How to Laser Engrave Leather Wallets

OMTech Laser Updated On June 12, 2025

Laser engraving leather wallets has become a go-to method for crafters, boutique shops, and entrepreneurs alike. The technique allows for crisp, permanent designs on leather, offering unlimited possibilities—from monograms and logos to decorative art and heartfelt messages. Whether you're crafting a one-off present or growing your product catalog, engraving brings a polished, custom touch.

OMTech laser engravers are an excellent choice for working with leather. These machines provide the right mix of power, accuracy, and design flexibility—ensuring that each design is sharp, consistent, and permanent. In this article, we’ll walk through the advantages of engraving on leather, the step-by-step process, and how OMTech makes the journey easy.

Why Laser Engraving Works So Well on Leather Wallets

Leather is a classic, high-quality material used in everything from wallets to belts and journals. When combined with laser technology, it transforms into a creative canvas—ready for text, graphics, symbols, and more.

Top Benefits of Laser Engraving on Leather:

Detailed Accuracy: Lasers produce fine lines and high-resolution textures due to their precise beam.
Lasting Results: Unlike printing or embossing, laser etchings won't rub off, peel, or fade over time.
No Contact Required: Because there's no pressure applied, the leather retains its original shape.
Fast Workflow: With optimized settings, engraving a wallet can take under a minute—ideal for small batches or custom same-day jobs.

Picking the Best Leather for Laser Work

Different leather types react in different ways to laser heat. Vegetable-tanned leather is often preferred for its deep, clean engraving marks. Chrome-tanned leather is usable too, though results may be lighter in contrast.

Avoid synthetic or coated leathers when possible—these can emit dangerous fumes and create uneven marks. Always engrave in a space with proper ventilation for safety.

Why OMTech Lasers Are the Right Fit

OMTech provides a range of CO₂ laser engravers, from compact desktop options to large-scale production units. CO₂ lasers are especially effective on natural materials like leather, making OMTech a great partner for creators at every level.

Why OMTech is great for leather wallets:

Produces clear, detailed marks with precision
Adjustable settings for various leather types
Compatible with software like LightBurn and RDWorks
Generous workbeds for larger items or multiple engravings
Helpful support team and in-depth documentation

Step-by-Step: Engraving a Leather Wallet

Design Your Artwork

Start by creating your design in a vector file (SVG, DXF, or AI). Choose fonts that engrave well—clean, bold fonts tend to look best. Use a program like LightBurn to arrange and scale your artwork to match your wallet.

Clean the Surface

Wipe the wallet with a clean, lint-free cloth. Some users lightly moisten the leather to reduce charring. Optional: Apply protective masking tape depending on your goals and material type.

Secure and Focus

Hold the wallet steady on the laser bed using magnets or weights. Then, focus the laser beam to the right height—either manually or using OMTech’s autofocus feature.

Set the Parameters

Typical leather engraving settings include:

Low to moderate power (10–30%)
Medium speed (200–400 mm/s)
No air assist unless you're cutting outlines

Run a test on a leather scrap first to fine-tune the settings.

Engrave the Wallet

With everything in place, begin the engraving process. Monitor the job and make sure your exhaust fan or fume extractor is running. Most wallet designs take under a minute to complete.

Finish and Clean

Once finished, wipe off any residue. You may also use leather balm or dye to darken the engraved section, but avoid anything that will obscure the image.

Creative Ideas for Custom Wallets

Here are a few engraving themes to explore:

Monograms and names for personalization
Quotes or special dates for gifts
Business logos for brand identity
Animal silhouettes or geometric patterns
QR codes or coordinates for unique designs

Laser engraving offers real personalization at scale. With OMTech’s precision, your creativity can shine in every piece.

Scale Your Business with OMTech

Thinking of turning leather engraving into a revenue stream? OMTech machines are built to grow with you. They support repeatable jigs, batch processing, and software that streamlines design and production.

Whether you're using a compact laser for hobby sales or scaling up to a pro model, OMTech has options for every stage of your business.

Final Thoughts

Engraving leather wallets with a laser elevates your product line to a professional level. With long-lasting details and limitless design potential, your creations stand out in any market.

OMTech lasers make it easy to deliver quality and consistency. Whether you're crafting a gift or launching a custom goods business, you’ll have the right tool to succeed.

Ready to Begin?

Explore OMTech’s full range of CO₂ laser engravers and take your leather engraving projects to the next level—one wallet at a time.