How to Apply Resin to Laser Cut Projects

Laser cutting has transformed how artists, hobbyists, and small businesses create intricate designs with wood, acrylic, and MDF. But even the most finely detailed laser cuts can benefit from a splash of color, a touch of depth, or a glassy finish. That’s where resin comes in.

Epoxy resin, when combined with laser-cut designs, opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can turn plain wooden signs into vibrant pieces of art, elevate earrings and ornaments with swirled pigments, and add dimension to otherwise flat surfaces. The glossy finish, custom color blends, and light-reflecting effects of resin make it a perfect pairing for laser-cut crafts.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process—how to plan your file, engrave or cut it with an OMTech laser machine, mix and pour your resin, and finish it to perfection. Whether you're crafting a colorful wall sign, filling engraved text, or experimenting with jewelry, this step-by-step breakdown will show you how to make your laser-cut designs pop with resin.

Why Use Resin with Laser Cut Projects?

By an OMTech User

Laser-cut items—particularly those made from wood, acrylic, or MDF—offer clean, sharp shapes with high precision. But when you want to:

• Add vibrant color,
  

• Create a glass-like gloss,
  

• Fill engraved or cut-out sections,
  

• Seal and protect delicate areas,
  

• Add contrast or branding highlights,

resin is your best friend. It adheres well to most laser-friendly materials and can be colored, layered, or even domed for a 3D effect.

What You'll Need

Before starting, gather your materials:

Tools & Supplies:

• OMTech Laser Cutter and Engraver
  

• Design file (SVG, AI, or DXF)
  

• Base material (wood, MDF, clear or colored acrylic)
  

• Epoxy resin (2-part)
  

• Pigments or mica powders
  

• Mixing cups & stir sticks
  

• UV light (optional for UV resin)
  

• Masking tape or painter’s tape
  

• Nitrile gloves & protective gear
  

• Heat gun or torch (to remove bubbles)
  

How to Apply Resin to Laser Cut Projects

Step 1: Design & Laser Cut Your Base

Start by creating a design that has cavities or engraved areas you want to fill with resin. This could be a logo, text, mandala, or geometric pattern.

Open your file in a program like LightBurn and configure the cut and engrave settings. When using an OMTech laser:

• Use MDF or wood for deep engravings
  

• Use acrylic for layered or inlaid effects
  

• Mask your material (especially wood) with tape to reduce burn marks and simplify resin cleanup
  

Once everything is set, engrave or cut your design. For best resin results, make sure the engraved areas are deep and clean—resin needs space to flow and level.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Surface

After cutting, remove any masking tape and clean the piece thoroughly:

• Use compressed air or a soft brush to clear dust
  

• Wipe gently with isopropyl alcohol to remove smoke residue
  

• If using wood, lightly sand engraved areas for best adhesion

If you're only adding resin to specific parts, you can remask the piece and cut away sections where you want the resin to go. This helps prevent overflow or resin from spreading onto other surfaces.

Step 3: Prepare the Resin

Mix your two-part epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually means:

• 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener by volume
  

• Stir slowly and consistently for 2–3 minutes
  

• Let sit briefly to allow bubbles to rise

You can now divide the resin into smaller cups and add pigments, dyes, or mica powders to create different colors. Use mica for shimmer or transparent alcohol inks for a stained-glass look.

Tip: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Resin is sticky and can irritate the skin.

Step 4: Pouring and Filling the Engraved Areas

Using a toothpick, pipette, or small spoon, carefully drop resin into the engraved or cut sections. You want the resin to fill the space completely but not overflow.

Work slowly and methodically:

• Pour in small amounts at a time
  

• Use a toothpick to push the resin into fine details
  

• Tap or jiggle the board to help the resin settle evenly

If you’re creating a domed look (e.g. on jewelry), slowly build up the surface and stop just before it spills over.

Step 5: Removing Bubbles

After pouring, use a heat gun, small torch, or lighter to remove surface bubbles. Wave it gently over the resin from a distance—don’t overheat!

Alternatively, let the piece sit for 10–15 minutes and then pass over it again to catch late-rising bubbles. For tiny details, a fine-tipped heat tool or hair dryer on low can work, too.

Step 6: Let It Cure

Follow the resin’s cure time—usually 12 to 24 hours. Place your piece on a flat, dust-free surface and cover it with a box or bin to prevent particles from settling on the resin.

For small jewelry or charms, you can also use UV resin, which cures in minutes under a UV lamp. Just be aware UV resin has a shorter shelf life and isn’t as strong for thicker pours.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once the resin is fully cured:

• Peel off any masking tape
  

• Sand or polish edges if needed
  

• Apply a topcoat for added shine and protection (optional)

Now your piece is ready to be mounted, framed, worn, or gifted!

Popular Laser + Resin Projects

By an OMTech User

The combination of laser engraving and resin opens endless creative possibilities. Here are a few favorites:

• Custom name signs with colorful inlays
  

• Holiday ornaments filled with sparkly resin
  

• Earrings and pendants using wood or acrylic bases
  

• Coasters and trays with brand logos or mandalas
  

• Map art where land and water areas are color-filled

Resin not only enhances the look but adds durability and visual value to handmade laser-cut products.

Tips for Success

• Always test your resin + pigment combo on scrap pieces
  

• Use a level surface to avoid uneven curing
  

• Store resin in a warm room (cold resin can be cloudy or thick)s
  

• Avoid overfilling—resin is hard to sand down once cured
  

• Clean your tools immediately after use

OMTech Laser Engravers: The Perfect Resin Companion

Laser cutting and engraving are the foundations of most resin art projects—and OMTech laser machines are built for precision and versatility. Whether you’re creating 3D engravings on wood, cutting acrylic outlines, or scoring inlays for epoxy, OMTech offers the power and reliability you need.

The CO₂ laser cutters and engravers are perfect for makers working with MDF, wood, and cast acrylic—materials that pair beautifully with resin. Models like the OMTech Polar, Maker series, and K40+ are favorites among DIYers, Etsy sellers, and craft businesses alike.

Plus, with OMTech’s support community and educational resources, learning new techniques like resin pouring and masking is simple and easy! 

Final Thoughts

Combining resin with laser-cut projects transforms simple cuts into vibrant, professional-quality pieces. With the right materials, tools, and a little patience, you can add dazzling effects to everything from jewelry to wall art.

If you're ready to start creating resin-filled masterpieces, the first step is investing in a high-quality laser cutter.

Ready to take your projects to the next level?

Browse OMTech’s full lineup of CO₂ laser engravers and start building resin-ready designs with precision and confidence.