Ablating Paint for Metal Marking

How Paint Ablation Works

Paint ablation removes paint from a metal substrate using laser energy, revealing the bare metal beneath. The contrast between paint and metal creates permanent, highly visible marks.

Applications

Serial numbers on powder-coated tools and equipment. Decorative designs on painted aluminum panels. QR codes on coated metal parts. Trophy personalization on coated blanks.

Settings on 40W CO2

• Speed: 300–500mm/s
• Power: 20–35%
• DPI: 300
• Passes: 1–2

The goal is clean paint removal without marking the substrate. Too much power scratches or pits the metal — run a test at the lowest power that removes paint cleanly.

Paint Type Considerations

Powder coating: Ablates cleanly at moderate power. Very consistent.

Spray paint: Variable — depends on formulation. Some leave residue.

PVC-based paint: Avoid — laser ablation produces hydrogen chloride gas, which is corrosive and toxic.

Cleanup

Wipe with IPA to remove paint dust and residue. The exposed metal can be left bare, clear-coated, or filled with paint pen for additional contrast.