I want to varnish a piece of wood and then cut it on the laser cutter. I know, that’s not the usual order of things, but I want nice clean holes unvarnished through the varnish, and this seems like the cleanest way to get that. Anyway, what I really want to know is this: do the laser experts approve cutting wood coated in Marine Spar Varnish on lasers? Here is the MSDS for this varnish.
2 Likes
Yep, that has been done many times. Be sure it is completely dry. It may discolor on the edges, but the soot and resin that spreads out on top as smoke will usually wipe off, whereas unfinished plywood may ultimately need to be sanded to clean the top up.
3 Likes