Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | Jul 12, 2008 07:03pm | #1

   I doubt that it will "blend out" the laser etch.  Particularly if you use the "natural" tone danish oil.  You may have some problem with the oil in it bleeding out, of the etching.  But, it will bleed out of the pores on the oak for a day or two any way. 

   I have found that flooding the surface with denatured alcohol will force the oil out of the pores and onto the surface, where it can be wiped off, then the alcohol evaporates with out damaging the finish. 

1. 
   bdenglund | Jul 12, 2008 08:30pm | #2

   I appreciate your response. I am more concerned about the oil blending and not bleeding out the letters. I want the letters to still be visible with the danish walnut oil finish. I was told that with that finish the letters would not be visible.

1. 
   saschafer | Jul 12, 2008 09:52pm | #3

   I don't think the issue is one of bleeding/blending per se. Rather, the application of an oil finish will reduce the contrast between the laser-engraved lettering and the background. This will definitely happen, and the only question is by how much. If you can test it on a sample piece, do so, as that's really the only way you're going to get a reliable answer to your question; there are just too many variables.-Steve

1. 
   bdenglund | Jul 12, 2008 10:38pm | #4

   Thank you Steve. Is there a way to paint the inside of the letters black over the danish oil? Or would it be better to paint the letters before? I am mostly looking to increase the contrast between the letters and the background like you said.Brett

1. 
   saschafer | Jul 12, 2008 10:52pm | #5

   Are the letters engraved as outlines? (I'm trying to understand what you mean by "paint the inside of the letters.")There's a little bit of risk either way. If you paint before, there's a possibility that the solvent in the Danish oil will soften the ink, which will create a mess. If you paint after, there's a possibility that the ink won't adhere well to the oiled surface. I would try a water-based India ink (you can get some at an office supply or art materials store), and apply it first, before finishing with the Danish oil. BUT I WOULD DO IT ON A TEST PIECE FIRST!!!-Steve

2. 
   [email protected] | Jul 13, 2008 02:08am | #6

   I don't think the Danish oil will completely block out the contrast between the laser etching and the oak.  I guess it would depend on how dark of a walnut tone the Danish oil has, and how many coats you put on.  The majority of the color change will be in the pores of the oak, and the etching.  Both should get darker. 

   Danish oil, is a blend of varnish, boiled linseed oil, and mineral spirits.  Any oil based paint will adhere to it once it is dry.  So, you should be able to do the Danish oil, and if the laser etching becomes more subdued than you like, you can fill it in with paint with out problems.  Just let the Danish oil dry for a week or so first. 

   The laser etchings I have seen in oak, would still stand out after an application of Danish oil, even dark walnut toned Danish oil. 

1. 
   bdenglund | Jul 13, 2008 02:25am | #7

   Thank you again. Everyone has been very helpful.Brett