With photos, there are practically no limits to your creativity, because there is a method for photo transfer for almost every surface and with beautiful motifs, all kinds of objects can be individualized quickly. These can be vacation memories on a piece of driftwood or tiles, a great gift idea for the wedding. You can embellish everything you can imagine from fabric to glass. Today we will give you an overview of the best photo transfer techniques and their applications.
1. Photo transfer potch
Suitable for: all surfaces, the rougher, the softer
Advantage: works on almost all surfaces
Disadvantage: it takes a little longer and you have to work carefully. The print can crack on smooth surfaces
Original: laser printing, reversed
How does it work?
The motif must be laser printed and glued to the surface. After drying, the paper is rubbed off and the photo layer remains.
2. Lavender print
Suitable for: fabric, wood, cork
Advantage: possible in large format
Disadvantage: smell
Original: laser printing, reversed
How does it work?
Place your template on your object to be printed and rub it with lavender oil.
3. Decal film
Suitable for: smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, and porcelain
Advantage: Can be made large format, depending on the film and the printer
Disadvantage: drying time, since clear varnish is used
Template: print directly on decal film, laser or inkjet
How does it work?
The motif is printed on the film, sprayed with clear varnish, and dissolved in a water bath.
4. Photo transfer with tape
Suitable for: all smooth surfaces
Advantage: you have everything at home
Disadvantage: small format
Template: laser printing
How does it work?
The motif is stuck on the tape, placed in a water bath and rubbed off.
5. Photo transfer with inkjet printer
Suitable for: wood
Advantage: you have everything at home
Disadvantage: small format
Original: no original, direct printing with inkjet
How does it work?
Prints your motif on a cut transparent film. Put it on the material you want the photo on and compress on it.
6. Cyanotype
Suitable for: wood, fabric, paper
Advantage: special, very nice look
Disadvantage: you have to work with gloves because salts used are harmful and complicated
Original: printed on foil, negative
How does it work?
The model is printed on film in black and white. Then chemicals are applied to the surface, the film is placed and exposed to sunlight. This creates a blue print.
7. Tattoo film
Suitable for: skin, smooth surfaces
Advantage: easy handling
Disadvantage: expensive
Original: mirrored, inkjet printer
How does it work?
The pattern is printed on a transfer film. Conveyed to a backing paper and then applied to your object with water.
8. Adhesive film
Suitable for: smooth, flat surfaces
Advantage: easy handling
Disadvantage: only works on flat surfaces, the edge is visible
Template: direct printing
How does it work?
Simply print on adhesive film, stick on and you’re done!
How to transfer images with Transfer Marker
Transfer Marker can transfer images to almost any surface you can think of in just a few seconds,
Tips:
1. Prepare the marker
Before working with the Transfer Marker, you should prepare it first.
Shake the marker well and press on a paper a couple of times until you see the wet tip.
2. Prepare the surface for transfer
Regarding surfaces, we recommend using the Transfer Marker to transfer images to porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard, cork, clay, cloth, and wood.
Do not start before being sure the surface is clean and dry to guarantee well adhesion and acquire a better result.
3. Prepare the drawing to transfer
Once you have a clean surface and the prepared marker, prepare the image that you are going to transfer. Notice that: The image must be printed with a laser printer, traditional printer images do not work. Besides, to adjust the image, print it inside first, to prevent its moving when pasting it.
4. Transfer images to any surface
With everything ready, you will only have to transfer your images! Set your desirable picture on the surface to be transferred. When it exactly fits its position, pass the marker over it.
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