Hi there, my thanks to all who posted before and helped me get here (also to @jbmanning5 and @shop for your advice about the salt to de-soot the finished product ). Sooty fingers question (answered)
Here is the project that led me to my question about how to de-soot puzzle pieces.
This summer, I introduced my kids to kayaking. I got them each a kayak and they took to it like, uh, kids to kayaks? At one point my son pounced on the back of his sister’s boat, yelling “Pirate attack!” I was lucky enough to be close and prepared with the camera. This felt like a great candidate for my first laser puzzle.
I sent the picture to be printed at a local store (8x10), and used spray adhesive to attach it to some backer board (not quite sure what. I scavenged it from the recycling bin). Then with the puzzle generator linked in other articles, I sent it off to my GF.
I used settings recommended on this site, but I think I goofed on the caliper side, and didn’t focus the laser right. The result is that the pieces are a little on the loose side. Still, I’m delighted with the first attempt.
I also made a box to hold the puzzle. Loving that part too
I took the pictures of my son doing the puzzle so I can make another puzzle of him doing a puzzle of himself. Next up, snake eating its tail?
The hardest part of all this was not immediately sharing these pictures with my family, as I want to make them some presents with this technique and am going for the surprise.
No, no masking, and I saw no evidence of smoke or charring (other than the expected char on the edges). It was super easy. I’ll do a better job documenting the next one I do (this weekend?)
No. Right or wrong, I just sent the picture out for printing, spray-adhesive-mounted it to the chipboard, and cut it out. Next step will be the salt processing to remove the char from the edges, but it’s great as-is already.
Any recommendation for a specific sealant? And do you do it before cutting (which seems easiest) or after (which seems like it would ensure edges are sealed)?
the first couple of puzzles i made i used a brush on varnish (2 coats with a light sand between). works well, but takes time and more effort.
i made one with modge podge. meh. it worked fine, but i don’t like the finish.
just tried a krylon clear UV resistant spray last night and cut today. was disappointed with a little bit of browning on the finish at the edges of the pieces.
need to ask @jbmanning5 what he’s using. i think he’s using a spray varnish. wouldn’t mind finding out which one.
if you do it afterward, you have a couple of issues. 1: harder to get consistent finish and 2: if some gets on the sides, it could affect how well the pieces fit together.
I do some every year (well, the last 2) for a pre-K teacher. The students (and the parents) love them! So, good idea!
I haven’t found any paper so far that’s not laser-safe. But, I haven’t actively sought it out either. Any of the photo papers should be fine - the only thing I might be leery of without doing more research are the silver gelatin / “true black and white” photo papers. That’s not to say those aren’t safe either, just that I have no clue.
Once the spray adhesive dries, it should pose no problems being cut. Spraying it is a different story and I would consider PPE (personal protective equipment) if doing it often. Just for a batch of puzzles, it’s your call, but a very well ventilated area shouldn’t kill you.
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