So far I've tried expensive kodak 180gsm gloss photo paper, and cheap target 180gsm gloss photo paper. I think the kodak is better overall, but there's similar results with both so I think I can rule out the paper as the issue.
I clean the enclosure with acetone and place the transfer on with small pieces of painters tape on the edges just to hold it in place. Once the iron is hot I'm putting it directly on the transfer with a little pressure for about 1 minute. After a minute, when some of the toner has transferred, I start moving the iron around, up and down to make sure I get even coverage, and trying to make circles with the nose of the iron on my problem areas. I'll keep doing this for another 10 minutes, but at no point do I ever see any of the image become visible on the back of the paper. Then the enclosure goes directly into running water, hitting the photo paper first. Once my basin is full I'll turn the enclosure upside down so it's submerged and let it sit for 10 minutes. I'll then very carefully try to get the paper off under with my fingers under running water.
Some areas seem to stick really well, but other have really minimal adhesion.