Toner transfer papers for enclosure etching

[Cinder]

I've been trying to wrap my head around what type of paper you guys use for enclosure etching (aluminum).
From what I can tell a lot of people are using HP Presentation paper, I can't find that anywhere except from the US which is insanely expensive, so that's a no go.
I also see some talk about sticker backing paper - is this used for enclosures as well, or just for PCBs? I see there are a lot of sticker papers to buy on eBay, can anyone suggest a good item?

If sticker paper is not the way to go - what other glossy photo papers are good to use? I would prefer not having to go through 10 different brands to find something good :/
I'm in the EU, so there should be plenty of places to get something worthwhile.

Hope you guys can point me in the right direction!

[bluebunny]

I think some folks like to use glossy magazine paper.  I don't have any personal experience, just modest powers of recollection!    Someone else will doubtless be along soon to put me right.

...and welcome!

[duck_arse]

I don't have any personal experience, just modest powers of recollection!    Someone else will doubtless be along soon to put me right.

...and welcome!

he has excellent powers of recollection. done.

also, welcome.

[deadastronaut]

https://youtu.be/2cg4UoS6ecY

i use tesco 150gsm photo , good results...

and yes bluebunny has immense powers of memory....and dabbles with remote viewing....on thurdays.

welcome..DA. the other one...

[electrosonic]

Press n peel is not that expensive and works reliably. I get 4 1590bb etches from one sheet. You could probably get 6 1590b pedals etched from a sheet.

Andrew.

[Cinder]

Of the products you mention, are any of them available in the EU to your knowledge?

[lars-musik]

Hi,
I am using this: http://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B0030EMVS2 - often with very good results. Ordered it in Germany and this package might be enough for a lifetime.

[nickbungus]

That is amazing.  I've been trying to spray paint mine and I don't enjoy it and have had piss poor results.  I've got the hang of PCB etching so this looks the way to go for all future projects.  Thanks for sharing.

[mfunky]

+1 for lars-musics recommendation for HP paper. HP Printer with toner density set to max

[lars-musik]

I noticed that fine lines tend to blur during transfer when my printer's density is set to max. When etching pcbs I now even use the minimum density setting (no problems during etching and very fine lines are transferred) and for enclosure etching the setting 3 (of 5). You'll have to do some experimenting with your printer (I'm using the HP M127fw). Good luck!

[karbomusic]

Press n peel is not that expensive and works reliably. I get 4 1590bb etches from one sheet. You could probably get 6 1590b pedals etched from a sheet.

Andrew.

I have to pay close to 2.00 USD per sheet for PnP. The HP Presentation paper I use, I get 300 sheets for 17.00 USD. 300 sheets of PNP would be 600.00. Though I am a big fan of PnP, the presentation paper appears to work just as good and appears based on some testing to be far more consistent and less finicky and possibly better minus the extra work of removal of the paper... Just as an FYI. .

[karbomusic]

I noticed that fine lines tend to blur during transfer when my printer's density is set to max. When etching pcbs I now even use the minimum density setting (no problems during etching and very fine lines are transferred) and for enclosure etching the setting 3 (of 5). You'll have to do some experimenting with your printer (I'm using the HP M127fw). Good luck!

You want the highest density and less heat/pressure; the blurring isn't a density issue. It's blurring from being too hot because there are two temperatures for toner... fusing temp and melting temp. The former is a little lower than the latter and the former is what you want while staying below the melting temp (if it blurs it melted). The highest allows sharp results and less porosity but you have to keep the heat/pressure in the happy zone. If you do, you'll get much better results.

[edy_wheazel]

 I use cheap photo paper for pcb and enclosures. It peels off without soaking it into water.