Laser Engraving Leather: How to Choose the Right Material

Apr 18, 2025

Laser engraving leather is one of the most creative and rewarding ways to personalize or produce high-end products. Whether you’re adding a custom design to a wallet, creating branded keychains, or producing detailed patches, engraving leather allows you to capture fine lines, rich textures, and elegant contrast—when done right.

However, not all leather is created equal. Some materials yield incredible results, while others can cause disappointing finishes or even dangerous fumes. This guide breaks down what you need to know before engraving, including which leathers are best, what to avoid, how to prep the material, and the best OMTech laser machines for leather projects.

Why Laser Engraving Is Ideal for Leather Projects

Laser engraving brings a level of precision and control that traditional leather stamping or burning can’t match. You can create anything from detailed logos to full artwork with speed and consistency—especially valuable if you’re selling custom goods.

For crafters and small business owners, using leather sheets for laser engraving or pre-cut leather blanks for laser engraving allows you to scale your production without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re designing one-of-a-kind gifts or mass-producing branded merchandise, a laser engraver offers both flexibility and professional polish.

What Kind of Leather Should You Use?

Choosing the right leather is the most important step. The laser interacts with each material differently, so knowing what works—and what doesn’t—is key.

Recommended: Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Vegetable-tanned leather is a favorite among laser engravers for good reason. It’s processed using organic tannins from tree bark and plants, which makes it safe for laser use and predictable in its behavior under heat.

Why it’s the best option:

Creates dark, crisp engraving results
Safe to burn—produces minimal odor or fumes
Ideal for intricate designs
Environmentally sustainable

This type of leather is perfect for everything from wallets and journals to large craft panels. If you’re shopping for leather blanks for laser engraving, make sure they’re specifically labeled as vegetable-tanned.

Proceed with Caution: Chrome-Tanned Leather

While chrome-tanned leather is widely used in commercial products like shoes, upholstery, and bags, it’s not the best fit for laser engraving. The chemicals used in its production can emit toxic fumes when heated and may result in uneven burns or warped textures.

If you choose to experiment with chrome-tanned leather, make sure you’re using excellent ventilation and prepare for unpredictable outcomes.

Avoid Completely: PU & PVC Imitation Leather

Faux leathers made from plastic-based materials like polyurethane or PVC should never be engraved with a CO₂ laser. Not only do they produce dangerous fumes (like chlorine gas), but they also don’t engrave well. These synthetic materials melt rather than burn cleanly and may damage your laser lens and components.

What Leather Items Can You Laser Engrave?

The range of products you can create with laserable leather is vast. Here are just a few popular uses:

Engraved wallets, bags, and passport holders
Custom coasters and mousepads
Keychains and luggage tags
Leather patches for hats or jackets
Personalized bracelets and wristbands
Decorative leather bookmarks or labels
Belt and strap detailing

From hobby projects to commercial product lines, the possibilities are only limited by your creativity.

Preparing Leather for the Laser Engraver

Before engraving, your leather needs to be properly prepped to ensure precision and safety.

Clean the Surface
Gently wipe the leather with a lint-free cloth dampened with water. This removes dust and oils that could interfere with laser performance.
Flatten the Material
Leather may not lie flat on its own. Use weights, magnets, or tape to hold it down to the laser bed to prevent shifting or warping during engraving.
Mask If Necessary
For lighter-colored leathers, consider applying a masking layer like painter’s tape to prevent smoke stains around the design.

General Laser Settings for Leather

There’s no universal setting for all machines and leathers, but these recommendations provide a solid starting point:

Power: 20–40%
Speed: 300–500 mm/s
DPI (resolution): 250–500 for clean detail
Number of passes: 1 for surface engraving, 2+ if cutting through

Always perform test runs on scrap material first. Adjust settings based on how dark or deep you want the engraving to be without overburning the surface.

Best OMTech Laser Machines for Leather Engraving

If you’re serious about working with leather, you’ll want a CO₂ laser engraver that’s powerful, reliable, and optimized for natural materials. OMTech offers a range of machines ideal for this kind of work:

OMTech Polar+ 55W

A compact, desktop-friendly laser perfect for small shops and advanced hobbyists. Ideal for producing leather patches, coasters, and detailed personalization.

OMTech Mid-Range Machines (50W–90W)

With more bed space and power, these machines are built for batch production and thicker cuts. A great choice for growing businesses.

OMTech Pronto Series (100W+)

Built for speed and performance, the Pronto series is a professional solution for brands needing high-output laser engraving with sharp, consistent results.

All OMTech machines are compatible with LightBurn software, offering full control over speed, power, resolution, and layout—critical for producing clean leather engravings.

Tips for Better Leather Engraving Results

Test Every Time: Different batches of leather can react differently to heat. Always test before committing to your final piece.
Use Vector Paths for Cuts: Raster images are great for depth, but vector lines produce the cleanest outlines and fastest cuts.
Ventilation Is a Must: Even vegetable-tanned leather creates smoke. Use a proper exhaust system to protect yourself and your machine.
Condition the Surface: After engraving, a leather balm or beeswax can restore moisture and help enhance the contrast of your design.

Post-Processing: The Finishing Touches

Once engraving is complete, spend a few minutes finishing the leather to improve longevity and appearance:

Wipe away debris with a soft cloth
Apply leather conditioner to keep it supple
Seal the surface if your item will be handled regularly or exposed to moisture

These steps help protect the design and maintain the leather’s quality over time.

Final Thoughts: Is Leather Laser Engraving Worth It?

If you're looking for a way to combine artistry and function, leather laser engraving is a fantastic medium. With the right leather and a properly configured CO₂ laser, you can produce durable, high-quality items that stand out—whether you’re creating for friends, clients, or your own product line.

Start Your Leather Engraving Journey with OMTech

OMTech’s laser machines are designed to help creators and entrepreneurs thrive. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or a growing brand, OMTech provides powerful, easy-to-use machines that let you engrave leather with precision and confidence.

Explore OMTech’s full selection of CO₂ laser engravers—from the Polar for small spaces to the Pro Series for industrial-scale needs. With great support, affordable pricing, and a passionate community, OMTech is the perfect partner for your next leather project.

Ready to get started? Visit OMTech and find the perfect laser engraver for your leatherwork today.

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