Surprising Materials for Laser Engraving Projects

Most people think laser engraving is just for wood, metal, or plastic. Laser machines can handle a much wider range of materials than you’d expect. Some of the best engraving results come from items you might find in your backyard, kitchen, or craft drawer.

This list highlights materials that are easy to overlook but engrave with surprising clarity and style. These are great for creative projects, classroom demos, gifts, or just trying something new. Let’s explore!

Choosing the right tools

We use the xTool F1 Ultra for its versatility. It has a 20W diode and a 20W infrared laser and can engrave on a wide variety of materials. Check out our review for more details, and learn how to fund your laser purchase. All the engravings you see here were done on the F1 Ultra.

xTool F1 Ultra

This one versatile Laser Engraver tool can engrave on most materials.

• Dual Laser System
• Hundreds of Materials
• Engrave, Emboss, Cut

Check it Out

Leaves

Flat leaves can be engraved with fine detail. With the right settings, the laser lightly burns the surface. This creates contrast without cutting through entirely.

Use case: Art, science demonstrations, temporary signage
Tip: Keep power low to avoid curling or burning

Natural Wood Slices (Tree Branches)

Wood slices with bark engrave well. You can find rough wood packaged online, though we’ve cut fallen tree branches from our yard into discs and engraved on them. It’s a great way to upcycle some “yard waste.”

Use case: Coasters, ornaments, rustic signs
Tip: Choose slices with flat centers for better results

Stones

Smooth stones, especially dark ones, take engravings clearly. River stones and garden rocks respond well to infrared or fiber lasers. If you don’t have any handy, you can get stones online.

Use case: Garden markers, keepsakes, per memorials, desk décor
Tip: Flat stones work best, Clean the stone before engraving for better clarity

Slate

Slate provides high contrast. The engraved area turns light gray or white. The result is sharp and easy to read.

Use case: House signs or numbers, coasters, awards
Tip: Use masking to reduce dust around engraved lines

Denim & Fabric

Make a unique fashion statement with custom jeans or jackets. Lasering denim gives a bleached effect with, well, laser accuracy. Check out the video to see how quick the pattern appears on this old scrap of denim:

Use case: Custom jeans and jackets
Tip: Works best on darker denim

Cork Bulletin Boards

Put a message on your message board! We got this cork board at our local dollar store and gave it an upgrade. (Check out more dollar store laser projects for ideas that won’t break the back.)

Use case: Cork or cork boards
Tip: High Power and fast speed. We use the same settings for cork as we do denim.

Ceramic Tile

Plain ceramic tiles engrave cleanly. It’s similar to engraving a mug, but easier since it’s just a flat surface.

Use case: Wall art, custom nameplates, keepsakes
Tip: You can apply spray coating for better contrast (We use this one.)

Cardboard

Cardboard engraves quickly. The laser burns the surface and creates dark marks. It works well for fast prototypes and art.

As a test, we burned our logo into a 3D filament box:

Use case: Packaging samples, student projects, signage
Tip: Ventilate well to remove smoke, start with low power and bump up as needed (we incinerated a box or two before getting our settings dialed in.)

Fruit and Vegetables

Surprising, but you can laser engrave on some fruits and veggies. Bananas, potatoes, and melons show high contrast. The surface chars slightly as you can see on this laser engraved string bean:

Use case: Food art, demonstrations, custom snacks
Tip: Keep designs simple and use low heat

Tortilla Wraps and Bread

Tortillas and sliced bread take light engraving. The laser browns the surface without burning it.

Use case: Edible branding, party food, restaurant promotions
Tip: Start out with a test array to find the best settings

Acrylic Mirror Sheets

Mirror-backed acrylic engraves from the back side. When reversed, the design shows through the mirror.

Use case: Ornaments, desk signs, display tags
Tip: Remove the backing film before engraving

Dried Paint on Canvas or Wood

Engraving over dry paint creates layered effects. The laser can remove parts of the painted surface, revealing wood or canvas beneath. Try doing a layer of color swirls with a coat of black on top.

Use case: Art pieces, text effects, custom décor
Tip: Test small sections, as paints vary in response

Wrap-Up

Laser engraving works on more than just the usual materials. From leaves and stones to tortillas and mirror acrylic, there are many unexpected surfaces that produce clean, creative results. Trying new materials can spark fresh ideas, whether you’re creating art, testing projects, or adding variety to your work.

Start with small tests, adjust your settings, and explore what’s possible. You may be surprised by what engraves well.