Layered Laser Cut Sign DIY for Summer

This tutorial is an easy way to learn how to make a layered laser cut sign for summer or any other season. Each layer is explained, detailed, and assembled step by step for anyone new to laser cutting.

I’ll be sharing my summer sign and shelf sitter file for this design but with the details mentioned above, you can make your own for any theme.

RELATED READING: xTool Screen Printer Review – Is This Worth Adding to Your Setup?

Laser Cut Summer Sign DIY

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, it’s no secret I’ve been playing with lasers for a year. I have shared my xTool P2 review and my xTool S1 review – and have been using both ever since! I’ll share some projects I’ve made with both of these lasers below.

But today, I’m sharing a reader-requested tutorial: how to make and create a layered door sign or shelf sitter. With this laser cutting project idea, I’ll share cut settings for PatternPly® MDF from Smokey Hill Designs for both the P2 and the S1, along with some tips on construction.

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Summer Laser Cut Door Sign Video Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner like I am, watch the step by step laser cut summer door sign video tutorial. It will walk you through each step and you can see the project come together. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe.

How to Design a Layered Door Sign

Sometimes it takes me seeing and building something to really grasp the concept. This fun summer door sign SVG with a layered design was the first step into creating soon-to-be-released layered designs.

First, you need to decide on a shape that can be easily recreated. For this one, I chose a circle top or arched window shape. Circles, diamonds, and squares (for shelf sitters) are easy to replicate, too.

Next, create each layer as an overlap or extension of the previous ones. For example, my wave layer is under the summer but on top of the sun rays. There was no reason to extend the rays into the water, but it made sense to put the words on top of the water.

Then, you’ll attach each of the design layers to the outside shape. Add a spacer layer that can be duplicated to highlight each layer, and you’re done.

Let’s create the project to help you see how this comes together. If you can’t get started right now, save or share this page to help you easily find it when you’re ready to begin.

Materials Used in This Project

Below are the materials and machines I used, however, you can use regular MDF, painted plywood, or acrylic for this project.

• Summer Layered Sign File (SVG, EPS, PNG, DXF, PDF, and XCS file types included)
• 3mm PatternPly® MDF (Smokey Hill Designs)
• Masking
• 3M 467MP
• xTool P2 (or other laser, CO2 or diode)
• 6 inch Inline Fan
• Glue (I used wood and non-foaming super glue)
• Rope (for hanging)
• Alcohol (for cleaning) and Clamps (to secure the 3M)

How to Set Up and Process a Layered Laser Cut Sign

First, open the design file or create your own. Follow the steps above if creating from scratch, or choose your project (sign or shelf sitter) from my design file.

Next, assign a layer to a color of material. These can repeat, however, it’s nice to vary them so the colors really pop. Choose the size – be sure to size ALL layers at the same time.

Assign all of the material’s settings for each layer. I used 55/10/1 for the xTool P2 and 85/10/1 for the xTool S1 40 watt.

Because I’m using PatternPly® MDF, I don’t have to paint or mask the material. If you’re painting plywood or MDF, you will likely want to mask with a light masking (I prefer this thin masking).

Set depth: load material and measure the thickness on the P2 or the distance on the S1. For the S1, mark the processing area. For the P2, position the material on the slats or honeycomb and use the close view camera to align edges.

Turn off all layers that aren’t to be processed (no output), and process each layer separately. I put the spacer and the backing on the same piece of white MDF.

How to Clean and Assemble This Layered MDF Door Sign

Once all pieces have been cut, it’s a good idea to clean the machine – MDF can be a bit dusty. Next, clean any soot from all pieces with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth (it wipes right off the Smokey Hill Designs MDF).

Protect your work surface and use wood and super glue on the back of the 2nd lowest piece. For example, I laid down the backer piece, added glue to the sunshine piece, and then combined those layers with clamps.

Next, I added the wood and super glue to the back of the water file (note that any hovering designs will not need glue – like the waves). I then pressed it onto the backer and sunshine piece.

Keep layering (I used one spacer design under the Summer front piece) until all items are aligned. Use the clamps to secure the project (per the 3M instructions). Tie the ends of a cut piece of rope and pull through the front holes.

If using this design as a shelf sitter, add two additional spacers to increase the stability.

More Laser Designs You Might Like

• Make an Acrylic Phone Stand (Free Design File) – Use acrylic to learn how to make and engrave your own phone stand.
• How to Make Acrylic Cake Toppers – Use your CO2 laser to create a cake topper for any occasion.
• How to Laser Engrave Slate – In this quick tutorial, you’ll learn how to set up batch processing to earn more from each product by saving yourself tons of time.
• How to Engrave and Cut Mirror Acrylic – Create this easy magnet to fine tune working with mirror acrylic (includes tips and tricks like best adhesives and cleaning).

Please Save or Share This Laser Project for Beginners

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