In addition to offering hundreds of fine papers and digital card and envelope printing, LCI Paper recently added laser cutting to its list of services. This technology is modern, really fun, and as we’ve learned, comes with a lot of questions!
Below are answers to the most common laser cut paper questions we get. If you have more, contact LCI Paper and we’ll answer them for you!
Can You Laser Cut Paper? Absolutely!
Though it seems like it could be a fire hazard… yes, you can cut paper with a laser (and it’s perfectly safe). Where traditional die cutting uses a sharp die to cut paper into a custom shape, laser cutting is electronic, using a digital file and a laser beam to cut paper into a custom shape – no die needed.
You can also score, perforate, kiss-cut, and engrave paper with a laser. How cool it that?
What are the Advantages of Laser Cut Paper?
Laser cut paper has lots of advantages, especially when it comes to smaller budgets, one-offs or prototypes, or custom cut designs that need to be completed yesterday.
-
-
- Save money – no need to pay for a costly die (all you need is a digital outline)
- Save time – no need to wait for the die to be made
- Get finer detail – lasers are able to cut super intricate detail into paper that other forms of die cutting are not
- Create any shape, fast – so long as you can digitally mock it up, a laser can most likely cut it out of paper.
-
All this savings and versatility makes laser cut paper popular with stationery, packaging, and branding designers alike.
Are there Burn Marks on Laser Cut Paper?
Perhaps the only disadvantage to laser cutting paper, it does have slightly discolored (brown, burnt) edges. Due to the fact that lasers technically cut the paper by burning it, it’s inevitable, though subtle.
We’ve seen it, we’ve done a lot of research on it, and here is our full and honest take on it:
-
-
- Discolored edges on laser cut paper is a thing.
- It is most noticeable on light colored paper
- It is most noticeable when laser cut papers are stacked.
- Using proper settings on the laser cutter reduces the appearance of burn marks, and LCI Paper customizes settings for each order for clean cuts with minimal discoloration.
-
What Kind of Paper is Best for Laser Cutting and Engraving?
Many laser cutter manufacturers sell paper that is compatible with their machinery, but with the right settings, any paper or card stock can be laser cut or engraved (believe us, we’ve had fun trying them all)! Below are some of our preferred papers for laser cutting and engraving:
Favorite Blank Papers for Laser Engraving
- Double Thick Cotton – This ultra soft, ultra thick paper engraves like a dream. The finished piece has a simple, natural look similar to letterpress.
- Metallic Card Stock – When you etch metallic paper, the coating is removed, creating depth and character.
- Bio Cycle Card Stock – These biodegradable plant-based papers have unique textures that each react in their own way to laser engraving, creating unique pieces like no other.
Learn more – Laser Engraved Paper: All You Need To Know
Favorite Blank Papers for Laser Cutting
- Gmund Colors Matte Finish – These papers are uniform in color and composition, making laser cutting predicable and beautiful time and again.
- LCI Radiant White Smooth – Since this paper works great with heavy print coverage, it’s very popular for printing, then laser cutting. The possibilities are endless with these versatile sheets.
What Laser Cut Invitation Papers does LCI Stock?
We laser cut the following invitation papers on demand, which you can order blank or custom printed from our website.
More laser cut card and paper shapes are regularly being added. If you have a request, let us know!
We also offer a selection of laser engraved favors, gifts, and promotional goods.
Does LCI offer a Custom Laser Paper Cutting Service?
We can laser cut most of our papers and envelopes, large and small, so if you need a special shape, please contact us. We’d love to hear more about the specs of your design and work with you on a custom quote.
Learn more about LCI’s Laser Cutting & Etching Services
Can You Laser Cut Vellum Paper?
We hear this one a lot, and the answer is yes! However, please note that due to its delicate nature, some designs work better than others on translucent vellum. Again, please contact us with the details of your design. If it’s something we can laser cut on vellum for you, we will do it!
You may also like:
Laser Cut Cards | How to Print on Cardstock | Scallop Wavey Cards | Does my laser cut design qualify as simple or complex?