Material Deep Dive: Beyond the Basics

January 21, 2025

Michelle

Think you know everything your Glowforge can do? These specialty materials might surprise you!

In his comprehensive video “Every Laserable Material”, Glowforge owner John K. introduces us to some exciting specialty materials — and we're here to expand on these creative opportunities!

Let’s dive in!

Stone & Minerals:

Forget everything you know about stone engraving — your Glowforge makes it simple to create permanent, stunning designs in various stone surfaces. While your laser can't cut stone, it excels at engraving detailed designs that will last for generations.

Slate & Tile:

  • Pro tip: Apply mineral oil before engraving slate for better contrast
  • Use Cermark marking spray on ceramic tiles for rich, dark engravings
  • Perfect for coasters, serving plates, and home décor

Agate & River Rocks:

  • Create one-of-a-kind natural art pieces
  • Personalize garden markers and decorative stones
  • Add intricate patterns to polished agate slices

Fabric & Felt:

From delicate designs to bold statements, fabric works beautifully in your Glowforge! Both cutting and engraving are possible, though you'll want to test your settings first to avoid cutting too deep.

Tips for Success:

  • Synthetic fabrics naturally seal their edges when cut
  • Woven fabrics generally work better than knits
  • Velvet creates stunning engraved effects thanks to its depth
  • Denim engraves beautifully (Just test your settings beforehand to prevent fraying)
  • Don’t forget about felt! It works wonderfully with Glowforge

Glass:

Remember the old days of chemical glass etching, with all its safety gear and harsh chemicals? Your Glowforge transforms this process into something safe, simple, and incredibly precise.

Use your Glowforge to create beautiful glass creations like:

  • Wedding décor and commemorative pieces
  • Custom drinkware and serving dishes
  • Decorative mirrors and window art
  • Personalized picture frames

And we're just getting started...

Your Glowforge can create with hundreds of materials — we've only scratched the surface! Here are a few more exciting possibilities to explore:

  • Corian: Perfect for modern home décor
  • Foam: Create custom packaging or craft supplies
  • Silicone: Experiment with unique textures
  • Rubber: Design custom stamps with Premium's Stamp Maker tool

You can even engrave food! Think macarons, tortillas, chocolate, & more. (Important note: if you’re going to engrave food, you’ll need a separate machine used exclusively for food projects!)

Pro Tip: For settings, tips, and endless inspiration for working with these materials (and many more!), check out the Glowforge Owner’s Forum, where our creative community shares their expertise and amazing projects every day!

A note on material safety

Your Glowforge works beautifully with hundreds of materials, but some common materials should never be used in any laser cutter. For example, avoid materials like vinyl, PVC, or anything containing chlorine. For the safety of you and your machine, always verify that your materials are laser-compatible. When in doubt, check the Glowforge manual or ask our helpful community!

Ready to Explore More Materials?

To watch a seasoned Glowforge creator take on these materials (and many more) (and dozens of other materials), check out John K’s video!

Ready to explore more materials? Check out our other Material Deep Dives to discover how to create with Wood, Acrylic, MDF,Metal, Leather, Paper, and other exciting materials in your laser crafting journey!

We can’t wait to see what you make!