Are you interested in laser engraved paper? You’ve come to the right place! At LCI Paper, we offer an endless supply of fine paper, laser cutting and engraving services, and in this post, answers to the most common laser engraved paper questions.
If you have more questions, or if you simply want to chat about your design or get a custom laser cutting quote, please get in touch with us.
Why is Laser Engraved Paper so Popular?
Designers are loving laser engraved paper because it’s modern, convenient, affordable, and unique.
- Laser engraving is cost effective and quick, requiring only a digital file as opposed to a die.
- Since it’s a digital process, laser engraved designs can contain variable data (different text or design on each piece).
- Lasers are able to etch super fine detail into paper, so you won’t feel restricted in your design work.
- Laser engraving is a unique way to “print” on ultra thick card stock that can’t run through a standard printer.
- Laser engraved paper has a unique, natural look that differs from other digital printing methods.
How Does Laser Engraving on Paper Work?
Laser engraving on paper is simple. Software is used to translate a digital file to the laser which then etches it into the paper. Technically, this is done by burning the design onto the paper. Adjusting the laser’s speed and intensity settings affects the final piece as well, allowing for a light and subtle etch, a deeper, darker etch, or anything in between.
What Types of Paper Work Best for Laser Engraving?
Any paper can be laser engraved or cut with the right settings, however, laser engraving is most common on thicker, heavier card stocks.
What Does Laser Engraved Paper Look Like?
The appearance of laser engraving on paper varies with the paper’s composition – its fibers, color, core, and any coatings or textures present on the sheet. Remember, etching on paper is done by burning the paper. This results in any surface coatings being removed and the core beneath altered with a subtly browned hue. For this reason, you can’t choose a specific “color” for laser engraving on paper like you can with printing. It all depends on the paper, and that is the unique beauty of laser engraving!
Below are examples of some of our most popular papers with laser engraving. Please contact us to learn more about the appearance of engraving on your preferred paper.
Example of Laser Engraving on White Paper
Laser engraving on white paper is clean and simple, turning the etched area light brown. The paper in this example is double thick cotton in wedding white.
Laser Engraving on Black Paper
Engraving on black paper offers a more subtle tone-on-tone look that’s popular for monograms and logos. This paper is matte finish Ebony card stock.
…On Blue Paper
Colorful paper with laser etching also takes on a tan/taupe hue. The paper in this example is matte finish Light Sky Blue.
…On Green
Matte finish Olive Green is shown here with a similar, but less prominent, tan hue. Again, appearance will vary with the paper color.
…On Coated Paper
Coated paper is very popular for laser engraving! The laser removes the coating revealing a matte finish core beneath. This paper is Metallic Chardonnay.
Finally, Laser Engraving on Textured Paper
Textured paper is fun too, taking on the slightest hint texture within the engraved portion. European felt finish No Bleach card stock is shown here.
What are some Common Laser Engraved Paper Designs?
Since it’s so convenient and versatile, laser engraving has become popular for stationery, branding, and marketing materials of all sorts.
- Ultra thick invitations
- Rustic/natural looking stationery
- Envelope liners
- Place cards/seating charts
- Drink coasters
- Short runs and prototypes
- Business cards
- Hang tags
- And so much more….
How to Order Laser Engraved Paper from LCI Paper
Laser cutting and engraving can be added to any blank or printed paper order.* Pricing varies with your paper selection, quantity, and the specifics of your engraved design. Please contact us for a custom laser cutting or etching quote.
*You may also supply your own paper or other materials for laser cutting and etching. LCI Paper can currently laser cut and etch paper, acrylic, wood, leather, glass, powder coated tumblers, and more. Please contact us for more details and for a quote.
How to Supply Files for Laser Engraving
For all custom laser engraved orders, we require artwork files with the following specifications:
- PDF format
- Properly sized
- 100% Black (RGB)
- All type outlined (we may request your font files as well)
Laser Engraved Paper Examples
For a little creative inspo, check out some of our favorite laser engraved designs below. If you have your own laser cut or etched design you’d like to share, please do so on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and tag @LCIPaper!
Laser Engraved Paper Examples: What’s Shown Here:
From top to bottom, left to right: 1) Menu cut/etched on 100% hemp cardstock, 2) Hang tags cut/etched on wood grain cardstock, 3) Sand dollar etched onto a Bio Cycle Wheat envelope liner, 4) Invite etched on double thick cotton card stock
