Printing onto specific types of clear material.

I'm in the process of creating my own magic the gathering proxies. (Don't worry, they aren't counterfeit, they have custom art and custom frames so they are not like real ones at all).

However, the typical method used to make them foil is to acetone the ink off the original card and printing the template you want onto transparency paper or clear window decal static cling paper. Then you glue transparency paper (which is thicker) or use the static cling decal paper (thinner) and it just sticks to the blank foil.

My issues is, I don't want thicker cards, but the decal paper is outrageous in price. I had some ideas to try and print on.

Clear contact paper.
Laminating sheets.

Can ink actually go down on these?

 

All of the clear inkjet printable media i've seen has a micro-texture on it more like an ink-accepting mylar. I think using a non inkjet clear media will result in ink smearing and not drying quickly enough to not offset on the next sheet.

 

Maybe it would be best if you employ the services of professional printing companies first. Once you learn the ropes you could then start printing on your own.

 

+1 I Agree with Laura.

By the time you finish this to your liking you probably will have spent more in time and money than if you were to just go get it done professionally.

Sounds like a fun project though!

Good luck!