Toner Transfer Paper Problems

MJL21193 · 31st December 2010, 06:00 PM

Up until yesterday, I had been using a nearly empty pack of Staples photo paper (as recommended on Tom Gottee's site). It was the 100 sheet package. For those who haven't seen some of my PCBs, this is an example:

NPX_01124.JPG

a board that just came out of the etchant. Sharp quality - perfect results always.
So, about a year ago, I bought another 100 sheet package of the same paper - same name, same item number - 471865. I didn't need it until yesterday and I opened it up and did a print. The results:

NPX_01134.JPG

I tried another sheet, same thing. I compare this paper to the older stuff (I had 1/2 a sheet left) and there is a difference. The new one has less gloss and stays flatter, where the older one would curl slightly at the sides. The new one has a Staples watermark on the back, the old one doesn't.
I'm totally pizzed off - 100 sheets of useless paper and no (cheap) way of finding a good replacement. If Staples needs to 'improve' a product, why not re-itemize it. Don't claim it's the same product.

I went to Staples this morning and attempted to explain the situation to the nearest 17 year girl (that and 17 year old boys work there) but she was totally vacant - not a clue about what I was doing or what paper to suggest. I took a couple of their gloss sheets (from the print department) and bought a pack of HP photo paper ($18 for 30 sheets). Neither of these is usable. The HP I will return.

So, anyone out there have a suggestion for a replacement?

AndrewT · 31st December 2010, 06:46 PM

Hi,
some who have compared the recommended papers are saying the best results come from using glossy magazine paper.
Recently another Member reported the same as you, the new Staples paper does not work as well.

MJL21193 · 31st December 2010, 06:53 PM

I have used magazine paper and the results are good, just not as good as the original Staples paper - detail is not as sharp.
Another problem is all the printing already on the paper makes alignment tricky in a 2 sided design (as seen in the first photo above).

AndrewT · 31st December 2010, 07:04 PM

some are reporting better results if the PCB is heated rather than the paper.
The "ink" then sticks to the hot copper face.

MJL21193 · 31st December 2010, 07:14 PM

Worth a try, I guess.

My kingdom for a laser printer capable of printing directly to PCB! (under $500, that is)

NYCOne · 07:36 PM

I've run some home experiments as I was unable to find the old Staples paper.

If I prep the copper by sanding with 1500 grit in a circular motion, clean with acetone, then use thin, slightly glossy magazine paper, I get good transfers. I iron directly on the magazine paper, use a lot of pressure, and leave the iron sitting on the paper for 5 min.

With this method I get pretty good transfer, but occasional pinpoint holes. To solve this, on important boards, I take a thin sharpee marker and run all the traces. It's tedious, but the boards are perfection.

If anyone knows of a replacement paper for the old Staples, I'd be interested.

I also just found this link, worth a try?

http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...toner+transfer

theAnonymous1 · 08:34 PM

I tossed an almost full pack of the old Staples paper in the trash. I didn't even have a use for it as photo paper as I have a deep seeded hatred for inkjet printers.

Buy yourselves some HP Glossy Presentation Paper (Q2546A) and forget about using photo paper.

WHICH Laminator for Toner Transfer?

WHICH Laminator for Toner Transfer?

EDIT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCOne

I also just found this link, worth a try?

http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...toner+transfer

Intersting, looks like that fella and I both stumbled upon the same product. Good stuff.

MJL21193 · 31st December 2010, 08:49 PM

I'll check it out. Thanks!

MJL21193 · 31st December 2010, 09:00 PM

Looks like that HP paper is discontinued. Everywhere I look online, it is out of stock or unavailable.

gaborbela · 31st December 2010, 09:18 PM

Hello
I used to use the same paper in red cover from Staples.
Really those are the best. I also run out..
I have some advise please use the color copy printer the ink quality much better!
Also if still not work try to put under the PC board a flat heatsink or metal something. Set up your iron very hot.
Also I advise you first just push the paper with the iron until stick after cover the whole thing with a thin cloth 100% cotton and iron that way very well everywhere
After you finished the ironing right away trow the PC board to cold water.
After use hot water to clean done the paper.
Yes there is a difference between papers and papers.
I purchased similar in blue cover it was useless!
Greetings

