Foiling with a Laminator - Is it Comparable to a Minc?

[@elztim5461]

For those who cant manage with a laminator, try to add a thick paper lets say 300gsm or more, just under the card with the foil on top. Most laminators dont give the right pressure on the foil to stick perfectly. So adding aditional paper under may help.

[@PlumMashable]

Great tips Elz! Thanks so much!

[@mousty33]

E

[@peiyul3520]

thanks for the comparison. I wanted to do hot stamping DIY lately, and have been researching. Conincidentally, I have the same Lowell Laminator, and was thinking if I could just use it to DIY, instead of investing a whole new DIY machine. and really greateful you have people here who comment and gave new ideas to it. Thanks allot again. Spotlight rocks.

[@lolamiller7556]

Thank you so much for this comparison. I started out with a standard inexpensive laminator and was never happy with the results. I did find out later on that I wasn't letting it heat up enough, but still not very satisfied. I was able to get a full-size Minc last year for Christmas for $70 (US) from Amazon and have not regretted it one bit.

[@PlumMashable]

I need to get my minc out more often, but I definitely think that if you do foil often, the minc is worth it. I'm so glad you found it useful!

[@clumsydasmirf]

Got mine for 60

[@24HourDiva]

Nice video. A key to not having any exposed ink transfer on your MINC transfer sheet is cover any exposed ink with Parchment paper (baking sheets) and ink won’t transfer when you put it through the Minc foiler 🙃

[@PlumMashable]

Great tip! Thank you so much!

[@Slimm_Sheedah1]

24 Hour Diva thanks for that!

[@marinab4262]

I use a laminator with my foil and it works perfectly. However, I have a laminator with different settings, most standart laminators don't seem to get hot enough for most foils. Trying different papers to put the print and foil inside also helps with different foils, it's really a bit of trial and error. With the foil I use I set my laminator to 125~175 mic (lamiators without settings usually have the lower heat for around 80mic) and put it inside of a folded sheet of 195g paper. It really depends on the type of laminator, those with more temperature settings tend to be more expensive than the regular 20$ ones but still far less expensive than the minc. :)

[@PlumMashable]

I think if you are someone who just wants to foil occasionally and doesn't mind if you don't get 100% perfect results, a laminator works fine. That said, I love my minc, so very happy I have it! Thanks for the tips though :)

[@sw-ew1ed]

Hi can you help me?? I have a laminator that can have really high settings. The problem is when I use like 150 it kind of over foils...like the other area gets the foil shimmer. When it's low...it doesn't foil. Do you like first heat only the paper and then send it??

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

s w I use the laminator on the lower setting but send it through twice.

[@jamiemonroe9236]

What kind of laminator do you use?

[@HarryMcKenzieTV]

thanks for sharing and validating my results with the laminator. im currently thinking of getting the minc machine. i noticed that if i foil something with my laminator that is small in size i get relatively good if not perfect results. but as the size of the foiled surface increases, the more inconsistent and wrinkly the output gets.

[@RaeMcDonald]

I found the same. I bought my minc with a 40% Spotlight voucher last year, after having used a cheapy laminator for foiling for about a year previous. The minc does give a generally better and more consistent result. Whether that makes the cost worth it or not, is a really individual decision. For me it definitely was worth it with the discounted price I got mine for (from memory I paid around $112). Great review!

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks Rae. I agree completely. It really does come down to if you want those consistent results or not. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@squuezybiscuit]

Thank you for taking the trouble to do the comparison. I tried today with my laminator result was ok, but think I will get the Minc based on your great video

[@PlumMashable]

Hey Eve! I'm so glad you found it helpful! There are lots of different ways to foil nowadays, but sometimes the old fashioned way is just as good!

[@kazza2024]

Just bought the 12 inch Minc last week from Spotlight. It was already $40 off on sale and then used the $40 coupon so got it for $120. I'm happy with that. Thanks for the video!

[@PlumMashable]

Great work! I love when Spotlight have the big sales!

[@sallyannfunder]

And you can remove "mess" from the folders with nail varnish remover... I found out by mistake :-)

[@PlumMashable]

I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip!

