Best way to print replacement overlays?

[Uzumaki]

I got a color laser printer and I can do transparencies. If I printed a reverse image of the overlay, it'd come out with the image on the back and looking right side up on the other side of the sheet so it'd last a while. But the toner still rubs off a bit from sliding in and out.

 

Is there a better way to print on plastic sheet? Paper just won't last long and I don't have a laminating machine. (I think they'd be too thick anyway)

 

Is there a trick to getting good looking reproduction for playing with?

[Rev]

Spray the back with white enamal paint. A few light coats.

[jferio]

There isn't a good way without varying the stock you print on. I've had reasonable luck using 100# gloss text stock for my overlays, but I also acknowledge that they won't last as long as the original plastic overlays... although I've got a few of those that are also somewhat worn in spots, including where the inks have scraped away, so original overlay isn't a panacea.

 

I also add on that spraying with a clear acrylic or lacquer will probably help with adhesion.

[+thegoldenband]

I once printed out a couple Swords & Serpents overlays on plain paper and wrapped them in clear packing tape. It worked surprisingly well, though obviously you'd never mistake them for the real thing!

[Rev]

I once printed out a couple Swords & Serpents overlays on plain paper and wrapped them in clear packing tape. It worked surprisingly well, though obviously you'd never mistake them for the real thing!

 

Nice! I never thought of that.