Enclosure Etching Database

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Hoping I can get a LOT of recommendations for good, quality, prefferably cheap, ideas for photo/glossy paper to use for enclosure etching. I have tried with PnP blue with miserable results. I have read the tutorials and I can practically recite them by heart however, I am still in need of a PROVEN paper to use for the toner transfer.
If you have had success with enclosure etching, please list your paper choice and printer setup below so others can know where to get their paper and what printers to use. Please be specific (paper brand, weight, place of purchase, printer model, technique if it differs from the tutorials, etc.) The more the better.

Thanks - 

[MikeH]

I've had good results with pnp using the printers at my work.  Big HP laserjet types.  I had a lot of failures before I realized it's really all about getting the enclosure mirror smooth.  If you couldn't see a ninja sneaking up behind you in the reflection in a dimly lit room... it's not smooth enough yet. 

[Jimi W]

Hello,
If you're from the UK I can recommend the Value Glossy Inkjet Paper from Morrisons Supermarket. Think it was £5/6 for 40 A4 sheets. I use it with an old small HP Monochrome Laser Printer at my wifes workplace. Their bigger printer did melt the paper when she tried it.

I follow Slades tutorial, iron on medium temp for 3 mins then full temp for another 7-9 mins depending on size of enclosure.
I really pay attention to the edges of the paper, pressing on hard with the very tip of the iron. You can see a score mark/indentation where I've concentrated the iron tip. I then do the same technique all over the print.
After the 10/12 minutes I drop the enclosure in a bowl of hot soapy water. After a few minutes I roughen the paper surface with my finger nail. After about 5 minutes the paper back will peel off. The left over paper residue will rub off with your finger and the detailed bits benefit from a a toothpick.

Hope that is of some use to someone. It's pretty much as Slade/John/Mark have stated in their tutorials.

Jimi

[deadastronaut]

even better, if your in the  UK...

poundland....£1.00 for 25 sheets a4 glossy...cheap as f.... and works a treat!....

[craigmillard]

Just like to say i use the Morrisons Value Glossy Paper and it certainly does work a treat!

Leaves the glossy film behind on the toner for added protection and Jimi W process is exactly the way i do it too!

[MoltenVoltage]

Brother Laser Printer
+
Kodak Glossy Photo Paper
=
Consistent Success

The BIG secret is to pre-heat the copper with a blank piece of photo paper in between before you put on the one with the image.  BUT be sure you have it straight because it likes to stick right away!