Sample Projects
Each of these projects was done
by burning the black layer off
to reveal the white layer below.
Just the paper! Nothing else!
You can do some amazing things
with the posterboard and card stock.
uCreate Chalkboard
Pen Gear Posterboard
Tuxedo Card Stock
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What are backing materials and why do I need them?
Like everything else, it depends on what you are using it for.
Generally, a 'Backer' material is a piece of cardboard or similar
that you put down on your table to protect it from getting damaged
during some of the lasering processes.
When using the 'Glass on the Fly' method for doing glass or acrylic,
a 'Backer' material is needed for the laser to focus on because
the glass or acrylic is clear. It also prevents damaging your table.
Using the wrong 'Backer' will leave you with one big mess!!
For 'Glass on the Fly' you want a dark color backer.
Black is preferred, but not required. You can use colors, but you will
notice the details are not as clear the farther from black you go.
You DO NOT want anything with a glossy or slick surface.
Gases and smoke get trapped and will stain your material.
A slightly ribbed or textured material will work the best.
#1 Pen Gear Posterboard is my all around go to.
WalMart has it and it holds up well under most conditions and only $1.22 per sheet.
The cardstocks and posterboards are not doing as well on larger graphics.
The chalkboard materials will stain your glass or acrylic.
#2 uCreate Posterboard
Hobby Lobby and Family Dollar Stores have a thinner uCreate Posterboard
They both have it in a variety of colors and it is only $.87 per sheet.
It comes in a 22"x28" sheet with a white core perfect for other crafts as well.
It holds up well under most conditions and doesn't leave a stain
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Dollar General carries an ArtSkills brand posterboard and I thought I liked it.
Turns out it has a mind of it's own and will warp in a heartbeat.
Keeping larger projects flat can be a big problem.
It is great for engraving and making small product tags.
It is the cheapest posterboard of all of them and does have it's uses.
A MUST HAVE when working with lasers
Tuxedo Card Stock may not be much for a backer,
but it does have it's uses. It comes is a book of 50pc 8-1/2"x11" sheets.
Works great for testing your work before ruining any costly products.
It's just handy to have around and you will find many uses for it.
All of these backer materials have a hidden talent or two!.
They have a white core/center that you can use.
Just burn the black(or colored) layer off to expose it..
You can get very creative with this stuff easily.
Some come in various colors. The possibilities are endless.
You can make your own product tags or any number of custom items.
Best part is, you don't need anything else to create some nice pieces.
When looking for materials, take a look at the edge of it.
On this, you will see a white layer between 2 black layers.
I have seen papers claiming to have 4, 5 and 6 layers..
I wonder what they are and wouldn't that make some nice pieces!.
No telling what kind of bonus layers are hiding out there.
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Here are some samples of each of the backer materials. I printed the same graphic with instructions on each one so you can see the difference. There is not much.
Pen Gear Posterboard
Click for more info
uCreate Chalkboard
Click for more info
Tuxedo Card Stock
Click for more info
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