Which Slate Engraving Is BEST? I Tried 4 Different Techniques

Does the way you prepare slate actually change how it engraves? And how much difference can changing your laser power really make?

In this video, I’m putting 4 different slate engraving techniques head-to-head using my Thunder Nova CO₂ laser. I’m keeping the experiment controlled so we can actually compare the results and see which technique produces the look I like best.

But the experiment didn’t stop there. I decided to try a surprise fifth technique—and then I went back to the original four and changed the laser power settings to see just how much of a difference that would make.

Some of the results were VERY different from what I expected.
If you engrave slate coasters, signs, plaques, or other slate products with a CO₂ laser, this experiment should give you a much better idea of how preparation and laser settings can affect your final result.

Which one would YOU choose? Let me know in the comments!

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Equipment used:
Thunder Nova CO₂ Laser
LightBurn

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