Thanks for the tips everyone!
I picked up some "Fellowes Heat Transfer Color Foil" and did a side-by-side comparison. The results are strikingly better with the laser foil. (I'm putting the foil through for about 2 passes through the laminator after the pattern has been transferred from the vinyl.) I have an image below at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77947059@N05/11792644356/
I will probably look into pulsar paper when my supply of heat transfer foil runs out; but for now, this material is working really well!