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FAQ's
What is Laser
Etching?
Laser etching is a process that permanently etches images
into granite, marble, slate, glass, wood and metals. This
is achieved by using the newest graphic software in conjunction
with the latest laser technology. The material oxidizes
as the laser burns, with pinpoint accuracy, directly into
the surface. The result is near photographic quality with
the finest of details including very small lettering.
What
materials are available to me?
Granite, marble, slate, glass, mirrors, wood and some
metals all etch.
Who provides the materials?
Laser Design Solutions carries a selection of Absolute
Granite and Black Marble in standard 12” x 12”
tiles, as well as various Ovals, Hearts, and Rounds in
assorted sizes. We partner with other suppliers for custom
projects and sizes. We will gladly use your materials
provided a small sample is sent to us for testing the
materials capacity for etching.
What
will my laser etching project cost?
Cost is determined by the following criteria: square footage
of the etched surface; the type of material used; and
whether it is standard black and white or a colorized
etching.
A standard black and white etching on Absolute granite
begins at $125 per square foot (12” x 12”);
marble begins at $145 per square foot (12” x 12”)
as it takes longer to etch than granite; increased square
footage reduces the cost proportionately down to as little
as $95 per square foot; and adding color stain will increase
the cost by approximately 25% to 35% based on the complexity
of the image rather than just the size.
What type of artwork can I submit?
When providing artwork to Laser Design Solutions, please
remember the higher the quality of artwork or file, the
better the etched reproduction. Mediums that can be used
include:
Hard Copy:
Photographs
Slides
Transparencies
Original Artwork
High Quality Reproductions
File Formats – Minimum 300 DPI or larger:
BMP (Windows Bitmap)
TIFF (Tagged file format)
JPEG/JPG/JPE (JPEG file interchange format)
GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
MAC (MacPaint)
MSP (Windows Paint)
EPS (EPS File Format)
PPM (Portable Bitmap)
PSD (Photoshop File Format)
Laser Design Solutions owns a proprietary library of images
that are available to our customers and on CD Rom for
purchase. See the Library
section of our site.
All artwork must be copyright free or authorized for reproduction
by copyright holder. Copyright law questions can be addressed
by visiting the Library of Congress website at www.copyright.gov
How long
does the process take?
Size of the project determines the completion time as
well as the schedule to which Laser Design Solutions has
previously committed. Expect a 2–4 week turn around
time on 12” x 12” to 3’ x 4’ projects.
Colorizing will add 1 to 7 days.
Destination, size and method of shipment will add to the
final arrival date.
What is
colorizing?
Colorizing is the addition of color stain by an artist
to the porous areas of the stone before the sealant is
applied. Complexity of the painting will determine additional
cost to the project as well as size of area covered.
How are
pieces installed?
Laser etchings done on granite, marble, slate and other
stones can be installed by conventional tiling methods.
Consult your local professional for this procedure. For
these orders we will provide installation specifications
to you and your contractor. Standard tiling methods cover
installation for the following projects: Flooring (home,
office, and entryways) bathroom shower and kitchen walls,
murals, fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, etc. Single
display tiles can be frame mounted, hung or stand (using
a display easel). Multiple tile pieces can be board mounted,
framed and hung (properly by a professional).
How do I care for my etching?
A protective sealant is applied at completion of your
project.
Although granite, marble and other natural stones are
considered free of maintenance, these surfaces do require
the proper protection, cleaning and maintenance. Stone
flooring requires a sealant that should be reapplies as
often as twice a year for high traffic areas. Keeping
the stone free of dust and dry sandy soil will minimize
the scratches and wear patterns that can develop from
everyday use.
Use warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge
or mop to clean your stone etching. General household
cleansers, protectants and polishes are NOT formulated
for use on stone and are not recommended by Laser Design
Solutions. They will do more harm than good. Neutral cleaners
specifically recommended for stone surfaces are available
and recommended. Please read the labels when purchasing
your products.
If you have other questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
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