How to Deal with Yellowing in Acrylic After Laser Etching

What can you do to fix acrylic that has yellowed after being laser-engraved? We provide emergency cleaning, polishing and restoration techniques, as well as sharing tips for material selection and parameter adjustment to help you solve the problem of acrylic discoloration and extend the life of your work.

If acrylics do turn yellow, don't panic.

The sudden yellowing of acrylic after laser engraving is indeed a headache.Don't throw it out in a hurry--try these emergency measures and you just might be able to save it!

Step 1: Gently clean the surface.

First, wipe off any dust or cigarette ash using a soft cloth dipped in neutral detergent.Never use alcohol or a hard brush, as they could scratch the material.If the stain is not too deep, the stain will be removed and the fabric will appear bright.

Step 2: Polish the surface to remove slight discoloration.

Rub with polishing paste or car wax for three to five minutes.This is especially effective at removing yellowing from the edges of the disc. Remember to rinse the disc in clean water after polishing, to remove any residue of wax.

In an emergency, use bleaching agents.

If a piece of acrylic has turned yellow and you need to use it urgently, you can try using a spray specifically designed to whiten acrylic.Let the bleach sit on the stain for 10 minutes, then rinse it off. This is a temporary fix, however, and in the long run you'll need to use the following preventative measures.

Prevention is best.

The emergency methods are only treating the symptoms, not the underlying causes. If you want to solve the problem once and for all, you need to take care of these things before you start carving.

The key is to choose materials that resist yellowing.

You can buy acrylic sheets with a UV protection coating, but they cost a bit more.Don't be tempted to buy recycled materials. They produce a lot of smoke and are prone to yellowing.

If the laser parameters are adjusted correctly, there will be no yellowing.

Too high a power level or too slow a speed can overheat the material.He recommends starting with a scrap piece of material and working from low power settings up to the point where the laser cuts cleanly without producing smoke.

Don't neglect regular maintenance.

Do not expose finished works to prolonged direct sunlight. Keep them indoors, away from windows. Use acrylic care products to clean them every two months.I put desiccants in my display cases to prevent oxidation and dampness.

The last word: Most acrylic discoloration is caused by oxidation or heat. If you take good care of your acrylic, you should be able to fix any problems that do arise using the above steps.