Newbie- Laser engraved bricks and limestone???

[aocarving]

I sandblast bricks for fundraisers, blast portraits in gray granite and tan limestone. I want to move into the 21st century and laser etch these items in a similar fashion. I would like to do this without the paint-on material, such as Cermark or Thermark. What type and wattage laser would it take to darken the stone and brick. I have just started my quest and would appreciate any help you could give me. Thanks, glad I found this site. Alan O.

[Tweakie]

Alan,

Just from my limited experience with stone, the laser always lightens the surface unless you use the coatings so darker materials are best to use.

Tweakie.

[aocarving]

I was under the impression that some lasers could melt the stone or brick surface and basicly turn it into black glass, if the power was turned up and the speed reduced, and possibly repeated over the same area. Could that have an affect? Anybody, out there, tried this before? Thanks, AO