31st December 2010, 06:00 PM	#1
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	Toner Transfer Paper Problems Up until yesterday, I had been using a nearly empty pack of Staples photo paper (as recommended on Tom Gottee's site). It was the 100 sheet package. For those who haven't seen some of my PCBs, this is an example: NPX_01124.JPG a board that just came out of the etchant. Sharp quality - perfect results always. So, about a year ago, I bought another 100 sheet package of the same paper - same name, same item number - 471865. I didn't need it until yesterday and I opened it up and did a print. The results: NPX_01134.JPG I tried another sheet, same thing. I compare this paper to the older stuff (I had 1/2 a sheet left) and there is a difference. The new one has less gloss and stays flatter, where the older one would curl slightly at the sides. The new one has a Staples watermark on the back, the old one doesn't. I'm totally pizzed off - 100 sheets of useless paper and no (cheap) way of finding a good replacement. If Staples needs to 'improve' a product, why not re-itemize it. Don't claim it's the same product. I went to Staples this morning and attempted to explain the situation to the nearest 17 year girl (that and 17 year old boys work there) but she was totally vacant - not a clue about what I was doing or what paper to suggest. I took a couple of their gloss sheets (from the print department) and bought a pack of HP photo paper ($18 for 30 sheets). Neither of these is usable. The HP I will return. So, anyone out there have a suggestion for a replacement?

31st December 2010, 07:20 PM	#6
NYCOne diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Blog Entries: 1	I've run some home experiments as I was unable to find the old Staples paper. If I prep the copper by sanding with 1500 grit in a circular motion, clean with acetone, then use thin, slightly glossy magazine paper, I get good transfers. I iron directly on the magazine paper, use a lot of pressure, and leave the iron sitting on the paper for 5 min. With this method I get pretty good transfer, but occasional pinpoint holes. To solve this, on important boards, I take a thin sharpee marker and run all the traces. It's tedious, but the boards are perfection. If anyone knows of a replacement paper for the old Staples, I'd be interested. I also just found this link, worth a try? http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...toner+transfer Last edited by NYCOne; 31st December 2010 at 07:36 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
WHICH Laminator for Toner Transfer?	RaymondW	Equipment & Tools	35	28th April 2012 03:31 PM
Toner transfer problems	john blackburn	Construction Tips	11	11th December 2010 08:54 AM
I tried toner transfer today...	gmikol	Parts	11	13th December 2006 06:00 AM
Laminator for PCB Toner Transfer?	dfdye	Parts	16	29th May 2006 02:52 PM
Toner transfer with a twist -- anyone tried this?	rif	Everything Else	17	7th September 2005 12:10 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

31st December 2010, 06:46 PM	#2
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, some who have compared the recommended papers are saying the best results come from using glossy magazine paper. Recently another Member reported the same as you, the new Staples paper does not work as well.

31st December 2010, 06:53 PM	#3
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	I have used magazine paper and the results are good, just not as good as the original Staples paper - detail is not as sharp. Another problem is all the printing already on the paper makes alignment tricky in a 2 sided design (as seen in the first photo above).

31st December 2010, 07:04 PM	#4
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	some are reporting better results if the PCB is heated rather than the paper. The "ink" then sticks to the hot copper face.

31st December 2010, 07:14 PM	#5
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	Worth a try, I guess. My kingdom for a laser printer capable of printing directly to PCB! (under $500, that is)

31st December 2010, 08:49 PM	#8
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	I'll check it out. Thanks!

31st December 2010, 09:00 PM	#9
MJL21193 Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Mar 2007	Looks like that HP paper is discontinued. Everywhere I look online, it is out of stock or unavailable.

31st December 2010, 09:18 PM	#10
gaborbela diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Hello I used to use the same paper in red cover from Staples. Really those are the best. I also run out.. I have some advise please use the color copy printer the ink quality much better! Also if still not work try to put under the PC board a flat heatsink or metal something. Set up your iron very hot. Also I advise you first just push the paper with the iron until stick after cover the whole thing with a thin cloth 100% cotton and iron that way very well everywhere After you finished the ironing right away trow the PC board to cold water. After use hot water to clean done the paper. Yes there is a difference between papers and papers. I purchased similar in blue cover it was useless! Greetings