Laser Cut Foil cardstock With a Diode? New material unlocked!
Metallic papers, foil cardstock, reflective paper, shiny metallics – whatever you call them, you might wonder if these dazzling materials work with a diode laser. After all, their reflective surfaces create that sheen and sparkle by bouncing light. Wouldn’t that scatter the laser, leading to incomplete cuts, or worse—reflect the laser back toward the optics and damage your tool?
I decided to do a quick test. I chose mirror holographic cardstock. Specifically, Michaels Foil Cardstock Paper by Recollections.* It was the most reflective paper I could find. If foil cardstock would reflect back and hurt the laser, I thought this would be it. I was a little nervous as I am a bit of a safety nut. As you probably figured out from the pictures here, it worked like a charm. Not only did it cut cleanly, it engraved beautifully. I used my 10 watt diode laser since it gives great detail on paper. Below is the cut test with zero clean up. I love how the light plays off the engraving with rainbow colors! The test went into my Laser Lovin’ Logbook so I can keep the test for a quick reference to get exactly the results I want in the future. Isn’t it interesting how the middle speed of the tests let you see the actual laser path ‘x’ pattern?
I just know I am going to be using this card for laser cut name signs and art (I’m thinking layered shadowboxes with a metallic pop!), custom greeting cards, gift tags, party decorations, scrapbooking…I’m just really excited that shiney foil stock worked so well.
Here is the first thing I did with the holographic cardstock, party place cards! I didn’t think through positive and negative space all the way when I made these quicky placecards for a party. It’s not my best work, I was in a rush (hello procrastination!) but it still looks great. No one guessed that I lost a whole section of the SVG I used (get the free Peacock SVG here).
Even with the hiccups, the holographic sparkle added sparkly whimsy to the table that image doesn’t capture. If you want a tutorial for how to make these place cards let me know, I promise I won’t mess up nextime!
*NOT an affiliate link or anything like that, just what I used for your convenience. P.S. It often goes on sale. 🙂
