Is sealing a laser engraving necesssary?

[Tim'sTurnings]

Originally Posted by DJBPenmaker

Thanks for that, I'll give inkscape a try.
Btw. I normally engrave before finishing, that way if the engraving isn't spot on I still can easily correct matters.

The reason I engrave pens and rippers that are already finished is because I don't sell very many. Sales are very slow and far between, partially my fault as I don't have any good sites/outlets to sell them on. So I only sell pens that people see AFTER they are finished. When I sell one, then I offer to laser carve/engrave their name on it.
Tim.

[DJBPenmaker]

Originally Posted by Tim'sTurnings

The reason I engrave pens and rippers that are already finished is because I don't sell very many. Sales are very slow and far between, partially my fault as I don't have any good sites/outlets to sell them on. So I only sell pens that people see AFTER they are finished. When I sell one, then I offer to laser carve/engrave their name on it.
Tim.

I wondered about that and then thought that might be the case. You know, I don't think there's a problem at all with your method because the finish is unlikely to be totally destroyed and is more like melted and probably absorbed by the wood to some extent. There won't be a raw edge as such where the finish might begin to lift. I think you'll be just fine with what you do

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[Tim'sTurnings]

Thanks for the replies, I feel much better about my process now.
Tim.

[KenV]

Tim, I have used Rub-N-Buff to color engraving in finished pens with a smooth gloss finish. Guilders paste is another name for these wax based metallic colored fillers. Microfiber cloth cleans up the pen barrel well if you take care in application.

[Beautys_Beast]

Originally Posted by KenV

Tim, I have used Rub-N-Buff to color engraving in finished pens with a smooth gloss finish. Guilders paste is another name for these wax based metallic colored fillers. Microfiber cloth cleans up the pen barrel well if you take care in application.

This is why I do as well.

[Dale Allen]

I have etched some sample blanks that had no additional sealer afterward and they were handled a lot. I saw no evidence they smeared or otherwise changed.
It seems to me this is similar to wood burning. I don't recall of anyone who seals those items.

[magpens]

It is good to hear about these methods. . Thanks.