Leather for Laser Engraving: How to Choose the Right Leather

OMTech Laser Updated On Apr 15, 2025

Laser engraving leather is one of the most exciting and rewarding applications for a CO₂ laser engraver. From custom wallets and keychains to detailed patches, journals, and high-end branding projects, leather offers a rich texture and timeless look that engraves beautifully—if you use the proper techniques and materials.

But before you start loading up your machine, it's essential to know that not all leathers are created equal. Choosing the wrong kind of leather or using incorrect settings can result in poor detail, discoloration, or even harmful fumes.

We’ll also discuss leatherette for laser engraving, engraving faux leather safely, and where to buy leather for your laser projects. Whether you're a hobbyist or business owner, this article will help you engrave with confidence—and elevate your craft.

Why Engrave Leather with a Laser?

Laser engraving allows for incredibly fine detail, consistent quality, and endless customization. Compared to traditional leatherworking methods like stamping or branding, laser engraving is faster, more precise, and far more versatile. With the right laser and leather combo, you can produce clean text, intricate logos, and stunning artwork.

Plus, working with leather sheets for laser engraving or leather blanks for laser engraving makes it easy to produce repeatable designs at scale—great for product lines, promotional items, or personalized gifts.

What Type of Leather Is Best for Laser Engraving?

Let’s start with the most important question: what kind of leather should you be using?

Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Vegetable-tanned leather is widely considered the gold standard for laser engraving. Tanned using natural plant-based materials, this leather is safe to engrave and produces excellent detail with a high-contrast finish. It responds predictably to the laser, giving you clean edges and beautiful depth.

Applications: Wallets, belts, patches, journal covers, keychains

Advantages:

Produces dark, high-contrast engravings
Engraves with minimal odor or toxic emissions
Eco-friendly, tanned with natural plant extracts
Consistent results across different thicknesses

Disadvantages:

More expensive than other types
May stiffen or darken over time without conditioning

Chrome-Tanned Leather

Chrome-tanned leather is very common in mass production and fashion goods—but beware when using it for laser engraving. The chromium salts used in the tanning process can release toxic fumes when lasered. In some cases, the leather can also warp, discolor, or yield inconsistent results.

Applications: Fashion accessories, soft goods, mass production

Advantages:

Widely available and affordable
Softer and more pliable than vegetable-tanned leather

Disadvantages:

Contains chromium salts that release toxic fumes when engraved
Can warp or burn inconsistently
Requires strong ventilation and fume extraction systems

If you choose to use chrome-tanned leather, ensure you have proper ventilation and filtration in place, and be aware that results may vary.

Synthetic or Faux Leathers (PU, PVC)

These imitation leathers are often made with plastics like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PU/PVC).

Applications: Promotional products, low-cost accessories

Advantages:

Budget-friendly
Available in a wide variety of colors and textures
Lightweight and flexible

Disadvantages:

Most PU and PVC-based leather can emit dangerous chlorine gas
Lower contrast and detail than real leather
Can melt, warp, or scorch
Requires strong ventilation and fume extraction systems

That said, there are laser-safe faux leathers available. These are often marketed as "laserable leatherette" and are specially formulated to engrave cleanly. Be sure to check manufacturer guidelines before engraving.

Leatherette for Laser Engraving

woman working with leather

Laserable leatherette is a synthetic leather alternative designed specifically for use with CO₂ lasers. It mimics the look and feel of real leather but comes in bold color combos with a contrasting core layer, making it perfect for eye-catching designs.

Best used for:

Awards and plaques
Bag tags and labels
Coasters, bookmarks, and decorative goods

Laser Engraving Faux Leather Settings:

Power: 20–30%
Speed: 300–500 mm/s
Passes: 1
Ventilation: Essential—use fume extraction to handle plastic byproducts

Laserable leatherette is ideal for clean, high-contrast text and patterns, especially in low-traffic products where durability is less critical.

Where to Buy Leather for Laser Engraving

Finding quality leather is key to successful engraving. Here are some recommended sources:

Tandy Leather – Large selection of vegetable-tanned hides, kits, and blanks
Hermann Oak – Premium vegetable-tanned leather for professionals
Amazon & Etsy – Convenient for smaller pre-cut blanks or sheets
Maker-supplied shops – Many laser engraving supply shops now carry laser-safe faux leather and leatherette sheets
OMTech Accessories Store – OMTech provides laser-compatible materials like leather keychains to work seamlessly with OMTech machines

Look for product listings that specify “laser-safe,” “vegetable-tanned,” or “laserable leatherette” to ensure safety and compatibility.

What Leather Products Can Be Laser Engraved?

The possibilities are almost endless. Here are some popular items made from leather sheets for laser engraving:

Wallets and cardholders
Keychains and luggage tags
Journal covers and bookmarks
Hats and leather patches
Custom wristbands
Coasters, mousepads, and ornaments
Bag and belt embellishments

Whether you're working with pre-cut leather blanks for laser engraving or designing your own templates, the material's durability and visual appeal make it perfect for both practical and decorative pieces.

What Lasers Work Best for Engraving Leather?

OMTech CO2 laser machines

When it comes to choosing the right machine, CO₂ laser engravers are the best choice for leather. They provide the optimal wavelength for clean, fast engraving without damaging the material.

Best OMTech Machines for Leather Engraving

OMTech Polar+ 55W: Great for small businesses or advanced hobbyists. Desktop-friendly and precise for leather patches, wallets, and accessories.
OMTech Maker Series (60W–130W): Offers more power and larger bed sizes for producing higher volumes or cutting thicker leather.
OMTech Pronto Series (100W+): Ideal for production shops needing speed, power, and high-resolution performance for detailed leather branding.

All of these machines support LightBurn software and allow for customization of speed, power, and passes—critical for working with natural materials like leather.

Read more:

Final Thoughts: Why Laser Engraving Leather Is Worth It

Laser engraving leather opens the door to beautiful, high-impact designs that are both tactile and lasting. Whether you’re engraving small keychains or developing a full product line, knowing how to choose and work with the right leather makes all the difference.

With clean detail, repeatable results, and endless design options, it’s no wonder leather engraving is a top choice for crafters, designers, and small business owners alike.

Elevate Your Craft with OMTech Laser Engravers

At OMTech, we’re proud to support makers and small businesses with reliable, high-performance CO₂ laser machines perfect for leather engraving. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your workshop, our machines deliver the precision, power, and quality you need to create stunning leather goods.

Explore our full line of laser engravers—like the OMTech Polar, Maker, and Pro Series—to find the perfect fit for your craft. With exceptional customer support and a growing community of creators, OMTech is here to help you bring your vision to life.

Ready to level up your leatherwork? Visit OMTechLaser.com and find the right laser for your workshop today!