I wrote my first article on laser foil back in 1993 and I couldn’t be happier to see the shiny stuff making such a strong comeback. Since a lot of you don’t have laser printers, but you do have diecutters, I want to let you know of yet another method you can use for foiling. Foil sticks to the plastic in adhesive vinyl (gloss finish works best), just like it does to toner, so have at it!
IMPORTANT: Please use caution when using parchment or copy paper instead of the folders. If the combined stack is not large enough or stiff enough it can wrap around the rollers and possibly damage your machine.
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You are so awesome, Kay! I love this! I did not get a Minc machine yet – been on the fence, but this may push me over the edge. Love all you do – THANK YOU!! Hugs, Joy
Can you use an iron instead of the machine you used?
Possibly. Be very careful if you try it.
Oh, Kay, I just want to hug your necki!!!!!
Hello Kay,
Do I need that machine or can I use the iron?
Is this foil from Silhouette, can I order it there? So far I understand you have used two different sorts of foil, a red and a green one?
Sorry, perhaps stupid questions.?
Hi Maud,
Silhouette does not sell this foil, but it is becoming very popular here in the states from brands like Ranger, Minc, Martha Stewart, Decofoil and others. The technical name for it is toner reactive foil.
I love this! It opens up a lot of possibilities!
This is awesome! I’m beyond excited to see this since I’m kinda nuts for all things metallic! Quick questions, what are your thoughts on the Minc vs a basic $30 laminator? Is is worth the hefty price tag?? Thx so much, love your videos!!
I am not finding that the Minc works significantly better than my low end Scotch laminator for most things. However, I was not able to bond the foil to the vinyl with the laminator.
Does the minc get hotter than a regular one or why doesn’t it bond? I have a regular one, (the minc coming tomorrow). Why the 3 settings/ Wouldn’t you want it real hot for everything, lol?
The Minc is basically a laminator optimized for foiling. That means it gets hot enough and has enough pressure and distributes the heat and pressure more evenly than a laminator necessarily would. If the temp is too high the foil can wrinkle before it adheres or in this case the vinyl could melt, so you don’t just want it as hot as possible, but at just the right temperature and speed.
ok, lol. So I assume they tell you what situations you would want it on each setting? I’m one of those that needs the: put a in b then b in c that is red, lol. SPECIFIC instructions, lol.
Yes, the manual does give you the suggested setting for different things, you only have to experiment if it doesn’t work or if you try something new they didn’t include.
Your so clever! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try it with my vinyl.
What is the machine that you used to put the foil etc. through? Would an iron work?
the decofoil ones work on both paper and fabric thermoweb.com
Not sure what you mean. Decofoil and all of the other toner reactive foils (Minc, Ranger, Martha Steward, etc) work on all kinds of media including paper and fabric depending on what you use to bond them with. You would not use adhesive vinyl for fabric, for instance, you would use heat transfer vinyl instead as the bonding agent for this technique.
I have an old school laminator for business cards, would that work?
I did not have luck with my laminator and the vinyl, but its worth a try.
Genius!
Thanks for an informative post. I’d never have thought about the vinyl as a possibility. I recently pulled out all my 1990’s Color Tag and have been playing. I am using my cheap Purple cow laminator to bond it. Works great!
Nice technique Kay!!
Hi: Ok I see that my knowledge of vinyl needs expanding. Can you please clarify the type of vinyl and if one can get it at Michaels or where on the web one can find it.
The vinyl I use with the foil is glossy finish, which is not sold in craft stores. It is generally ordered online or obtained (sometimes scraps are free) from your local sign shop. Please see the “Which Vinyl do I Need” post on this blog for more info.
Great tips! I just bought a Minc (like yours). I did have problems with static using the folders. Parchment paper is easy and cheap. I have also seen people use printer paper folded over.
Vesta, are you saying you use parchment paper or printer paper for the “folder”? And, what do you mean “problems with static”?
Thanks so much! I Have been experimenting with and seeking info about TRFs. This is the first I’ve heard of the vinyl! Anxious to try it with all my metallic and holographic foil!
Thank you for a great tutorial (once again!) I have not had luck with the laminator at all, but that was using the laser printer. It doesn’t sound like the laminator will work with the vinyl either, so I appreciate your input about this. Maybe I’ll figure it out without having to buy another expensive machine!
This is awesome-especially since I have some off the wall vinyl from a grab bag that would be great to use with this-however I only have a laminator-So stilll gonna give it a try! fingers crossed-but guess won’t be too disappointed since it didn’t work for you! THANKS SO MUCH !! You are the best!!! I have learned so much from you over the years!
If the vinyl partially adheres, call it distress, and claim it was the Tim Holtz look you were after! LOL
Wow, Kay! I didn’t think I was interested in cutting vinyl but I am now! Thanks for this great technique. I don’t have a mint machine yet, but do you think a heat tool would work? Now I need the vinyl kit and a mint machine.
If you mean a heat gun, no that won’t work because you need pressure, too.
Amazing – may be a new favourite technique . Will try with die cut shapes etc xxxx
Awesome! wasn’t happy with the results using laser toner; can’t wait to get home and try my vinyl. Thanks so much!
If you want to try using a regular laminator for foiling check Jennifer McGuire YouTube.
Yes, you can use a regular laminator for foiling on toner, but it does not work on the vinyl, at least not for me.
I know what I’m going to do tomorrow! Cool
I have your basic $29 laminater & it works pretty good for the laser & foil technique. As Kay sd above hers didn’t work with her Scotch for vinyl & mine didn’t either. I went to Joanne’s & got a Minc, (I’ve previously sd it was way overpriced & wouldn’t purchase), I was so wrong! The minc worked wonderful with my glossy vinyl & fixed the laser prints that didn’t foil all over. To me it’s worth $119 to be able to use it so many different ways, (Joanne’s online price is 119, they will honor that in the store) Thanks again Kay, this opens up so many possibilities with all my glossy vinyl that I got free from sign shop!!
So happy to hear this, Judy! Thanks for taking the time to post your experience here.
Most places I checked were $99! And I didn’t want to pay that (cause I have too many craft things now, lol). So when HSN sent me an offer to take 20% off over Memorial Day, flex pay and free shipping, I took them up on it. It cost me $79 plus tax. Should be here today, yea!