Engraving Plastics
Choosing and Engraving Two-Ply Plastic
How engraving plastic works, which sheet to pick for the job, and how to get clean results on a CO₂ laser. We stock Rowmark as an authorized Canadian distributor.
What Are Laser Engraving Plastics?
Engraving plastics include laser-compatible and rotary-engraving products; check the exact line and process. A thin cap layer sits over a contrasting core. The laser removes the cap and shows the core colour underneath.
Because the colour is in the material, the mark doesn't peel or rub off. That's why it's used for lamacoids, door signs and name badges.
- Two-ply: cap colour + core colour (e.g. Black cap / White core)
- Three-ply: cap, accent layer and core for three-colour engraving
- Available gloss, matte, satin, textured, wood grain, and metal-look finishes
- Indoor and outdoor (UV-stabilized) options
- Optional adhesive backing for tool-free mounting
Common Applications
Lamacoids
Electrical ID labels
Name Badges
Hotels, healthcare, events
Door Signs
Office wayfinding
Plaques & Awards
Recognition & trophies
Tactile Signs
CSA B651, with Braille beads
Safety Labels
Equipment & panels
Keychains
Personalized gifts
Industrial Tags
Asset identification
Rowmark Product Lines
Available to order through laserengraving.ca, shipped from Canada.
LaserMax®
Best SellerThe everyday two-ply most shops stock. Many colour combinations, with indoor and outdoor options and gloss, matte, metallic and patterned finishes. Used for lamacoids, name badges, panel labels and door signs.
Typical Applications
- Lamacoids & electrical ID
- Name badges
- Door & office signs
- Plaques & awards
- Industrial labels
LaserMark® / Reverse LaserMark®
MetallicTwo-ply with a brushed metallic cap, for the look of engraved metal at plastic cost. Reverse LaserMark is the reverse-engrave version.
Typical Applications
- Metal-look nameplates
- Awards and plaques
- Door and office signs
- Directory signs
Ultra-Mattes® Front & Reverse
Matte FinishPremium matte-finish two-ply acrylic available for both front and reverse engraving. Ultra-Mattes Front is for rotary engraving and laser cutting, not laser engraving. It delivers a flat, non-glare surface ideal for indoor signage and nameplates. Reverse engrave from the back for a clean, recessed look.
Typical Applications
- Indoor signage
- Corporate nameplates
- Non-glare display labels
- Reverse-engrave applications
UltraGrave®
PremiumRowmark two-ply in matte and satin finishes, used for door signs, nameplates and awards. Check Rowmark's spec sheet for thicknesses and colours.
Typical Applications
- Corporate awards
- Executive nameplates
- High-end plaques
- Prestige signage
LaserGlow®
Safety SignsPhotoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) two-ply. It charges in ambient light and glows in the dark, for egress path marking and safety labels. In Canada, photoluminescent safety signs are tested to CAN/ULC-S572, and exit signs have their own building-code rules, so check the certification your project requires before you specify it.
Typical Applications
- Egress path marking
- Stairwell and door labels
- Equipment safety labels
- Low-light locations
LaserGloss® Exterior
Outdoor RatedUV-stable high-gloss two-ply for outdoor use. A good choice for exterior door signs, building ID and outdoor labels.
Typical Applications
- Outdoor door signs
- Building identification
- Exterior wayfinding
- UV-resistant labels
LaserMax® Tri-Layer
3-ColourThree-ply construction with a distinct accent border visible after deep engraving. Ideal for complex award designs or when a two-colour mark needs extra visual impact.
Typical Applications
- Complex award designs
- Premium recognition pieces
- 3-colour engraving reveals
ADA Alternative
Tactile signsSheet for tactile signs with raised characters. Laser-cut appliqué lettering is bonded to a base plate; Braille is added separately. In Canada, design to CSA B651 and your provincial building code (and AODA in Ontario). It helps you build compliant signs; the layout still has to meet the standard.
Typical Applications
- Room and suite ID signs
- Washroom signs
- Tactile and Braille signs
- Wayfinding
FlexiBrass® & FlexiColor®
FlexibleFlexible engraving materials for curved surfaces, keychains, bag tags, and luggage labels. FlexiBrass has a realistic brass look. FlexiColor comes in solid colours.
Typical Applications
- Keychains & bag tags
- Curved surface labels
- Luggage tags
- Pet tags
ColorHues® Cast Acrylic
Colour RangeVibrant cast acrylic in a wide colour range for decorative applications. Available in standard, glitter, and EFX finishes for maximum visual impact.
Typical Applications
- Decorative signage
- Awards
- Personalization
- Retail displays
MetalGraph Plus
Metal LookMetal-look sheet for nameplates and awards when real metal costs too much or weighs too much.
Typical Applications
- Premium-look nameplates
- Awards with metal appearance
- Architectural signage
Compatible Machines
Epilog CO₂ laser
The right tool. Engraves and cuts Rowmark two-ply and three-ply cleanly.
Kern CO₂ laser
For full sheets and high-volume production.
Fiber laser
Not recommended for most Rowmark lines. Check the spec sheet first.
Not sure which machine pairs with your material? Contact our team or explore our laser equipment lineup.
Not Sure Which Colour?
Rowmark Swatch Books and sample rings let you see and feel the actual materials before ordering. Available for the full LaserMax range, ColorHues, and Glitter Acrylics.
Not every plastic is laser-safe
Use only engraving plastics and acrylic confirmed compatible with the intended laser process. Many other plastics are not. Never laser PVC or vinyl (it releases hydrogen chloride gas), polycarbonate (it burns and discolours), ABS (its fumes can contain cyanide), or HDPE (it melts and catches fire). If a sheet isn't labelled, don't put it in the laser.
Laser-safe materials guide →Need help picking a sheet?
Order online at laserengraving.ca, or tell us the job and we'll suggest a line and colour. Volume pricing available.