[@f3rzz476]

I guess you panicked at first 😂

[@christineh86]

Thanks for this!! I think I will get the Minc because I always get holes in my beautiful designs with the laminator and I get so frustrated over it! Sure cool distress effect but I want to choose when to have distress effect or not 😁

[@PlumMashable]

I find that even with the Minc, results aren't guaranteed. If you can accept the less than perfect results, you'll enjoy foiling a lot more!

[@whoooami2090]

5 yrs late here. I gave up foiling because I was unable to get good results with the laminator certain crafters recommended. I finally purchased the mini minc and I have to say, I was floored. The results are perfect! I wasted so much time and money with the laminator🤬. I don’t think the laminator gets hot enough.

[@carolloe2188]

Good review- thank you. New to foiling - my 1st tries with laminator failed but I keep trying! Lots of good tips here.

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks so much Carol. I'm glad you got something out of it! :)

[@pmacorky]

You can get the overfoiling on your carrier sheet off by using acetate ,nail polish remover but not one with conditioner or additives in it

[@PlumMashable]

oooh.. thanks so much for the tip! :D

[@hurricanekitty6736]

“This one took a REALLY LONG TIME to heat up, about 3 MINUTES”....that made me giggle 😊

[@PlumMashable]

#firstworldproblems lol

[@Gyft22]

great video, just what I needed to see

[@PlumMashable]

So glad it helped you Audrey! Thanks for watching!

[@debschurby1574]

First off… those who commented/complained about words & length of your video should be made aware there’s a fast-forward option. You responded very graciously. 💖 I’ve been teetering on the fence with this foiling thing. I have the AG Empress die cutter & l haven’t seen a companion hot foil machine, so trying to decide that way or to invest in the minc. I do have a super duper laminator l need to investigate the foiling options. I appreciate that you talked through your thought process & took the time to show comparisons with both machines. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼🙏🏻

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks so much DK. Everyone has their opinion, but I'm glad you liked my video. The biggest thing I've learned is it has more to do with your paper than it does with your foil or machine. Find the best cardstock or paper and you'll be set... even with a cheap(er) laminator! Good luck!

[@cindytran8620]

Just got a Minc machine on amazon brand new for $64 and that’s including tax. It’s sold by “American crafts”

[@PlumMashable]

Hey Cindy, thats a great buy! Well done!

[@wileycovington4497]

I've learned that buying quality foil makes all the difference.

[@PlumMashable]

Foil does certainly make a difference! Great tip!

[@craftsbyalisha1918]

thank you, i was about to buy a laminator , now im ordering a mic machine

[@PlumMashable]

So glad it helped Alisha! Have fun with your new toy!

[@dragonflydenise]

Great video. Really gives you a good idea of how both perform. Thank you.

[@PlumMashable]

So welcome Denise. Thanks for watching x

[@MoniqueCalabro]

I love your B roll footage! and the comparison is really nice! thank you!

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks Monique. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@shelldalton2775]

You can get the ink off your carrier sheet with acetone comes off very easy

[@PlumMashable]

Ahh!! thankyou so much Shell! I'll make sure to try that.

[@zenlicious]

i have used a laminator with my foil and it comes out patchy every piggin time, even when I run it through a couple of times.. any suggestions to improve would be very welcome

[@PlumMashable]

Have you tried rubbing the foil after its been through the laminator? I find that sometimes helps. Also, try running it through with thinner paper.. like baking paper.. instead of normal printer paper.

[@BenRequena]

Sounds like bad toner. Try testing with different laser printers. Your local print shop or library may be inexpensive resources.

[@gothmaniow]

What are the folders you use ... As i have tried the normal laminating sheets and they just seal themselfs like they are supposed to do ...thank you

[@laurafernandez1035]

Fantastic review! Just what I needed! Thanks!!

[@PlumMashable]

So glad it was helpful Laura! Enjoy!

[@sandraruiz3834]

I'm so glad I watched this looks like I'm getting a minc 😂

[@PlumMashable]

Good on ya! They are lots of fun!

[@GranHM]

Would love to have a Minc, using my cheap laminator I found, that it is too hot. It only works in the beginning, when it is on for a couple of minutes not only the prints are transferred to but lots of the whole sheet where there is no print. I discovered that after switching the laminator off for 5- 10 minutes and then switch it on again, the transfer is perfect allthough the laminator didn't give the green light for full heat. Trial and error.............. it's such a hard life as a wannabe crafter :)

[@PlumMashable]

Great tips Herma! I love trying new things and failing - I think you learn so much more from mistakes than successes!

