A mesmerizing video posted recently on Reddit shows how you can imprint decals on your 3D printed objects using transparency film and a laser printer.

Redditor Kaidan-Alenko posted the video alongside an explainer that shows the straightforward process. Despite the professional-looking results, the method seems foolproof. Use a laser printer to print your (reversed) design onto a slip of transfer foil. Take the printed transfer foil and smother it to your print bed, transfer side up, using water. Print on top of the design and it will transfer to the first layer.

It’s like a high-tech version of using an iron to transfer images onto fabrics.

It’s an easy hack that you can use to enhance 3D prints that might otherwise lack the luster of a store-bought product. The post on Reddit demonstrates a Reddit-themed badge with Snoo (yes, it has a name,) but other examples could include product fascias, buttons, and smartphone cases. The list goes on.

You can find step-by-step instructions for printing on transfers on Thingiverse and inspiration and setup tips in the  r/FDM_TonerTransfer subreddit that has materialized in the wake of this toner-transfer-printing hype wave.

As ever, with Reddit posts showcasing novel tricks to do with your printing, an outpouring of tips and learnings pop up in the comments. One important distinction for this project is to ensure you’re using transfer film specifically for laser printers. Other films may melt onto your print bed.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen funky first-layer effects for 3D printing. Some years ago, printing on diffraction grating was all the rage, giving a rainbow-like iridescent shine on prints.