A Question of Transfer Papers
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I received an interesting comment from a nice gal on one of my YouTube videos. It touches on something I get asked from time to time. So I thought some of you might want to see my reply below.
Subscriber:
"These transfers are stunning! But, I'm so puzzled. I don't know what is more confounding, that you use the dreaded glossy photo paper without destroying your gel plate, or that you use paper specifically made for inkjet printers on a laser and yet everything turns out gorgeous. What a puzzle. Nonetheless, you gained a new subscriber!"
My Reply:
Thanks so much. Fair point to be sure!
When I was learning, I was also confounded by other artists who do the same. Now, as someone who constantly tests transfers of my designs, sometimes over a dozen a week for the past 7 months, I admittedly am starting to see wear on my 8x10 plate. This is the size of transfers/designs I test most often to match the home printout customers use.
This may very well be from glossy laser transfers. Various wonky gel plate issues tend to leave us all wondering. I very well may need to replace my 8x10 once a year. They run about $20-$30? Considering what I spend on tubes of paint, papers, and a good stencil now and then... I am okay with that. It is a fairly small investment in comparison.
We each have to decide our comfort zone.
I know many people get attached to their plates, like that special holiday sweater or perfect, cozy pajamas. As an option, I also like the Hammermill 32 lb copy paper for laser transfers. Unfortunately, the inkjet people—also my transfer design customers—are limited to a few select glossy options. They may need a new plate at some point, but that may be a long time from now. I doubt most of them average over a transfer per day all year round.
A nearly identical thought process goes into printing on glossy paper with my Brother laser printer (Model DCP-L2640DW). I have likely done this at least 1,500 times now. So far, so good. Yes, they cost more than a gel plate to replace. If it melts down today, I will likely have some serious thinking to do, but for now I am riding the wave of a high rate of successful image transfer, saving me $$$ on toner and paint.
I hope that helps deconfound things a bit.
Cheers! - Nola
One note: As I write this post, my first order of the GELELF Laser Print Paper is on the way. Keep an eye out here and on the Gel Inspirations Facebook page here for a review. Will it change everything? As will all things gel, an open mind toward evolution is a must.