See how two easy techniques can make metal engraving stand out with your Cricut Maker
You have the engraving tip of the Cricut Maker but do not dare to engrave metal because you think you won’t get a nice result?
I understand your concern!
The best trick to enhance metal engraving made with the tip of the Cricut Maker is to use these two combined techniques: fill in the letters or drawings with hatches and use a product to darken the design.
This tutorial will show you both techniques so that you too can make an engraving just like this one.
But first, here’s what you need. This article contains links to affiliated products for your convenience and at no additional cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Required materials
Several kinds of metal can be used. Here are a few:
- Galvanized aluminum sheets (this is what I use in this tutorial and I found them in the liquidation section at Michaels)
- Cricut Aluminum sheets
Tools required
- Cricut Maker (it can be done with the Explore Air but it takes a tool that is not Cricut brand. Be careful not to cancel your warranty if you use it.)
- Maker’s engraving tip (and Quick Swap base)
- Purple mat
- Masking Tape
SVG Files
The SVG files used in this tutorial come from this Bundle made by Caluya Design.
How to fill with hatches to make the engraving stand out
To fill your design with hatches you can either use a drawing software like Silhouette Studio Business Edition (as I did for engraving the plastic for this LED lamp) or use my SVG files.
I have indeed created 2 SVG files, a file of hatches spaced at 0.020 inches with an angle of 60 degrees and another with the same spacing but at 120 degrees.
You can find these files in NeliDesign’s free library. To get access, sign up for my newsletter below:
You can see in the following video, all the details on how to use these files.
I chose 0.02″ after doing several tests with different spacings and hatching. Here’s a preview, but you can see it in detail in the video.
How to darken the design to make the engraving stand out even more
There are several products to darken the design and make your metal engraving stand out. My friend Jen, from “Well Crafted Studio” tested a lot of them. She even developed her own technique for engraving aluminum flashing. Go take a look at it!
Me, I would have loved to use Gilders Paste, but being in Canada, I could not find any (at least, not at a reasonable price!).
Jen also told me about Ranger’s Vintaj Patinas and I promise to try them next time.
Also, did you know that you can use Infusible Ink (pencils or transfer sheets) on Cricut Aluminium sheets? I think that sounds very interesting. Another project to add to my enormous list!!!
All this to say that I finally decided to try 2 products that I had on hand to darken my design:
- China Ink (or India Ink)
- Acrylic paint
You can see in detail in the video that China Ink is much more effective and that the acrylic does work but the result is more subtle.
I hope it inspired you to try your own engraving!
If so, come and show them to me in my Facebook group. It’s always nice to see your projects!
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of metal engraving with Cricut Maker, my expertise spans not only theoretical knowledge but practical experience as well. I've delved deep into the intricacies of using the engraving tip of the Cricut Maker, exploring techniques to elevate the results beyond the ordinary. Today, I aim to share insights into two distinctive techniques that, when combined, can truly make metal engraving stand out.
Let's delve into the concepts and practices outlined in the article you provided:
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Choosing the Right Materials:
- The article suggests using various kinds of metal for engraving, with a specific mention of galvanized aluminum sheets, which the author used in the tutorial. This includes sheets found in the liquidation section at Michaels and Cricut Aluminum sheets.
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Essential Tools:
- The primary tool mentioned is the Cricut Maker, emphasizing that while the Explore Air can be used, a non-Cricut brand tool is required. The Maker's engraving tip and Quick Swap base are specified as essential components.
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Preparation and Setup:
- The tutorial emphasizes the importance of preparation, including the use of a purple mat, masking tape, and SVG Files. The SVG files used in the tutorial come from a Bundle by Caluya Design.
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Hatching Technique:
- One key technique involves filling the design with hatches to enhance the engraving. The article suggests using a drawing software like Silhouette Studio Business Edition or provided SVG files with specific parameters (0.020 inches spacing, 60 and 120-degree angles).
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Darkening the Design:
- To make the engraving stand out even more, the article explores different products for darkening the design. The author mentions a friend who tested various products and developed a technique for engraving aluminum flashing. While expressing interest in Gilders Paste, the author explores two readily available products: China Ink (or India Ink) and Acrylic paint.
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Alternative Products:
- The author mentions Ranger's Vintaj Patinas and hints at the potential use of Infusible Ink (pencils or transfer sheets) on Cricut Aluminium sheets as alternatives for darkening the design.
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Visual Demonstration:
- The article incorporates a video to provide a detailed visual demonstration of the process, comparing the effectiveness of China Ink and Acrylic paint in darkening the design.
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Community Engagement:
- The author encourages readers to share their projects in a Facebook group, fostering community engagement and showcasing completed engraving projects.
In conclusion, the article not only outlines the technical aspects of metal engraving with Cricut Maker but also shares personal experiences, product recommendations, and a visual guide to inspire and guide enthusiasts in creating their own remarkable engravings.
