FAQ | Gas City Creative | Laser Engraving and Cutting Questions | Medicine Hat Alberta
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered our most common questions right here so you can get the information you need quickly. If you do not find what you are looking for, please reach out. We are always happy to chat.
About Gas City Creative
Who is behind Gas City Creative?
Gas City Creative is a family-owned and operated creative studio based right here in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Run by a born and raised Medicine Hat mom and maker, with her husband and kids involved every step of the way. We design and make everything ourselves, right here in Gas City.
Where are you located?
We are based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. We offer local pickup for Medicine Hat customers and ship orders across Canada.
Do you have a storefront I can visit?
We operate primarily as an online shop studio. At this time we do not have a space open to the public for viewing. Please reach out and someone will be available to help you.
Are you a local business or do you dropship?
We are 100% local and everything is made by us. We do not dropship. When you order from Gas City Creative you are getting a piece made by our hands, in our studio, right here in Medicine Hat.
Orders and Custom Work
How do I place a custom order?
Head to our Custom Orders page and fill out the inquiry form, or reach out to us directly by email or through our social media. Tell us your idea and we will take it from there.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before I reach out?
Not at all. Some of our favourite pieces have come from customers who just had a general feeling or occasion in mind. We love helping figure out the details together.
Do you make products not listed in your shop?
Yes, absolutely. Our shop shows a selection of what we make but it is far from everything we are capable of. If you have an idea, reach out and we will let you know if it is something we can create.
Can I supply my own item to be engraved or cut?
In some cases yes. Please reach out first so we can confirm your item is laser-safe and suitable for our machine before you bring it in.
Do you do bulk or corporate orders?
Yes and we love them. We work with Medicine Hat businesses and Alberta companies on bulk engraved gifts, custom awards, recognition plaques, and branded items. Contact us for a custom corporate quote.
Can I see a proof before my order is made?
Always. We send a digital proof of every custom order for your approval before anything goes near the machine. Nothing gets made until you are happy with how it looks.
What if I want changes to my proof?
We will revise it. We want you to love your piece and we will work with you until the design feels right.
Laser Engraving Questions
What materials can you engrave?
We engrave wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic, laser-safe leather, flat glass, stone, slate, marble, coated and anodized metals, paper, cardstock, and natural fabrics. Visit our Laser Engraving page for a full breakdown.
Can you engrave tumblers, wine glasses, or mugs?
Yes we can engrave these items with our rotary.
Can you engrave metal?
We can engrave coated metals such as powder-coated items and anodized aluminum. We cannot engrave bare raw metal. That requires a fiber laser.
Can you engrave something I already own?
Sometimes yes, depending on the material and whether the surface is flat and laser-safe. Please reach out first so we can assess it.
Will the engraving last?
Yes. Laser engraving is permanent. It will not fade, wash off, or wear away under normal use and care.
Laser Cutting Questions
What materials can you cut?
We cut wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic, laser-safe leather, paper, cardstock, natural fabrics, EVA foam, rubber, and cork. Visit our Laser Cutting page for a full breakdown.
Can you cut metal?
No. Our CO2 laser cuts non-metallic materials only. Cutting bare metal requires a fiber laser or CNC router.
Can you cut very intricate or detailed designs?
Yes, within reason depending on the material and thickness. We will flag during the design stage if any part of your design may not cut cleanly at the size requested.
What file types do you accept?
We can work with SVG, DXF, PDF, AI, and high resolution PNG files. If you do not have a file, no problem. We design from scratch based on your brief.
Do you sell digital cutting files?
Yes. We sell original SVG and DXF cutting files as digital downloads for Cricut, Silhouette, xTool, Glowforge, and other machines. Browse our digital products in the shop.
Pricing and Payment
How much does a custom order cost?
Pricing varies depending on the product, material, size, complexity, and quantity. We have options for every budget from small pieces starting around $15 to large scale custom installations. We always provide a clear quote before you commit.
Do you offer payment plans?
For larger orders we are happy to discuss deposit arrangements. Reach out and we can work something out.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure Shopify checkout. We also offer EMT.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
Yes. Bulk and corporate orders receive pricing consideration. Contact us directly for a bulk quote.
Do you have gift cards?
Yes. Gas City Creative gift cards are available in our shop and make a wonderful gift.
Turnaround and Shipping
How long does a custom order take?
Simple pieces are typically 3 to 7 business days. Medium complexity orders are typically 5 to 10 business days. Larger or more complex orders are typically 10 to 21 business days. We will always give you a clear timeline when we confirm your order.
Do you do rush orders?
We do our best to accommodate rush requests depending on our current order volume. Please reach out as early as possible if you have a tight deadline.
Do you ship across Canada?
Yes. We ship to all Canadian provinces and territories. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
Do you offer local pickup in Medicine Hat?
Yes. Local pickup is available and free of charge.
My order arrived damaged. What do I do?
Please contact us right away with photos of the damage. We will make it right.
Materials and Care
How do I care for my laser engraved wood piece?
Keep it dry and away from prolonged direct sunlight. Apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil to engraved cutting boards or serving boards periodically. Do not submerge in water or put in the dishwasher.
How do I care for my engraved acrylic piece?
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough cloths. Keep away from high heat.
How do I care for my engraved leather piece?
Keep away from excessive moisture and condition periodically with a suitable leather conditioner.
Can I put my engraved cutting board in the dishwasher?
No. Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, dry promptly, and oil occasionally.
Still Have Questions?
We are always happy to help. Reach out through any of the options below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Medicine Hat, Alberta
gascitycreative@gmail.com