How to Use Mirror Acrylic for Laser Projects

Mirror acrylic is a stunning material that adds a professional, polished touch to your laser crafting projects. However, it requires some special handling to get the best results. This guide walks you through all the tips and tricks you need to work with mirror acrylic effectively.

What is Mirror Acrylic?

• Mirror acrylic is a type of extruded acrylic.

• It engraves with sharper, clearer detail than cast acrylic, especially when done properly.

Engraving Before Cutting

• Always engrave first, then cut.

  • This ensures the acrylic doesn’t shift during engraving.

  • Cutting first can warp or misalign your engraving.

Engraving Side Options

Mirror acrylic can be engraved or scored on either side:

Back Side Engraving (Recommended for a Clean Finish)

• Flip the acrylic so the mirror side is face-down on the laser bed.

• Reverse the image in your design software.

• Engrave or score the reversed design on the back.

• This produces a clean, polished look when viewed from the front.

Front Side Engraving (For a Frosted Look)

• Engrave directly on the mirrored surface.

• This creates a frosted, dimensional effect, which can add texture and visual interest.

Laser Cutting Mirror Acrylic

• Mirror acrylic is softer than cast acrylic, meaning:

  • You can cut it at faster speeds.

  • Use the fastest cutting speed possible to avoid heat buildup.

  • Remove the project immediately after the cut to prevent the melted edges from fusing back together.

Real-World Example

• A pair of avocado earrings were engraved two ways:

  • Left earring: Engraved from the front – more frosted and dimensional.

  • Right earring: Engraved from the back – cleaner and more polished appearance.

This illustrates the visual difference between front and back engraving styles. 

Pro Tips

• Use extruded mirror acrylic for better engraving clarity.

• Don’t leave acrylic sitting in the laser after cutting. This can cause heat-related issues where the material re-adheres.

• Test on a small piece before committing to your full design to confirm your settings and preferences.