How to Laser Engrave Painted Tiles

Materials Needed 

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles (smooth preferred)

• Paint (spray paint or acrylic preferred; dark colors like black or navy provide good contrast) 

• Laser cutter/engraver (e.g., Glowforge, xTool, OMTech) 

• Masking tape or painter’s tape (optional, for paint masking) 

• Rubbing alcohol or acetone (for cleanup) 

• Lint-free cloth or paper towels 

• Optional: Clear coat spray (for sealing) 

Step 1: Prepare the Tile Surface 

• Clean the tile with rubbing alcohol to remove dust, oils, or fingerprints. 

• Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. 

• If you want to mask parts of the tile: Apply masking tape to create design zones. 

Step 2: Paint the Tile 

• Place the tile on a protected surface (e.g., cardboard or drop cloth). 

• Spray a thin, even coat of paint over the tile surface. 

• Let it dry completely (at least 30–60 minutes; follow paint can instructions). 

• Apply a second coat for full coverage. 

Step 2A: Layering Paint for Multicolor Designs *(Optional Advanced Step)* 

• Start with your base color – the one you want to show through deepest engravings. 

• Let it dry thoroughly – at least 1 hour or more depending on the paint. 

• Apply masking or stencil if you want to preserve areas of this first color. 

• Spray the second layer of paint in a contrasting color. 

• Repeat steps for more layers if desired, always allowing full drying time between coats. 

• Final coat should be the darkest and topmost (often black), which will be engraved off first. 

• Use laser software’s multi-layer function to engrave to different depths revealing colors underneath. 

Step 3: Design and Setup in Laser Software 

• Open your laser software (e.g., LightBurn, Glowforge App). 

• Import or create your design. 

• Resize the design to fit the tile. 

• Settings to start with: Power 15–35%, Speed 200–400 mm/s, DPI 300–600. 

• Always test on a spare tile first. 

• Place the painted tile flat in the laser bed. 

• Secure it if needed to avoid shifting. 

• Run a frame preview or “trace” to make sure your design aligns. 

• Start engraving! 

Step 5: Clean Up and Finishing 

• Once engraving is complete, gently wipe with a damp cloth to remove debris. 

• Clean residue with rubbing alcohol for more defined contrast. 

• Optional: Spray a clear acrylic sealer to protect the design from wear or moisture. 

Safety Tips 

• Always use your laser in a well-ventilated area. 

• Wear gloves and a mask if working with strong paints or cleaners. 

• Never engrave materials not rated as laser-safe. 

Optional Ideas for Projects 

• Custom coasters (use cork backing) 

• Decorative kitchen tiles 

• Nameplates or house numbers 

• Wedding or event favors