Homebrew PCBs

Yes I have found the same issues.  The board must be heated to around 
60 celcius and remain that temp while it runs across the head.  Not 
easy.  I have to hack apart a heat sealer or laminator to try getting 
it to work and feel that attempt would probably be another score to a 
fatal try.

But the thermal ribbon material is really interesting!  Its a thin 
plastic clear ribbon coated with black wax, or wax/resin, or resin 
(depending on how much $$$).  Once an image is printed, say to paper - 
it leaves an image on the ribbon for the parts that didnt print.  I 
printed a circuit-board in reverse, and was left with a positive image 
on the ribbon.  With the correct amount of heat and pressure it is 
possible to seal directly to the copper - much like a toner transfer 
method.