Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

On Thu, Nov 7, 2013 at 11:18 AM, <w6nim@...> wrote:

Just getting started with the toner transfer method.  I found what I consider to be a great transfer paper:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/A4-10Pcs-Sheets-Heat-Toner-Transfer-Paper-For-DIY-PCB-Electronic-Prototype-Mak-/170900415631?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ca75648f
for $1.96/10 sheets, delivered. Prints nicely, perfect release, no soaking at all.

I love the English(??) on that web page! :-)

Can you describe that paper, i.e. what kind of coating etc.?

On to the problem:  I'm using an HP printer with an aftermarket toner.  It prints nicely onto the transfer paper, and transfers nicely to the PCB (using a GBC laminator, multiple passes).  Appeared to etch nicely (ferric chloride, for now, since I had some on hand), but I didn't have acetone ready to clean the toner off the etched board.  Three or four days later, acetone in hand, I cleaned the traces, and found numerous pinholes on all the traces.  I'm speculating that the toner absorbed minute quantities of etchant, and continued to etch until wiped clean.  Is this a reasonable assumption - that cleaning immediately after etching is required?  Or is the aftermarket toner suspect??

 It's probably due to the toner being somewhat porous, and the pinholes were created when you etched the board, not later. I don't think it's due to the toner brand.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

You can try sealing the toner with Toner Reactive Foil  http://www.pcbfx.com/main_site/pages/products/toner_foils.html

You also want to deposit as much toner as possible. Turn the printer settings to Darkest, Best Quality, and tell the printer you're printing on Thick and Course paper.