The principle
Omnicrom, which Pluss introduced to the UK in 1985, works on a simple idea. Laser printers and photocopiers fix toner to paper with heat. When you heat that toner again, it becomes slightly tacky. Lay a Pluss colour transfer sheet over the print, apply heat and pressure, and the foil sticks to the toner but not to the bare paper. Peel away the sheet and your design is left in metallic or coloured foil.
Because the foil bonds to toner, the image must be produced on a laser printer or photocopier. Inkjet prints do not carry toner, so they will not take the foil.
What you need
- Your design, printed or copied with good, solid toner coverage.
- Omnicrom colour transfer sheets in your chosen colour.
- A source of heat and pressure. Many inexpensive office laminators with good heat control will do the job.
- Scissors or a trimmer.
Step by step
- Prepare the artwork. Set up the areas you want foiled in solid black. Bold text, borders, logos and line art transfer best.
- Print or copy it. Use a laser printer or photocopier and check the toner is dense and even. Pale or speckled areas will foil patchily.
- Cut the transfer sheet. Cut a piece slightly larger than the area to be foiled. There is no need to cover the whole page if only a logo is to be foiled.
- Position the sheet. Lay it over the toner with the transfer side in contact with the print (if in doubt, check the instructions supplied with the sheets). Smooth it flat.
- Apply heat and pressure. Feed the print and sheet together through the laminator. Feeding them inside a folded sheet of paper helps keep the foil in place.
- Allow to cool, then peel. Let it cool briefly and peel the transfer sheet away in one smooth movement. The foil stays on the toner.
- Check and repeat. If any areas are incomplete, a second pass with fresh foil usually fills them in.
Tip: Laminator settings vary between models. Run a test on a spare print first and adjust heat and speed until the foil transfers cleanly and crisply. Too little heat gives a patchy result; too much can spread the foil beyond the toner.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Foil missing in patches | Thin toner or not enough heat | Darken the print; adjust heat; second pass |
| Foil spreading onto paper | Too much heat or pressure | Reduce heat or increase speed |
| Nothing transfers | Inkjet print, or sheet the wrong way round | Use a laser or copier print; turn the sheet over |
| Fine detail fills in | Lines or text too fine | Use bolder fonts and heavier lines |
Going further
You can also transfer onto Pluss self-adhesive film to make metallic labels and stickers. For inspiration, see our foil transfer project ideas and Omnicrom applications.
Get help with your first project
We have decades of Omnicrom experience to share. Call 01252 624411 or email sales@landoruk.com for advice, colours and current pricing.