How to Make a Laser Engraved Whiskey Glass

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People buy engraved whiskey glasses all year long for birthdays, groomsmen gifts, Father's Day, corporate orders, housewarmings, and holiday bundles. The best part is that it's easy to ship, easy to customize, and looks high-end even with a simple logo.

The most important thing for makers and small business owners is to create a process that works every time and gives you clean lines, sharp details, and few rejects.

This guide will show you how to use OneLaser Vertigo (a vertical laser engraver made for tumblers, cups, and glass), LightBurn, a custom logo file, and a simple black spray technique to make a laser-engraved whiskey glass.

1. Why engraved whiskey glasses sell so well

Personalized drinkware hits a sweet spot for small businesses:

• High perceived value: A $3–$6 glass can feel like a $25+ gift once it’s customized.
• Fast production: With a dialed-in workflow, you can batch orders quickly.
• Easy upsells: Add gift boxes, sets of 2 or 4, custom messages, or logo variations.
• B2B potential: Bars, breweries, real estate agents, golf clubs, and corporate events often order in bulk.

But glass engraving can be tricky when you’re starting. That’s why the steps below focus on reliability and repeatability.

2. What you need (simple checklist)

Here’s your preparation list based on your workflow:

1. Whiskey glass (clean, dry, no fingerprints)
2. OneLaser Vertigo (vertical laser engraver for tumbler, glass, cup, and more)
3. LightBurn software
4. Custom Logo or Text file (preferably vector: SVG, AI, or DXF; PNG works too)
5. Black spray (temporary coating you can wipe off after engraving)

Optional but helpful for production:

• Microfiber cloths (lint-free)
• Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the surface before spraying
• Masking tape (for quick alignment marks)
• A simple jig/stop (to place glasses consistently)

3. The basic idea behind the “black spray” method

Clear glass engraving sometimes looks faint depending on lighting and the glass composition. A light black spray coating helps in two ways:

• It creates a high-contrast surface so you can see alignment and engraving coverage clearly while running the job.
• It makes cleanup easy, after engraving, you simply wipe off the spray to reveal the frosted engraved area.

This is a practical workflow for makers who want consistent results without guessing.

4. Step-by-step: how to make a laser engraved whiskey glass

Step 1: Spray black on the outside of the whiskey glass

Start with a clean glass. Oils from fingerprints can cause uneven spray coverage.

• Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth (or alcohol wipe), then let it dry.
• Apply a light, even coat of black spray on the engraving area.
• Let it dry for a short moment until it’s no longer tacky.

You don’t need a thick layer, thin and even is better. Heavy spraying can make cleanup messy and may soften fine details.

Step 2: Mount the whiskey glass on the chuck rotary of OneLaser Vertigo

OneLaser Vertigo is designed for cylindrical items, so loading drinkware is straightforward.

• Place the glass on the chuck rotary.
• Tighten gently but securely—glass should not wobble, but don’t overtighten.
• Rotate by hand to make sure the glass spins smoothly with no slipping.

Step 3: Set up the file in LightBurn (and mirror/size correctly)

Open LightBurn and import your custom logo file.

Layout checklist:

• Size the logo to match the engraving area on the glass.
• Position it where you want it to appear when the glass is facing forward.
• If your workflow requires mirroring (depending on rotation direction and origin), mirror the artwork once and save that version as your “glass-ready” file.

If you plan to sell this product, create a few saved templates:

• Center logo template
• Left-of-center template (for monograms or names)
• Wraparound template (for longer designs)

Templates make your workflow much faster.

Step 4: Use your engraving settings and run a test

Use the parameters you provided:

Laser engraving settings (logo/text/pattern):

• Speed: 800
• Max power: 40
• Min power: 10

Before running a full production batch, do a quick test:

• Run a small engraving on a practice glass or a small corner of the design area.
• Check for clarity, frosting, and consistency.

If the engraving looks too light: increase power slightly or reduce speed a bit.

If it looks overly rough: lower power or increase speed.

Your goal is a clean frosted finish that looks premium under normal room lighting.

Step 5: Clean the black spray off after engraving

Once engraving is complete:

• Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth.
• If needed, use a small amount of water or gentle cleaner to remove remaining spray residue.
• Dry completely and inspect under good lighting.

This step is where your product transforms from “work-in-progress” to “gift-ready.”

5. Production tips for selling engraved whiskey glasses

1) Build a repeatable workflow (this is how you scale)

The difference between hobby engraving and profitable production is consistency:

• Use a consistent glass model whenever possible.
• Save LightBurn templates for common design placements.
• Use the same mounting method and alignment points every time.

When you can engrave “without thinking,” you can produce faster and waste less material.

2) Make your designs “sellable,” not just beautiful

For products that sell well online:

• Bold logos engrave cleaner than ultra-thin lines.
• Simple monograms + names often outperform complex artwork.
• Offer “personalization slots” (Name / Date / Short message) for higher conversion.

If you sell B2B:

• Offer custom logo engraved whiskey glasses with clean branding placement.
• Create a standard layout that looks great across different logos.

3) Reduce rejects (the hidden profit killer)

Common causes of wasted glasses:

• Slipping on the rotary
• Inconsistent placement
• Dirty surface before spray
• Using a design that is too fine for the glass texture

A quick test run before a large batch saves real money.

6. Pricing ideas for small businesses (simple and realistic)

Pricing depends heavily on your market and packaging, but here’s a practical structure:

• Single glass (basic logo or monogram): priced as a premium gift item
• Set of 2 or 4: offer a bundle discount to increase average order value
• Corporate bulk orders: price per unit drops, but total profit rises with volume
• Add-ons: gift box, custom message, rush service, design fee for complex logos

If you offer personalized engraved whiskey glasses, highlight:

• “Personalized with your name or logo”
• “Gift-ready finish”
• “Made to order”

FAQs

How do I make a laser engraved whiskey glass at home?

You need a compatible engraver (like OneLaser Vertigo), LightBurn, a logo file, and a reliable setup method. Spray-coating the glass can help with visibility and cleanup.

Can I sell custom engraved whiskey glasses as a small business?

Yes. They’re popular for gifts and corporate orders. The key is consistent production: stable mounting, repeatable templates, and a clean finish.

What file type works best for custom logo engraved whiskey glasses?

Vector files (SVG/DXF/AI) are ideal for sharp results, but high-resolution PNGs can work if prepared correctly.

How do I remove the black spray after engraving?

Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. If residue remains, use mild cleaner and dry the glass completely.

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Final thoughts

Making a professional laser engraved whiskey glass is not complicated once you have a clean workflow: spray → mount on the chuck rotary → run the LightBurn file with consistent settings → wipe clean. With OneLaser Vertigo, the process is designed to be straightforward for drinkware, which makes it a strong option for makers who want to sell personalized glass items.