[@WendysCraftDen]

Hi Herma. A sign of good a crafter is having the ability to find out tips and the best way to use things you have. You are a definiatley a crafter not a wannabe. My laminator arrived this morning so you can guess what I will be playing with later. Have fun xxx

[@daveblue4303]

I am having the same problem, when I run it through my normal laminator the foil transfers onto my design as well as all over my cardstock, I'm guessing my laminator is to hot, so I am going to use it when its warm.

[@megpaul8076]

This was so helpful! I have an odd question: what's the longest you've waited between print and foiling? I have a laser printer at my office but I have to drive home with my printables. Do you have any experience with longer periods between printing and foiling? Say, an hour or so? Thanks!

[@PlumMashable]

HI Meg, the longest I've waited between printing and foiling is about a week - I have printed them and then forgot them and then gone back to it.

[@kezzaroo]

I watched a different video where the host said they had left it for months so there really is no urgency with it :)

[@susanna1207]

I just (march 2023) checked if my 5 year old prints still work. They do 😅

[@soniaguzman762]

That large Minc is on Amazon right now for $78!

[@PlumMashable]

Great tip Sonia! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

It’s on Amazon for $78 today! The large one for $78!

[@PlumMashable]

Awesome! Great price. Thanks for the tip!

[@angusgluck4173]

I love your video content, its always good. One thing though, I think keeping it a little more succinct would be good. They get a little long for a pretty simple idea to get across

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks so much for the top Angus. I'll try and make my videos a bit shorter.

[@susiebrooke3852]

I don’t think it was long at all great info thank you for doing it !

[@eyeballing_]

Hello, I was wondering if you've had any experience with foiling on a piece that has been double printed, with both an Inkjet and Laser printer? For example, printing a design with an Inkjet printer and then reprinting with a Laser printer to add extra elements that would put down toner for the foil to adhere to? Thanks very much, your video was helpful as I'm interested in getting into foiling!

[@PlumMashable]

I haven't ever done it, but I would love to try. I just don't have a inkjet printer at the moment.

[@eyeballing_]

Totally understandable, thanks for the reply!

[@elztim5461]

It works. You can try with no worries.

[@sallyannfunder]

Just a short note... the Mini Minc is NOT A4 - the opening is (I believe) 6 inches wide :-)

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks for letting me know Sally. Sorry for the mis-information

[@ayellessnuffelhoek]

Is it for sale? How much is it??

[@adminmusicmgt7109]

Whats the plastic protector sheet that you have? I need something like that for my minc :)

[@PlumMashable]

Hi There. They are the transfer folders. Check out this link to find more information (americancrafts.com/products/heidi-swapp-minc-transfer-folders-2-pkg-6-25x12-12-25x14) but a google search will find you stockists in your country! Thanks for watching!

[@jess8151]

Thankyou for this vid! Just wondering if foiling can be done on glossy sticker labels?

[@PlumMashable]

As far as I am aware, yes you can. As long as it can go through a laser printer!

[@lyndahollins2881]

Hi 5 years in the future lol. I have 50 wedding invitations to foil and I only have a inkjet printer, I am thinking of going to officeworks to print them on the lazer printers, then laminating them with foil. do you recommend the MINC. as it is $168 here in Western Australia.

[@PlumMashable]

5 whole years! Wow! I can't believe people are still watching, but thankyou so much! I kept breaking my Minc's so now I just go with a $20 laminator, and it works just as well. Save your coins for the wedding :D

[@sword123n]

Hi I was wondering if we can Foil fuse a mylar bag / standy pouch . Do u think it could work🤔

[@PlumMashable]

I'm not sure.The mylar might be too thick. I have some here I can play with when I get a chance. You mean fusing it together though, not foiling it right?

[@taylahcurrie362]

For a laminator can I use baking paper over the foil and card an put through the laminator or do you recommend going Card Foil Baking paper Normal white printer paper ? Thank you

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Taylah, it honestly doesn't matter so much, you could even go through with not the printer paper and just put baking paper. It all depends on your laminator and the temperature it hits. Trial and error is the best way. Good luck!

[@beauti60]

Great video thank you for shairing.

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks Patricia

[@charlottegregory2624]

Hello, your videos are amazing! I was wondering if you could give me a little advise if possible? I’m a designer so have good knowledge of photoshop/illustrator. I’m looking to design and create my own foil wedding invitations for my wedding and I just can’t seem to get it right! They’re created in illustrator, my colour setting is set at K 100% CYM 0%. But when they’re printed and go through the minc machine I am getting tiny black spots! I have tried everything and I mean every setting on the printer, setting on the minc machine and those black dots are going no where! Just wondered if you had any advise? Thank you in advance!

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Charlotte. I sometimes have the same issue with foil dots transferring. My best advice is try it on different heat settings.. start on the lowest and move up until you get the best result, but leave everything else the same (same paper, same foil, same protective sheet). Let me know how that goes!

[@victoriacunningham6582]

thank you 😊

[@crystalharris9076]

Can you use any laminating sheets for the minc? I don’t want to invest in a minc if I have to constantly use minc products to get good results.

[@PlumMashable]

When it comes to laminating, any sheets work fine. You don't need to use Minc foil to get a good result, but I do find its slightly more consistent, but not by much. Hope that helps!

[@lovedicedtomatoes9653]

Thanks for this. I love your accent.

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed my video!

[@martynaosuchowska7339]

Did you try minc higher temperature for this print?

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Martyna, I've tried all temperatures and I get mixed results. I do find they are slightly more consistent with the Minc though.

[@shyladiaz4617]

Does it stick only on laser print ?

[@MrsBee-uo2lc]

Yes. But they also make a pen that you can use or just go to your local print shop and ask them to print for you on a lazor printer.....,.

[@PlumMashable]

Hey Shayla, yes it only sticks to things printed with a laser printer. The toner reacts with the foil. I hope that helps!

[@PlumMashable]

I've not found the pen to be very good, but the toner ink is pretty good! Thanks for commenting!

[@raymondpabon1544]

Si lo pasas dos veces por el laminador????

[@danicawhite5478]

I don't know if this is a dumb question but I'm just curious when you do use a laminate not necessarily the mink one but a regular one does it actually laminate or do you take the laminate out or is it just to heat it up I'm a little confused on the process if it's question makes sense

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Danica. You don't use a laminating pouch when you are foiling. I usually just use normal kitchen baking paper to stop the laminator from burning the foil. Let me know if that doesn't make sense and I'll try and explain better

[@mjmaruf]

I had the same question. You show the process using some kind of plastic pouch (which was mentioned as a small laminating pouch in the beginning of the video). I’m guessing these are not “laminate-able” that come with the minc. If so, can we buy these separately?

[@PJCC_BAISH]

Thatz what am thinking too.. Is the principle of foiling is just heat it up to transfer tje foil to laserjet inked paper?..

[@oli4oli]

What kind of pouch are you using? It doesn't completely seal in the laminator.

[@PlumMashable]

The pouch is a special minc one that won't seal up. It's called a transfer folder. They aren't necessary and you can use computer, baking or parchment paper instead if you wish. Here's the link to them on Heidi's website, just in case you want to check them out though : heidiswappshop.com/shop/minc-transfer-foilder. Good luck!

[@oli4oli]

@@PlumMashable thank you

[@marjanatir7913]

Hi ! I have a question, does it allow to transfer foil on a plastic surface, or does it only work for paper ? Thanks a lot

[@PlumMashable]

Hey Marjana. I'm not sure about plastic to be honest. I've never tried. It would depend on the kind of plastic, as the plastic could melt in the laminator?

[@genehaney9191]

i also understand the minc gets hotter than a laminator

[@PlumMashable]

I believe it may too. It is at least able to do multiple heat settings

[@R4YLA]

Hi did yu use a laser print or inkjet square?

[@PlumMashable]

Hi There. It has to be a laser printer. I hope that helps x

[@chootxhishan]

Can you put the paper twice in the laminator and see the results?

[@PlumMashable]

You absolutely can. I find generally the second time around doesn't do much though. Thanks for watching!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

The full size Minc on Amazon is $89 and a Scotch laminator is $21.

