Toner Graphics

[DocAmplify]

I've tinkered with using a toner transfer as a mask for enclosure etching.  As I was doing it, I wondered if I could just transfer the toner to the enclosure and clear coat over it.  Has anyone tried this? 

I'm planning on making an Orange Squeezer.  I thought I'd buy an orange powder coated enclosure, iron on a toner graphic and seal it all under. 

[frequencycentral]

This:

[deadastronaut]

^ cool rick!....

hmmm not sure the powder coat will stand up to the ironing...(even though it is baked on)

if you were going on metal only, i don't see why it wouldn't...but...after sanding box (180 grit paper) clean, iron...etc...

spray a very very light dust coat, so the clear doesn't melt the toner.....let it dry, then another dust coat, let dry....(ive done it on metal and it works)

once youv'e got a few dust coats and its dried you should be able to go with a full clear after......

just remember to be very easy with the clear at first....i got too impatient and the toner ran!!!!!....  but it does work if careful...

if you do try the powder coated, test it on the bottom plate first.....

[elflicho87]

Hey Rick,
just one question, how did you remove the paper from the toner?
When I peel off the photo paper from the enclosure, after the ironing, some always remains glued on the toner, giving a light grey color result...
with a fine sandpaper, maybe?
nice work, btw, as always.

[deadastronaut]

i'll jump in..

toothbrush...

[elflicho87]

I'll give it a try, one day...
thanks

[frequencycentral]

Hey Rick,
just one question, how did you remove the paper from the toner?
When I peel off the photo paper from the enclosure, after the ironing, some always remains glued on the toner, giving a light grey color result...
with a fine sandpaper, maybe?
nice work, btw, as always.

After transfer I just give it a couple of minutes to cool (check the forum for new posts, have a wank) then peel off the paper. I rarely get more than a tiny area of paper stickage, which will just float off if soaked in water for a few minutes. Then I dry the panel and rub it with nail varnish remover on some cotton wool for about a minute, this removes the top grey layer of toasted toner and reveals the nice dark transfer underneath.

[deadastronaut]

nail varnish remover?....i use that to remove toner completely....i bet you have to be careful with that then..

[frequencycentral]

nail varnish remover?....i use that to remove toner completely....i bet you have to be careful gentle and loving with that then.. 

[elflicho87]

yeah, gentle and loving, but you need a pretty thick layer of toner too I guess
I will experiment soon, anyway. When I get tired of etching, which is kinda addicting
I would etch almost everything right now!

[deadastronaut]

what about when your w...ing?...more vigorous i guess!...

[frequencycentral]

what about when your w...ing?...more vigorous i guess!...

Nope, same. 

[deadastronaut]

cheers rick . i'll try that!...

[frequencycentral]

I'm sure you will Rob.....

[bluebunny]

I never imagined "DIY" could be so fun fun...   

[deadastronaut]

^ yeah its amazing the tips you can pick up...it worked btw...

[markeebee]

The nail varnish remover definitely helps.

[bluebunny]

I never imagined "DIY" could be so fun fun...   

"so fun fun"??  Wot the...??

That'll teach me to try to type one-handed.