Etching - Paper issues

[ghostsauce]

So.. I went out and bought some HP advanced photo paper the other day and tried it and when ironing it on it just sorta melts the whole paper onto the metal. The toner I can see is transferring well but i have to sand it to get that paper off... Then I realized I had bought inkjet photo paper, and thought maybe it just isn't able to stand the heat.  So off I go to try another brand. This time I bought Staple's color laser photo supreme gloss.  Figured I'd better see if you guys have tried it, but I can't find mention of success with it via search. I'd rather not yank it out of the package until I get your opinions, if you don't mind. 

This is what I bought:

200 g/m2, 53lb - 9mil

[ghostsauce]

oh! /facepalm

Ok, I get it now. let this thread die, I didn't quite do all my homework

[Jimi W]

Hi,
I'm no expert when it comes to etching but I've been having some good results.

You need to use inkjet paper and print from a Laser printer. Seems strange but it helps the toner transfer.

When I do a toner transfer the paper becomes fully attached to the board/enclosure. I then soak in hot water with Fairy liquid in it for upto 30 mins. The paper back then just rubs off and leaves the toner and a very thin layer of paper. I then use a toothbrush and toothpick and scratch away the paper on the areas that are to be etched but leave it on the masked off areas. Seems to work fine.

As for paper, I do remember someone warning against a brand of paper and I have a feeling it was staples. If you are in the uk I can recommend the cheap photopaper from Morrisons supermarket. Works like a treat and is about £5 for 40 A4 sheets.

Jimi

[clamup1]

hey magazine paper works good too. paper from medical journals and costco magazines. its not the same size as regular paper but it transfers really well

[ghostsauce]

Hmm, interesting. Btw in case it matters I'm etchign an aluminum box not a pcb. After spending more time searching I found that it seems I'm supposed to soak the box for a half hour to get the paper to come off properly before etching. I read though that both laser and inkjet photo paper are fine because they both have the gloss layer on top.  I wish I could find the link thread again, but I'd rather use the laser paper since it's full-sized. I had to tape the smaller ones to a normal sheet of paper carefully so that it feeds through the copier properly.