What you should pay attention to when printing on foils

When a printer is purchased, often only very few users know what the printer can do in detail. In fact, modern printers can not only load and print normal copy paper, but also special types of paper. The film belongs to this special type of paper. The film is shiny and smooth and is therefore not always easy to print on. Even laser printers can have their problems with the paper. However, there are some tips and tricks that can be followed to get the best results!

The printers in comparison

In principle, all printers can be used for the foil printing. Whether laser printers or inkjet printers - both variants can be used without any problems. However, users should pay close attention to the little things in advance so that the result leaves no bad impressions.

An inkjet printer has the easiest way to print on transparencies. The printer should on the one hand have a separate paper tray, on the other hand, users should order the appropriate film papers. In the shop, these films are sold as normal film papers for inkjet printers. It is important that the film can absorb the ink from the printer. If this is not the case, the ink would bead off and can be blurred immediately after printing or completely wiped off. But if both features are met - paper tray and matching foil - all motifs can be printed on the paper.

It gets more complicated with the normal laser printer. A laser printer uses heat to burn the subject onto the paper. The heat can cause papers to become statically charged, which can lead to several film papers stapling together when they are in the unit in larger quantities. For this reason, a laser printer should always only have one sheet of paper in the paper slot. Again, the separate paper tray is advisable, otherwise the paper could crumple in normal ways.

In addition, the right paper must always be selected for a laser printer. An inkjet printer film would burn when inserted into the printer. The paper must be able to withstand temperatures of up to 220 degrees Celsius. Manufacturers always state the heat resistance on the packaging. A black and white print has a temperature of just 180 to 190 degrees Celsius. However, if users want to do color printing, 220 degrees Celsius is not uncommon.

With the right paper types, however, foil printing is possible with both printer types! Slides just need to be placed in the correct tray.

The preparation for the foil print

If you want to load and print transparencies, you should do some preparation and follow up. In preparation, it depends on the right slides at the first moment. Once these are ordered, the transparencies are placed in the printer. In a laser printer individually, in an inkjet printer, several documents will be possible. If you still want to print multiple slides simultaneously with a laser printer, users can fan out the slides.

Slides are usually charged statically and often adhere to each other. In an inkjet printer, the antistatic guide is usually no problem - in a laser printer films can not always be grasped, since the image drum itself works with heat. The fanning can and should be done manually. The paper stack is taken in the hand and then fanned out. Thus, air gets between the films, which in turn means that the films do not adhere to each other.

If the films have some moisture, the pressure should be stopped immediately. Moist films can form if they are stored incorrectly. Especially in the basement, moisture can penetrate into the films, which in turn means that the films not only adhere to each other, but also stick. No matter if inkjet printer or laser printer - both printer versions can not handle wet films.

Drying is therefore absolutely necessary. Errors during printing can arise even if there are grease stains on the film. Especially with inkjet printers can thus cause errors in printing by the color does not adhere properly to the paper. With a laser printer, this error is far less likely, but according to experience, it still can happen.

Tip: Moisture can not only occur when stored incorrectly, but also when entering a room. If the previous room is very cold and the adjoining room is very warm, foils may fog due to their nature. Again, drying is extremely important before the papers are inserted into the printer.

Choose the right page

When it comes to film printing, it always depends on the right film being used - this has already been mentioned. However, it should always be ensured that the right slides are selected with matching page. Transparencies are only printable from one side - the other side is usually dull and dull.

Users should therefore look into manufacturers' recommendations on how to use the paper. Some printers prefer a paper feed with the matte side up - others will prefer printing with the film side. But here it always depends on the manufacturer.

In addition, some printers do not recognize the slides as paper. The glossy side may cause the printer to notice a reflection and thus give an error message. For this reason, transparencies are often placed in the printer with the back side. Alternatively, there are also foil sets which are equipped with a so-called sensor strip. Although this is fed into the printer, a pressure on the sensor strip does not take place. Manufacturers also change the use of these strips again and again.

Postprocessing during film printing

Once printing is complete, a few points may be taken to prevent the film from being directly destroyed or damaged in the next step.

Generally, it is important to mention that foils should rest for a while after printing. Printing transparencies using an inkjet printer will take up to 5 minutes to fully utilize the film. In a laser printer, the paper can be used after a few seconds, since no liquid color was applied and no liquid color must dry. However, the paper is still very hot when it leaves the printer. Here it is recommended, if the paper is touched at the edges.

Important features when printing with transparencies

  • Choose the right type of film for inkjet printers and laser printers
  • Insert foil into the appropriate compartment
  • Avoid moisture
  • Allow foils to dry after printing
  • Read manufacturer's recommendations and operating instructions