Toner Transfer problems

[Mattallica]

Hello all,

My apologies if this subject has been covered a million times.

I am trying to do a toner transfer from paper to pedal, with a clothing iron. Pretty standard procedure. I'm printing off my design on my inkjet printer at home, then running down to Kinko's and making copies on the laser copier. Problem is, I've tried several different thicknesses from card stock to the thinnest laser paper available, and my transfers are still sucking horribly. I heat the living daylights out of the paper with the iron, move it around, practically stand on it, and still a 50-60% spotty transfer at best. I've done everything short of using a rolling pin.

I'm wondering if the problem is with the toner from the Kinko's machine, or perhaps the paper I'm using? I've watched some youtube videos on etching, and it seems like their ironing-transfer process is going way smoother.

Thoughts or suggestions? Thanks guys!

[blearyeyes]

U need to use the right kind of paper.
Search the forums and read up.
I haven't done any etching yet.

Here is Cody's tutorial:
http://music.codydeschenes.com/?page_id=1388

[m-Kresol]

I pretty much use Cody's and Graham's tutorials (http://diy-guitar-effects.tumblr.com/etching). and yes, It could be the printer at Kinko's. I first used the huge office printer at work, which got the job done. Then I switched to the one Cody is recommending and it works way better. Also, I found that using a roller to apply pressure instead of directly with the iron helps a lot too. I just heat the whole thing-roller like mad-repeat for 10 times or so.

hope that helps.

[Lubdar]

I think I might be able to offer some good information.
I don't have a laser printer either so when I attempted my first couple of etches I had to go to Kinkos.

Unfortunately they did not allow me to use the paper I had purchased to print on (the HP photo glossy type as per Cody's recommendation).
HOWEVER, they have a "gloss white" paper that you can select from their available types of paper that was close to the texture.
This is a nice option in my opinion because I believe it is ~$0.10 a page.



In my very limited experience the transfer came out alright  even for me who had no experience whatsoever.


hope this helps...
Lubdar

[Mattallica]

Thanks for the info guys!

Lubdar,  what wattage of iron did you use in the transfer pictured?