Water drop test
- Place one small drop of water on an inconspicuous area and wait 60 seconds. A water-based finish (polyurethane, acrylic lacquer) will bead or sit on the surface. An oil-based finish or bare wood will absorb it quickly, darkening the grain.
- Water-based finishes respond differently to laser parameters than oil-based ones — knowing in advance lets us arrive with the right settings rather than calibrating on your piece.



