With glass, there is fairly low contrast between the lasered or etched portion and the background, unless it is color-coated. The two primary tricks I use to make specific items stand out is thicker lines and highlighting ornaments:
- With text, you can simply add an outline to your text, but make sure your laser does not read this as a vector cutting line. I will turn any text I add as an outline into a bitmap. This assures me no attempted cutting will take place and the laser actually engraves the outline. In addition to the text outline, there are more choices to thicken the text. The font you choose (if you have a choice) and weight of the font, such as bold or extra bold, may work. Adding an outline allows you to micromanage the font’s thickness. Sometimes a little goes a long way.
- I use ornaments (simple graphics) to highlight important text such as a name or award name. They may also be used as separators between graphics or perhaps unrelated text. Keep in mind, simple is best. It should help separate or highlight, but not steal the show from the important items. I like to draw my own and use pieces from logos and government seals as ornaments. There are many ornament or graphic fonts available for your use.
—Eagle’s Mark
