Cleaning laser engraved items

[Fred J]

What do you use to clean the soot off laser engraved items?

 

[HITCH-]

I assume you are talking about wood and for that I have been using a damp paper towel.
For powder coated aluminum I have read that LA's totally awesome cleaner {available at Dollar Tree} is a good choice.

 

[Mike Davis]

Cover it with masking tape before you burn, no cleanup and easy to add color if wanted.

 

[Rwe2156]

I've found it I turn the air off when engraving and turn it on full blast when cutting I don't get much soot. But when needed I use 320 sandpaper.

I've never tried the masking tape Mike suggested, I'm wondering how much more that would change the cutting parameters. But if you're painting its a great idea

 

[spartyon8]

A damp Magic eraser...game changer for me.

 

[Fred J]

Thanks for your suggestions. I completely forgot about the tape and oramask when I started the project.

 

[HITCH-]

I just read that white vinegar can be used to clean soot from the wood.
I am going to have to try that as well as the magic eraser.

 

[HITCH-]

I tried the magic eraser and it did not work for me. It left shredded eraser residue behind.
The white vinegar worked pretty well though.

 

[kserdar]

What do you use to clean the soot off laser engraved items?

Depends on what/how you are engraving ...
Pictures - shouldn't need any protection
Darker engraving - I use blue painters tape. No need to change power/speed settings. I keep 1", 2", 3" & 12" on hand.

Any decent laser should allow to set/change the air assist value.

 

[spartyon8]

I tried the magic eraser and it did not work for me. It left shredded eraser residue behind.
The white vinegar worked pretty well though.

I found that a few light strokes keeps it from shredding. It's all I use now.

 

[Sam Knight]

For wood I brush with a soft bristle brush and then blow off with my air hose. If there is any discoloration on the piece I may sand lightly with 320 or 400 grit sandpaper. Then shoot with a spray sealer of some sort.