PnP alternative

[rutledj]

I've read where some people have successfully used magazine paper instead of PNP blue to transfer pcb designs to copper. I guess my dumb question is don't you have to have a sheet with no writing or images on it to use or do you just print it over the type on the page?

Thanks,
Rut

[Ripthorn]

As far as I understand it, you can print over printed pages, because what you want is the toner on the coating of the page, so what is under the coating (magazine print) won't stick to your board.  There are lots of past threads about it, just search.

[darron]

hit search. this has come up heaps in the past. but yeah, the pages are waxy and it doesn't matter if there's an image. you need to find the really glossy magazines to get best results. or even the front/back cover of some cheap ones. i never had good results from it though. many others have. it's not going to cost anything to try.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

There are two different types of paper surface that are regularly described as successful:

1. the 'waxy' kind, like what is left after you peel all the adhesive labels off a sheet.
2. magazine paper that has a fine layer of white clay pressed into the surface (used for high-resolution photographs).
Oh and some kinds of photo grade printer paper.

But whatever you use, you will - almost certainly - have to be ready to spend many hours experimenting to get all the variables (temperature, ironing style, paper soaking and removal) "just right" and reproducible.
But, many have succeeded.. the best of luck to everyone.