How to Make Slate Coasters with Laser Engraving xTool

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How to Make Slate Coasters with Laser Engraving xTool

Laser engraving slate is one of the most satisfying projects you can make with the xTool S1.

Slate engraves cleanly, contrasts beautifully, and makes even simple designs look high-end.

Whether you’re creating fandom-inspired pieces (like my Fallout-themed Vault-Tec and Nuka-Cola coasters), personalized home décor, or easy gifts for friends and family, slate coasters are quick, customizable, and consistently impressive.

Bring the world of Fallout into your home with a fun and creative DIY!

Learn how easy it is to make Nuka-Cola and Vault-Tec engraved slate coasters using the xTool S1 20W laser.

This popular option is perfect for gamers, collectors, or anyone who loves a touch of post-apocalyptic flair, these custom coasters are not only functional but a super unique conversation starter on the coffee table.

Put that laser cutter/engraver to work with some prominent engravings and have a cold, refreshing drink--or at least a place to set it, in just a couple minutes.

This tutorial walks you through everything you need—from design setup to engraving to finishing—so you can create your own laser-engraved slate coasters in any theme you dream up.

Let's get started!

Bring the world of Fallout into your home with a fun and creative DIY! Learn how easy it is to make Nuka-Cola and Vault-Tec engraved slate coasters using the xTool S1 20W laser. This popular option is perfect for gamers, collectors, or anyone who loves a touch of post-apocalyptic flair, these custom coasters are not only functional but a super unique conversation starter on the coffee table. Put that laser cutter/engraver to work with some prominent engravings and have a cold, refreshing drink--or at least a place to set it, in just a couple minutes. This tutorial walks you through everything you need—from design setup to engraving to finishing—so you can create your own laser-engraved slate coasters in any theme you dream up.

Why Choose Slate for Laser Engraving?

Slate is an ideal laser material, especially for beginners who want bold, high-contrast results without a lot of post-processing.

When engraved, the laser lightly removes the top layer of stone, revealing a chalky, light-colored graphic that stands out beautifully against the naturally dark surface.

Some reasons makers love slate coaster projects:

High contrast without paint filling
Requires minimal prep
Great for text and logos
Works with diode lasers like the xTool S1
Affordable blanks available online
Durable, heat-resistant, and stylish

Even a simple logo looks polished when engraved on slate—which is why fandom-based designs, like Fallout’s retro-industrial imagery, look especially good on this material.

Materials Needed for Slate Coaster Engraving:

xTool S1 laser cutter/engraver
Computer with XCS (xTool Creative Space) installed
Round or square slate coaster blanks
Rubbing alcohol and lint-free cloth
Soft brush or microfiber towel

Optional Items

Masking tape (for precise placement)
Grip mat or honeycomb panel
Calipers or ruler for exact sizing
Mineral oil (optional but recommended)

Materials Needed for Slate Coaster Engraving: xTool S1 laser cutter/engraver Computer with XCS (xTool Creative Space) installed Round or square slate coaster blanks Rubbing alcohol and lint-free cloth Soft brush or microfiber towel Optional Items Masking tape (for precise placement) Grip mat or honeycomb panel Calipers or ruler for exact sizing Mineral oil (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Choose or Create Your Design

The first step is deciding what image to engrave. Slate handles line art, simple graphics, and text exceptionally well.

For my coasters, I created two Fallout-themed designs:

Vault-Tec logo: the iconic gear emblem and block lettering.
Nuka-Cola logo: the nostalgic vintage soda script.

Both are clean, bold designs that engrave crisply on stone.

But the possibilities are endless. You can engrave:

Monograms
Last names or house numbers
Pet silhouettes
Fandom icons (Mario, Marvel, Disney, Zelda, etc.)
Wedding dates or coordinates
Botanical or geometric line art
Funny drinkware sayings
Seasonal decorations
Business logos

If you can convert it to SVG, PNG, or JPG, you can engrave it.

Step 2: Prepare Artwork in XCS (xTool Creative Space)

Open XCS and import your chosen design.

Tips for the best engraving results:

Use SVG files when possible—they stay crisp at any size.
If using PNG or JPG, choose images with high contrast.
Avoid overly thin lines; aim for medium-to-bold strokes.
Size your image slightly smaller than the coaster (about 3.5"–3.7" for a 4" coaster).
Center the artwork using the alignment tools.

Pro Tip:

Create a circle (the same size as your coaster) as a temporary placement guide, center your design inside it, and delete the circle before engraving.

Step 2: Prepare Artwork in XCS (xTool Creative Space) Open XCS and import your chosen design. Tips for the best engraving results: Use SVG files when possible—they stay crisp at any size. If using PNG or JPG, choose images with high contrast. Avoid overly thin lines; aim for medium-to-bold strokes. Size your image slightly smaller than the coaster (about 3.5"–3.7" for a 4" coaster). Center the artwork using the alignment tools. Pro Tip: Create a circle (the same size as your coaster) as a temporary placement guide, center your design inside it, and delete the circle before engraving.

Step 3: Prepare Your Slate Coasters

Slate often arrives dusty or coated in stone powder. Clean it before engraving:

Wipe with rubbing alcohol.
Brush out any chips or debris from the textured edges.
Make sure it’s completely dry.

If you want ultra-precise placement, apply a ring of masking tape around the coaster on the laser bed so you can duplicate the exact alignment for multiple pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Your Slate Coasters Slate often arrives dusty or coated in stone powder. Clean it before engraving: Wipe with rubbing alcohol. Brush out any chips or debris from the textured edges. Make sure it’s completely dry. If you want ultra-precise placement, apply a ring of masking tape around the coaster on the laser bed so you can duplicate the exact alignment for multiple pieces.

Step 4: Dial in the Correct Engraving Settings

Slate is one of the easiest materials to engrave with a diode laser and I typically use the xTool recommended settings for slate/rock.

Here are excellent starting settings for the xTool S1:

Power: 90–100%
Speed: 200–300 mm/s
Passes: 1
Lines per cm (LPI): 140–200

Higher LPI gives more detail, but 140 is plenty for most logos.

You may want to run a small test swatch on the back or on a spare coaster to check brightness and line clarity.

Step 4: Dial in the Correct Engraving Settings Slate is one of the easiest materials to engrave with a diode laser and I typically use the xTool recommended settings for slate/rock. Here are excellent starting settings for the xTool S1: Power: 90–100% Speed: 200–300 mm/s Passes: 1 Lines per cm (LPI): 140–200 Higher LPI gives more detail, but 140 is plenty for most logos. You may want to run a small test swatch on the back or on a spare coaster to check brightness and line clarity.

Step 5: Start the Engraving

Once everything is set:
Close the lid.
Hit the start button.
Watch the xTool S1 work its magic.

Slate engraves fast—each coaster usually takes between 2 and 10 minutes depending on design complexity.

You’ll see a light dust plume during engraving. This is normal and easily cleaned later.

When the engraving is finished:
Let the coaster cool.
Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
Clean lightly with alcohol to reveal the final design.

Your Fallout logos should appear crisp and bright—a perfect high-contrast white pattern against the dark stone.

Step 5: Start the Engraving Once everything is set: Close the lid. Hit the start button. Watch the xTool S1 work its magic. Slate engraves fast—each coaster usually takes between 2 and 10 minutes depending on design complexity. You’ll see a light dust plume during engraving. This is normal and easily cleaned later. When the engraving is finished: Let the coaster cool. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth. Clean lightly with alcohol to reveal the final design. Your Fallout logos should appear crisp and bright—a perfect high-contrast white pattern against the dark stone.

Step 6: Optional—Enhance the Finish with Mineral Oil

If you want a polished, professional finish, treat the coaster with mineral oil or a slate conditioner.

This enriches the natural stone color and makes the engraved design pop.

To apply:

Add a few drops of oil to a cloth.
Rub over the whole surface.
Buff off any excess.

You’ll see a noticeable improvement in contrast and sheen.

You can skip this step, but it really elevates the look.

Step 6: Optional—Enhance the Finish with Mineral Oil If you want a polished, professional finish, treat the coaster with mineral oil or a slate conditioner. This enriches the natural stone color and makes the engraved design pop. To apply: Add a few drops of oil to a cloth. Rub over the whole surface. Buff off any excess. You’ll see a noticeable improvement in contrast and sheen. You can skip this step, but it really elevates the look.

That's it!

Making laser-engraved slate coasters with the xTool S1 is one of the easiest and most satisfying projects you can do with a laser engraver.

Slate engraves beautifully with high contrast, requires minimal prep, and turns simple graphics into polished, professional pieces.

Whether you’re creating fandom-inspired pieces like my Vault-Tec and Nuka-Cola coasters or designing personalized sets for gifts, home décor, or small business products, slate offers endless customization possibilities—and the process is quick, fun, and beginner-friendly.