Help with toner transfer (noob problems)

[chromepasta]

Hello, new posting here but have lurked for quite a while!
I've been wanting to try etching enclosures for ages and thought I'd give it a go this week.

Problem is, I just can't seem to get the toner transfer to the pedal to go smoothly. It's a 120x95mm eddystone enclosure, printer is a Brother HL-1110.

First, I tried some canon glossy 265gsm inkjet photo paper
- sanded the enclosure down from 200 to 400 grit wet and dry
- cleaned the surface with acetone
- printed the design, carefully cut it out, aligned it to the enclosure and taped it down
- left a full heat iron on the top for 45 seconds or so then spent around 15 minutes gently circling the top

The paper stuck to the enclosure like glue and I had to sand it off. The paper was just separating and coming off in layers.
The iron was also covered in a sticky residue that took an hour of acetone and persuasion to come off.

Bought some HP professional laser paper, 120gsm (this was recommended in a few threads I read on this board)
- same again, sand flat and smooth, print graphic (on fine detail this time, hoping there would be more toner)
- iron on full heat for 45 seconds then 12 minutes of gentle circling, this time I used grease/baking paper to prevent sticking)

Same problem as before, after the enclosure had cooled I tried to remove the paper and it just separates and tears off.

Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Am I ironing for too long?

Here's a picture to show you what it looks like:


I think it's a bit ambitious in terms of detail but I'd expect it to just be poorly defined rather than sticking to the surface and tearing when removed 

Thanks for reading, any advice greatly appreciated!!

[deadastronaut]

have you tried soaking it and rubbing off the paper?.

sometimes i can get away with peeling off, sometimes not...

the iron will get your box very hot, very quickly...
i place iron on, let warm, then rub about for around 2 mins...if that..

if the toner has taken to it, it should be able to handle a bit of rubbing...with a sponge etc..

heres my method

[chromepasta]

I think it actually did work, thanks.

I just had to soak it and gently roll most of it off with my thumb. Some big patches came away but that was definitely because I tried peeling the whole thing off in one. Next attempt will hopefully be a success 

Thanks for the help!

[deadastronaut]

cool, your welcome..

when you get you get your toner on there, hold the dry box under a light, and you may see

little silver specks where there isnt toner...dab them with a little nail varnish.

its all in the prep. 

edit: try using a coarser grit paper for your initial sanding, i use 180,...you can go finer later.

[bluebunny]

I can't believe I just watched a ten and a half minute video on etching an enclosure (I have the attention span of a... oh look, there's a cat on the fence! ...hmm, where was I?).  Yeah, but I did.  It was mesmerising.  Brilliant video Rob.  It almost makes it look like I could try it without triggering some huge natural disaster and/or incurring the wrath of Mrs. B.  Many kudoses to you, mate.   

[deadastronaut]

yeah, you need plenty of popcorn too...

cheers man.