[@PlumMashable]

Thats great information BeatlesFanSonia. Thanks for sharing it with us x

[@estherwilliams4465]

Is there permanent foil to iron on fabrics?

[@PlumMashable]

Hey Esther. I'm honestly not sure. I think there should be though but it would be heat transfer vinyl. I get most of that from Skat Katz (skatkatz.com.au) if you want t o check it out!

[@NinaS___]

How come the plastic pocket didn’t get laminated? You mentioned something about white paper?

[@PlumMashable]

The plastic pockets is heat resistant, which is why it didn't melt. The white paper was just to protect the pocket from any toner transferring to the plastic. Thanks so much for watching!

[@NinaS___]

Plum_Mashable Great. I don’t know where to get heat resistant plastic pockets. (I live in Norway, so I can’t buy from US hobby-stores).

[@NinaS___]

Plum_Mashable I just realized I have cooking plastic bags - they sure are heat resistant!

[@ofiro9207]

Someone has a link to Amazon to a full size machine ?

[@PlumMashable]

www.amazon.com/Heidi-Swapp-Minc-Applicator-Starter/dp/B01FWQR9F0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=heidi+swapp+minc&qid=1572822520&sr=8-3 Hope this helps!

[@malillis608]

You didn't mention what type of printer you used. I ask because I know you "must " use a laser printer, but have seen people use other printers besides a laser printer and still had it work. Would really like to know which printer you used. I really would like to not have to buy another printer. Thx

[@PlumMashable]

I use a Toshiba studio 3505ac printer. It is a commercial sized one as Ryan works in Graphic design, but maybe others can let you know what works for them.

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

Can you do a letter? I am to foil envelopes

[@CarolAnn61]

What printer did you use? I know it has to be a laser printer, but what model? Thanks from Sydney 😁

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Caril Ann. The printer we use is a Toshiba 3505ac.

[@CarolAnn61]

Hi, I bought a printer, just a home use one. The sales person knew about foiling and said this printer would work 😁

[@clarasotelo6910]

Donde las venden... ??? El nombre de la maquina, por fa !!!

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Clara. Where are you located in the world and I might be able to help you find where to buy a Minc from :)

[@clarasotelo6910]

Buenas tardes, linda,.. gracias por responder,.. soy de Chile !!

[@vonryanmacaraeg4080]

Were to buy

[@PlumMashable]

You can buy laminators from any office supply store and you can buy a Minc machine from craft supply stores.

[@LetroyAltidor57]

Nice

[@kalyanramang1315]

what types of foil you are using in minc machine

[@PlumMashable]

I'm using Heidi Swapp Minc foil in these videos, but I have also used Couture Creations with good results

[@surgicaltechcrafter2169]

I was able to pick up my minc at Joann with coupons it ended up being 70.00

[@PlumMashable]

Great work! I love my minc, and I'm glad I have it, but also glad when you can save some $$$

[@sn5700]

Run it through a couple times

[@PlumMashable]

Thanks Saad. I'll try that!

[@donnacullman4103]

I have had 2 Minc.s and both of them the rollers stopped working after just a few uses.

[@PlumMashable]

I've had my Minc for just over 12 months and while I don't use it super regularly, I haven't had an issue. I am so sorry that this happened to you. Perhaps the cheaper laminator might be a better choice for you then?

[@creativewiththesehands2286]

My minc folder melted during it going thru and the reverse button would not work

[@PlumMashable]

oh no!! Thats horrible. I tend to not use the minc folders and use baking paper etc instead as there is no chance of that melting!

[@birthes.8411]

Donna Cullman me to, worked only once

[@bellasaward8330]

You need to get to the point quicker: I, and I’m sure others got bored.

[@PlumMashable]

Hi Bella. I'm sorry you feel that way. Hopefully I've gotten better since I filmed this one.

[@doloresneilson5349]

Wait a minute! She doesn't "need to' do anything!! This is a free tutorial that she teaches and gives us HER generous time!! You DON'T CRITICIZE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS FREE and given from kindness.

[@creativewiththesehands2286]

TALK TO MUCH

[@PlumMashable]

I'm sorry you think so. I like to explain things while I experience them, but thanks for watching anyway! :)

[@tamarasporn113]

Informative video,,music is distracting