So several months ago I had engraved and cut out a pair of Masonic emblems from a sheet of 1/4" Birch ply I had gotten from the local big box hardware store. The coloration of engraved area came out kind of blotchy and uneven. Really didn’t like it so I just set them to the side leaving the masking on. Since the masking was still on I decided to try the polyshade spray technique that I had shared earlier, from an OP on facebook, to darken and even out the engraved area. It worked like a charm. I used two moderate coats as it doesn’t really build up that fast compare to something like spray paint. #K40ShopTips
That really improved the finished product. Thanks for sharing this method with us.
That’s a really nice touch. Looks really good.
I’m actually surprised there is no color bleeding into the grain of the non engraved portions
@Nedman What are you using to mask large areas? or how are you avoiding overlap which effects the engrave?
I know you mentioned 3M delicate previously.
@Nigel_Conroy for large areas I’m now using RTape Conform 4075RLA (http://www.uscutter.com/RTape-ApliTape-4075-RLA-High-Tack-Application-Transfer-Tape). In the past I used the 3M tape for large areas as well. The pieces I showed above are actually masked with the 3M tape. You just have to be careful in butting the pieces together.
http://www.uscutter.com/RTape-ApliTape-4078-RLA-Medium-Tack-Application-Transfer-Tape
Have you tried that on large areas of birch? I’ve given up on it because it stains so inconsistently but I’ve only tried rub on stains.
@Jeff_Johnson I haven’t tried this spray on large area’s yet. Personally I use Minwax brush on stains with birch without any problems. Typically use 2 coats. You could also try using a wood conditioner if you’re having trouble with uneven staining. I typically have to do this with pine.
Looks great. I’ll give it a try. I’ve been engraving the S&C on acrylic.
PV 29 Silver Trowel Phoenix, AZ
@bbowley2 Nice to meet you Brother. Wilmington Lodge 319 Wilmington, NC
I’m still getting my K40 up and running, but did the S&C on our “Pasta Paddles” for the lodge with my 2.5w engraver. Also just got done doing some shot glasses for table lodge with the 2.5w. I can’t wait to get my K40 up and running (and build a rotation cradle/table). (Berkshire Lodge A.F. & A.M, Adams MA)
McPherson Lodge #172 A.F.&A.M. , McPherson KS 