Best paper for etching enclosures?

[bamslam69]

Hi guys,

I'm currently unsuccessfully trying to transfer a design onto my 1590bb box. What I used was a sample pack of glossy photo paper that came with my old brother inkjet printer... it's just hit me that it's most probably made for inkjet printers only. When I iron it on, it seems to bubble up a lot in the middle. When I try to remove it, some of the image sticks a deep black, but most is only a very faint black.

I've been looking here and elsewhere for the right paper to use in a laser printer. Some posts call for glossy photo paper, other for glossy magazine paper. Looking through officeworks (a big stationery chain store in Australia), I never see anything labelled "magazine paper". Could it be this? "Colour Copy A4 Digital Gloss Paper".
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/colour-copy-a4-digital-gloss-paper-135gsm-250-sheet-ream-sp127685


I'd really like to get this design done cos it looks freakin' awesome IMHO, and I've procrastinated enough getting to this stage (over 6 months!).

Thanks in advance
Pete

[FUZZZZzzzz]

Hi! I use Epson S041126 paper in a laser printer. Iron it on at highest temperature (with some baking paper in between) and a lot of equal pressure. Works amazingly well. You need inkjet paper for this! with a laser printer. Otherwise it won't work. Thats the whole purpose of doing a successful transfer. Hope this helps.

[bamslam69]

Thanks Fuzzzzzz
So you DO use inkjet paper?

Another question is how soon do you attempt the iron transfer? - the laser printer is at work, I've just got an el-cheapo inkjet at home.

[FUZZZZzzzz]

the thing is.. you use inkjet paper in a laser printer so the ink doesn't attach properly therefor it transfers to the surface (enclosure) more easily. Its not optimal for your laserprinter. I personally got one 2nd hand for about 10 euros that I mainly use for pedals. But, your office printer will probably be even better as long as you don't destroy it.

I normally print it then wave it around a little before ironing it to the copper or enclosure. The way its printed. It will let go very easily, but will take some practice to get it right.

[GGBB]

Looking through officeworks (a big stationery chain store in Australia), I never see anything labelled "magazine paper".

"Magazine paper" is merely paper torn from a glossy magazine - not a store product.

[lars-musik]

I get fantastic results with HP HP CG964A and a chep HP laser printer.

Bought it here:
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0030EMVS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This was done with that paper:

[bamslam69]

So its a matter of finding a blank page in a mag and using that? I'd hate for my pedal to be displaying a shampoo ad, or Kim-ye's latest look.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

[John Lyons]

Best I've tried is HP "Presentation Paper" 130 Gram Glossy.
The image here says 120g but I don't think the weight matters at all.

[PRR]

> finding a blank page in a mag and using that?

No.

Take the Playboy etc center-fold. Glossy, heavy (clay-coated for ultra smooth surface and fine rendition of fine details). The image on it is roll-printer ink. Will not come off the paper. You over-print that with laser toner, which just sits on the surface. The toner melts with heat, comes off the paper. If you get the box hot, the toner melts to the box. The ink-image stays in the paper. You won't have any t** or @** on your pedal.

Yes, I know, Playboy is getting stale and nobody wants to cut-up their vintage girlie mags. Magazines in general getting hard to find. Glossy Car/Truck (Motor Trend, Hot Rod) and Fashion (Vanity Fair, GQ, Maxim) rags are still widely distributed, and use the right kind paper.

[bamslam69]

Awesome. Thanks for the help, guys.
I'll attack it later this week and post up the finished product when I get there.

[bamslam69]

Okay. I gave it a few shots this week. Using the base as a practice. Finally got it "mostly"correct last night. A few mistakes but at this stage I thought I'd bite the bullet. Gave it an etch tonight with sodium hydroxide and it's turned out quite well.
I'll give it a paint this week.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

[bamslam69]

A few things I learnt, which have already been mentioned elsewhere.
1. transfer has to be very flat, very tightly taped.
2. ironing takes longer than I expected. I had it going for over 40min. Even then the edges have stuffed up.
3. I was too ambitious with my first design. WAAAY too much detail. I'm going to have to touch up a few parts by scratching or something.
4. Etching looks very damn cool!

[italianguy63]

Best I've tried is HP "Presentation Paper" 130 Gram Glossy.
The image here says 120g but I don't think the weight matters at all.

+1 on John's post... This stuff is the bomb.  Only thing I use.

MC

[bamslam69]

Thanks MC, I'll stock up for the next pedal.

In the meantime, here's the etch, awaiting paint. (and touchups!)


http://imgur.com/bmKeKvb

ps. attaching images here just plain sucks!

[duck_arse]

you've done the hard work, bamslam, but fallen at the last hurdle.

Code Select Expand

[img]http://i.imgur.com/bmKeKvb.jpg[/img]


when you are doing the upload at imgur, hover the mouse pointer over yr image, and it gives you an arrow. hover the arrow for a sub-menu dropdown thing, which includes "get share links", clik that, then 'copy' "BBCode (Forums)". bring that back here [you don't even need to poke the pic of Mona, as the tags are included] and paste that link in.

the most important thing is to have an image extension at the end of whatever you paste between \[img\] tags, whereas your link was to the page itself.

but it looks allright.

[deadastronaut]

150gsm glossy photo....from tesco's. never had a problem with it..

[bamslam69]

Yeah I know Duckarse. I'm a dumbarse... forget how to do the pics every time. Good to see I can rely on you to fix up my f-ups!😁

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

[bamslam69]

I had plans to etch in, out & 9v symbol on each side, but I'll go with the simpler plan of using the baseplate.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk