Do you guys mask, when engraving on the shale coasters? I’m assuming so. Thanks
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No, I’ve done a tone of these and masking is not needed, IMO. There’s no scorch or anything from which you would need to protect the un-lasered surface. One of the reasons I like doing shale/slate layering is it’s super clean, both for the material and for the Forge itself. Just throw them (“gently place them”) in there and go for it.
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No mask needed.
If you wipe the stone with mineral oil before you laser it it will darken the stone so there is a greater contrast.
I did these as garden markers, slate is well suited for outdoor applications. All but impervious to UV and water.
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Thanks I’ll give it a try.
Outstanding. I’ll give it a try.
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How do these look after some time in the garden? I haven’t done any shale yet 
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Almost a year later they look unchanged.
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Spray shellac first also works for great contrast
I would wonder about the longevity of shellac outdoors.
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