edge-lit or layered effects

• Apply tape to the surface to avoid soot and simplify post-cut cleanup

Laser the design and ensure the engraved zones are deep and clean to hold resin effectively.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Surface

Once your piece is cut:

• Remove any masking tape

• Use compressed air or a soft brush to clear out residue

• Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol

• Lightly sand engraved areas if using wood, to improve resin bonding

To keep resin confined, reapply tape and trim around the fill zones. This helps minimize overflow and keeps your lines crisp.

Step 3: Mix Your Resin

Follow the instructions on your resin brand:

• Combine resin and hardener in a 1:1 volume ratio

• Stir slowly for 2–3 minutes to prevent air bubbles

• Allow it to rest briefly to let bubbles rise

Separate into smaller containers to mix in colors. Mica powders create a shimmery finish, while alcohol inks offer vibrant, translucent effects.

Note: Work in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves—the mixture is sticky and can irritate your skin.

Step 4: Pour Resin into the Design

Use droppers, pipettes, or fine-tipped spoons to guide resin into the engraved sections. Fill gradually:

• Pour a bit at a time

• Use toothpicks to guide resin into corners or text

• Tap the surface to help resin level out

For domed effects, pour slowly and stop just before reaching the edge.

Step 5: Eliminate Bubbles

Gently wave a heat gun or small torch over the surface to pop any bubbles that appear. Be careful not to apply too much heat.

You can also wait 10–15 minutes after pouring to let more bubbles rise, then do a second pass. For tiny areas, a hair dryer on low or heat tool works well.

Step 6: Curing Time

Let your resin cure based on the manufacturer’s recommended time—typically 12 to 24 hours. Keep the project on a flat, dust-free surface and cover it with a box or container to protect it.

If you’re working with UV resin on smaller items, a UV lamp can set it in minutes. However, UV resin isn’t ideal for larger areas or thick pours.

Step 7: Finishing the Piece

Once cured:

• Peel off any remaining masking tape

• Sand or polish rough edges

• Add a clear topcoat if desired for extra gloss

Your piece is now ready to use, display, or gift.

Ideas for Laser + Resin Combos

Combining resin with laser work opens the door to custom, eye-catching results:

• Personalized signs with colorful fills

• Holiday ornaments featuring glitter resin

• Earrings and pendants from laser-cut acrylic or wood

• Custom coasters and trays with logos

• Layered maps with color-filled sections

Not only does resin enhance visual appeal, but it also strengthens and protects your work.

Tips for the Best Results

• Always run tests on scrap materials

• Work on a completely level surface to avoid uneven curing

• Keep resin stored at room temperature

• Avoid overfilling to reduce the need for sanding

• Clean tools immediately after use

Why Choose OMTech for Resin Projects?

A dependable laser cutter is the backbone of most resin-based work. OMTech’s CO2 laser machines provide excellent precision on materials like wood, MDF, and acrylic—making them a top choice for resin applications.

Popular models like the OMTech Polar, MF-Series, and K40+ are trusted by small businesses, craft hobbyists, and creators. They offer the cutting accuracy and versatility needed to prepare perfect resin-ready surfaces.

With OMTech’s strong community and user support, learning advanced techniques like resin infill, masking, and post-processing becomes much easier.

Final Thoughts

Adding resin to your laser creations opens new artistic possibilities and elevates your final product. With the right materials and workflow, you can create polished, colorful designs that stand out.

Explore OMTech’s laser engraver lineup and unlock the potential of resin-filled laser art.