Beginner’s Guide to Engraving Acrylic: Crafting Made Simple

Engraving on clear acrylic blanks is a fun and quick way of creating personalized keychains, elegant accessories or beautiful decorations.  By making a paper template you will know where to put the blanks on the mat and ensure the engraving is perfectly positioned. Use waxed or glossy paper that does not stick too hard to the Strong Grip mat. 

What you need 

• Clear Acrylic Blanks (not thicker than 2mm) 
• Glossy or Waxed Paper  
• Strong Grip Mat 12” x 12” 
• Basic Blade 
• Engraving Tool
• Painter’s Tape  

Direction 

1. From the start page, Create a New Canvas and Custom Size. From the dropdown menu, select the size of the paper you are using. 
   
   
   
2. Measure your acrylic blanks. From the basic shapes, open a shape (circle or square). In the Edit menu, set the size of the shape the same size as your blanks. The operation type for this layer should be left as Cut.  
   
   
3. If you want to make more than one, in the Multiply menu, select a method and repeat for as many shapes as you like and can fit onto your paper. Click Apply. 
   
   
4. Click Insert from Library. Find a design you like and Open In Canvas. Add more images if desired.  
   
   
5. Select the images and change the operation type to Engrave. Place the images inside the shapes, where you want them to be engraved. If there is a hole for hanging in your acrylic blank, make sure you place the image, so it does not interfere. 
   
   
6. Go to the Output menu and select Send to Machine. Select Mat Size and Material (paper). On the Craft Project screen,click “Do not Rearrange”. This is important as we want the shapes and the engraving design to be in the same spot as on the canvas. 
   
   
7. Place the paper on the mat and feed the mat into the machine. Make sure you have the basic blade in the right carriage.  Follow the steps to cut the paper. Do not eject the mat! While the mat is still loaded, take away the paper circles. Remove the protective film from the acrylic blanks and place them in the holes. Use tape to hold them in place.  
   
8.  Now it is time to engrave.  Insert the engraving tool and change the Material to Acrylic. Remember to select “Do not Rearrange”.  
   
   
9. Remove your engraved project from the mat and use a microfiber cloth to clean the residue.