Laser Cut Beach-Themed Wind Chime With UV Resin Waves - Full Build

When my mother-in-law lost her beloved German Shepherd, Samson, I wanted to create something meaningful for her. Since she spends a lot of time at her cottage on the lake, I decided to make a custom wind chime featuring a UV resin ocean wave design.

This project combines laser cutting, wood finishing, UV resin techniques, and final wind chime assembly. Along the way, you'll learn several useful finishing and resin techniques that can be applied to many other projects.

Materials Used: Laser & Wood

1. xTool P3 - https://www.xtool.com
2. Baltic Birch Plywood

¼ - https://amzn.to/4nVIyMC ⅛ - https://amzn.to/4fbQdnP Sanding & Prep

1. Wood Conditioner - https://amzn.to/4edIFjp
2. Sandpaper - https://amzn.to/49wVxyB
3. Blue Shop Towels - https://amzn.to/49YudcA
4. Microfiber Towels - https://amzn.to/3RzAmWt
5. Disposable Nitrile Gloves - https://amzn.to/4a6dkN9

Stain & Sealant

1. Oil-Based Wood Stain - https://amzn.to/3QbM9ty
2. Spar Urethane Sealant - https://amzn.to/434Y8fw

Resin & Pigment

1. Let’s Resin UV Resin - https://amzn.to/49s0nwX
2. Eyecandy Satori White Pigment Paste - https://eyecandypigments.com

Tools

1. Resiners Heat Gun - https://amzn.to/49Yunkc
2. UV Flashlight for Resin - https://amzn.to/3RHM5lK
3. Small Squeeze Bottles - https://amzn.to/4ehVdp1
4. Deburring Tool - https://amzn.to/4uBsMJj

Paint Markers

1. Ohuhu Nahuku Acrylic Paint Markers - https://amzn.to/4u3zN4I

Beach Materials

1. Craft Sand for Resin Art - https://amzn.to/49zjpBE
2. Mini Seashells & Starfish Set - https://amzn.to/4uF5H8x

Wind Chime Assembly

1. Wind Chime Tubes - https://amzn.to/4vil5aU
2. Waxed Cording / Nylon Cord - https://amzn.to/4nXwL0v

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A wind chime requires three main components:

1. Top base
2. Clacker (striker)
3. Wind catcher

The most important design consideration is the placement of the hanging holes in the top base. Each hole should be evenly spaced and positioned the same distance from the center to ensure the chimes hang evenly and remain balanced.

Once the layout is complete, you can customize the shapes and decorative elements however you'd like.

After laser cutting and engraving, lightly sand all surfaces.

Even smooth-looking Baltic birch can have small raised fibers that become more noticeable after stain or finish is applied. Light sanding creates a smoother surface and helps produce a cleaner final result.

Apply a wood conditioner before staining.

Wood conditioner helps:

1. Reduce blotchy staining
2. Improve stain absorption
3. Minimize raised grain

Allow the conditioner to sit for approximately 15 minutes. Most manufacturers recommend applying stain within two hours.

Thoroughly stir the stain before use.

Apply stain evenly using a lint-free cloth or shop towel. Wipe away excess stain and allow all pieces to dry completely.

For best results:

1. Wear gloves
2. Stain both sides of the pieces
3. Allow at least 24 hours of drying time

This drying period is especially important if you plan to laser engrave afterward.

Once the stain has completely dried, it's time to engrave your design.

For this project, I engraved the memorial artwork and lettering after staining the wood. Engraving at this stage creates a nice contrast between the stained surface and the lighter engraved areas.

Before engraving stained wood, make sure the stain has had plenty of time to dry. Even if the surface feels dry, stain underneath can still be curing. Engraving too soon can create excess smoke residue, poor engraving results, and can even become a fire hazard.

After engraving, lightly clean away any remaining residue if needed. Don't worry if the engraved areas look a little unfinished at this stage. The next step is sealing the project, which will help protect both the stained wood and the engraving for outdoor use.

Why Engrave Before Sealing?

Since this wind chime will be displayed outdoors, it needs a protective finish. Applying the sealant after engraving allows the entire piece, including the engraved areas, to be protected from moisture, UV exposure, and changing weather conditions.

Because this wind chime will be displayed outdoors, protect it with an exterior-grade finish.

A spar urethane sealant provides:

1. Moisture resistance
2. UV protection
3. Flexibility during seasonal temperature changes

Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to fully cure.

Mask the engraved side of the wind catcher with painter's tape before working with resin.

This helps prevent accidental resin spills and reduces cleanup later.

Create the base colors for the ocean using acrylic paint markers or acrylic paint.

Painting first adds depth and enhances the appearance of the resin waves later.

Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding.

Mix a small amount of UV resin with sand until it reaches the consistency of wet sandcastle sand.

Apply the mixture to form the beach area. Build up the texture in layers if needed to create a natural shoreline.

Cure each layer with a UV light before continuing.

Press miniature seashells and decorative elements into the beach area while the resin is still workable.

Once satisfied with the arrangement, cure the resin completely.

Apply a thin layer of clear UV resin across the water area.

Using a squeeze bottle or applicator:

1. Add a thin line of white pigmented resin along the shoreline.
2. Add a second line slightly above it.
3. Use a heat gun with a flat nozzle attachment to push the white resin outward.

Hold the heat gun at approximately a 45-degree angle and move slowly across the shoreline.

Once the wave pattern is formed, cure the layer immediately.

Repeat the process with additional layers.

For the second wave:

1. Apply a thicker line of white resin.
2. Use the heat gun to create movement and lace-like cells.
3. Cure immediately after achieving the desired effect.

Continue adding layers until you're happy with the appearance of the ocean.

Carefully remove the painter's tape.

If necessary, clean up the edges by:

1. Trimming excess resin
2. Sanding and polishing
3. Applying small touch-up areas of clear resin

Apply acrylic paint over the engraved portions of the design.

Because the wood has already been sealed:

1. Work the paint into the engraving.
2. Wipe away excess paint with a dry cloth.
3. Use a slightly damp cloth for final cleanup.

Allow the paint to dry completely.

Cut cord into approximately 12-inch sections.

The total amount required will depend on your design, but this project used approximately 18 feet of cord.

Thread one cord upward through the center hole and knot it underneath the base.

Thread a second cord downward through the center hole and secure it from the top.

These cords will support the clacker and wind catcher.

Thread and knot cords through the outer holes of the base.

Gather these cords temporarily and secure them out of the way while assembling the remainder of the wind chime.

Attach each wind chime tube using cord.

Feed both cord ends through the base, leaving the tube hanging approximately one inch below the top piece.

Tie a secure knot and repeat until all tubes are installed.

Check frequently to ensure all tubes hang evenly.

Attach the clacker to the center cord.

Position it roughly at the midpoint of the hanging tubes so it can strike them effectively.

Attach the finished resin wind catcher below the clacker.

Use multiple knots to ensure it remains secure during outdoor use.

Gather the hanging cords from the top of the wind chime and tie them together.

Adjust as needed to ensure the wind chime hangs level.

Trim any excess cord.

Your custom laser-cut ocean wave wind chime is now complete and ready to hang outdoors. The combination of engraved wood, outdoor finishes, textured beach details, and UV resin waves creates a unique coastal-inspired decoration that can withstand the elements while adding a personal touch to any porch, patio, or lakeside retreat.

If you'd like to see the entire build process from start to finish, be sure to check out the accompanying video tutorial. The video walks through every step and shows details that are difficult to capture in photos alone.