It's hard to describe the residue left behind, not exactly oily or slippery in that sense, waxy might be a better term, but I've noticed that the image on the transfer paper wants to adhere to the pcb material immediately upon contact and it doesn't tend to slip around as I'm taping it to the board, and the tape adheres really well, too. It seems to act like very much like a primer or surface activator. For about $18 for a quart delivered from eBay or elsewhere, it is a very worthwhile addition. Do a search in this group for the original CitraSolv or Citra Solv post...they use the stuff to transfer the ink from images in magazines to fabrics and other materials as artwork and there is a website devoted to that aspect of it as well as several Instructables write-ups...but softening up the toner in the toaster oven, then running it through the laminator rollers is key to the process as well. I think a brayer roller or a wooden dowel would do as well, although not consistently like a laminator.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, David Mitchell <gossiphog@...> wrote:
>
> Interesting! I would have thought the oily residue would interfere with the
> process. I've never had any luck myself using an iron to do the transfer,
> but I picked up a HF laminator recently and been meaning to give it another
> shot.
>
>
>
> On Mon, May 23, 2011 at 1:07 PM, James Newton
> <jamesmichaelnewton@...>wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Fast Eddie" <epinnell@> wrote:
> > >
> > > The process I am using is a little involved but I'm getting great
> > results. Following someone else's recommendation this list, I use a product
> > called CitraSolv as a primer. CitraSolv is an organic cleaner made from
> > citrus (d-Limonene) that dissolves the toner just like acetone does. I use a
> > piece of 600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper and wet sand a the copper a little
> > bit to brighten up the copper layer and remove any surface imperfections,
> > then dry the board with a microfiber cloth and then smear a thin layer of
> > CitraSolv on it. It will evaporate within a few minutes leaving a dry but
> > very slightly oily surface. I print out the traces on magazine paper (which
> > will tend to transfer the ink from the page) or glossy inkjet photo paper
> > and tape it to the copper clad board with the blue delicate surface
> > painter's tape and run it through a laminator a couple of times to stick it
> > down to the board. I then pop the board directly into a toaster oven ∗with
> > the paper still on it) at about 375F for 2 or 3 minutes to melt the toner
> > and heat the board all over, then pass it through the laminator a couple
> > more times before it has time to cool. I then put it in a sink of cold water
> > with a little dishwashing detergent to soak the paper off the board. I get
> > great results! The transfer is very nearly 100% from the paper to the board
> > and the toner adheres very, very well...you can't scrape it off with your
> > fingernail.
> > >
> >
> > Nice write up! Thanks for sharing that...
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>