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Rank: New User
Posts: 2 
I have been using these OL177LP labels for years now with good luck, but I have always had a fusing problem with them in my HP M452NW Laser Printer. Certain colors seem to scratch off easily where others stay on very good. usually its the blacks and reds that scratch easily. I make warning labels for the underhood and door jamb areas of classic vehicles and I always laminate my labels with clear vinyl so this is not generally a problem, however sometimes I do more general purpose labels with the same material and I do not want to waste money on laminating them. I always use genuine HP toner as well as keep up with the maintenance of the printer. Usually I am replacing my toner once a year, so I dont think its a toner issue. I have tried every setting and the only one that seems to bond better but still scratches is the transparency setting. I have also just replaced the fuser unit on the printer with a genuine HP fuser from a certified HP parts vender. This still did not produce any different results. Do you have any recomendations on what I can do? Would the OL3536L Vinyl be better suited for my vehicle labels?
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Rank: Administration
Posts: 210
Location: Sanford
Was thanked: 7 time(s) in 7 post(s)
Thank you for the detailed information. Since you’re using genuine HP toner, maintaining the printer properly, and have already replaced the fuser, this likely isn’t a hardware issue. What you’re seeing is usually related to how toner bonds to synthetic materials.
With laser printing, toner sits on top of the label surface rather than soaking in. On polyester materials, certain colors—especially blacks and reds—are more prone to scratching. Those colors also tend to show abrasion more easily. The transparency setting helps by slowing the printer down and applying more heat, which improves bonding, but it sounds like the material is still right at the edge of optimal adhesion.
You might try feeding sheets one at a time through the manual tray and testing the “Labels” media setting if available.
Switching to OL3536LV laser vinyl would provide a more durable option, as it is recommended for applications that expose it to chemicals. However, the vinyl is a much thicker material, so not all printers are designed to handle it. It looks like your printer's tray 2 can take up to 200 g/m² sheets; however, the Weatherproof Laser Vinyl would have a g/m² rating of 220, and likely would provide similar results.
To better address the issue, can you confirm the quality settings you have selected? As well, please check to see if EconoMode is enabled. If it is, turn it off and try printing again to see if print durability improves.
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Rank: New User
Posts: 2
I have been messing around with all different settings the last couple days and ended up on "Card Glossy 176-220g" quality setting and "Economode" Off. This seems better, but it can still be scratched off. I tried the same settings on the OL177CL and OL177SP and those do not scratch off. I was getting towards the end of my last order of OL177LP when noticing this so I ordered a new batch that I just got last week, but the issue remains the same. Im wondering if I go into the EWS settings page of the printer and turn the toner density down for all colors if it will help adhesion seeing how less toner should be applied to the material.
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Rank: Administration
Posts: 210
Location: Sanford
Was thanked: 7 time(s) in 7 post(s)
It sounds like you’ve done a thorough job testing settings, and comparing to the OL177CL and OL177SP was a great troubleshooting step. Since those aren’t exhibiting the issue under the same conditions, this likely comes down to toner laydown and how it’s bonding to the Weatherproof Polyester Laser's (LP) surface.
Adjusting the toner density in the EWS is definitely worth trying. Reducing print density slightly can help, as excessive toner output can sometimes prevent it from fully bonding to the sheet. A thinner layer often fuses more evenly, improving scratch resistance.
I recommend lowering the density in small increments and running a few test prints to find the best balance between durability and color strength.
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