Alexei Volkov
Transferring photos onto plastic is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your projects. There are several methods to achieve this, including using gel mediums, packing tape, Mod Podge, and transfer paper. With the right tools and techniques, you can transfer images onto a variety of surfaces such as plastic, plexiglass, wood, fabric, and more. Whether you're creating handmade gifts or decorating your home, photo transfers offer endless possibilities for customisation and creativity. In this guide, we will explore the different methods for transferring photos onto plastic and provide step-by-step instructions for a successful transfer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium, Packing Tape, Clear Contact Paper, Wax Paper, Omni Gel, Clear Gel Medium, Iron-On, Acrylic Gel Medium |
| Materials | Plexiglass, Plastic, Glass, Paper, Clay, Wood, Canvas, Fabric, Inkjet Printer, Laser Printer, Photocopier, Copy Machines, Paintbrush, Sponge Brush, Packing Tape, Credit Card, Bone Folder, Water, Fingertips, Sponge, Squeegee, Markers, Paint, Trace Paper, Sewing Pattern Paper, Ink |
| Steps | Paint the image with the gel medium, wait 5-10 minutes, test a corner, remove paper, rub off remaining paper bits, add colour, add a backing |
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What You'll Learn
Using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium can be used to transfer photos onto various surfaces such as wood, glass, metal, and fabric. However, it is important to note that Mod Podge does not work well on plastic, especially the photo transfer medium. The process of transferring a photo using Mod Podge involves placing the printed photo face down onto the desired surface, smoothing out any air bubbles, and then waiting for it to dry before wetting and rubbing off the paper to reveal the transferred image.
Preparation
Before beginning the transfer process, it is recommended to cut your image to the desired size and use thin, standard print paper for easier removal later on. If your image contains text, remember to print it as a mirror image so that it appears correctly after the transfer. Additionally, protect your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to avoid any mess.
Applying Mod Podge to the Surface
Start by painting an even layer of Mod Podge across the entire surface of your chosen material. Use a broad brush, foam brush, or a cheap foam brush to ensure an even application. Make sure to cover the entire surface and smooth out any excess Mod Podge that may squeeze out from the edges.
Placing the Photo
Immediately after applying Mod Podge to the surface, place your printed photo face down onto the wet Mod Podge. Use a credit card or a brayer to smooth out the photo, removing any air bubbles that may be trapped underneath.
Drying and Wetting Process
Allow the project to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. The recommended drying time varies, with some sources suggesting 8 hours, while others recommend 72 hours for a more permanent ink transfer. Once the project is dry, wet the back of the photo with a damp cloth, sponge, or by spraying water.
Rubbing Off the Paper
After the photo is sufficiently wet, start rubbing the paper gently in a circular motion with your finger. The paper fibers will begin to rub off, leaving the transferred image behind. Be careful not to rub too vigorously, especially if the ink is not completely dry, as this may damage the transferred image. Repeat the process of wetting and rubbing as needed, 3-4 times, until the entire paper is removed.
Sealing the Transfer
Once you have removed all the paper and the photo is clear, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface to seal the transferred image. This will help protect the image and ensure its longevity.
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The Iron-On Method
Transferring a photo onto plastic using the iron-on method is a straightforward process. Firstly, you will need to print your image directly onto a specialty paper. It is important to note that the image will not be "fixed", meaning that the ink will easily come off the paper. After printing, place the image face down on the plastic surface and softly burnish it. You may use your hands or a burnishing tool for this step. Ensure that you do not move the paper while burnishing.
Next, carefully lift the paper off the plastic surface to reveal the transferred image. You may want to apply a fixative at this point, as inkjet ink is not waterproof. It is worth noting that the transferred image will usually be more transparent than the original, which can be desirable for layering effects. If you are using words in your image, remember that many transfer methods will reverse your image, so you may need to print your image backward to start with.
It is worth noting that the iron-on transfer method may not produce a perfect transfer, which can be desirable for vintage photographs or artistic effects. If you are using a laser printer, be aware that the toner for newer printers has changed and may not work for this method.
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The Clear Contact Method
Firstly, you will need to gather your supplies. These include toner or laser copies of your chosen image, printed onto ordinary printer paper, and pieces of clear shelf liner or clear contact paper, cut to fit the surface of your chosen plastic container. You will also need a bone folder or a similar tool for burnishing, such as the back of a spoon or a plastic handle.
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
- Brush a light but fully covered layer of gel medium onto your image.
- Place the gelled image, image side down, onto your plastic surface.
- Firmly and fully burnish the back of the image with your burnisher, starting from the middle and working outwards. Be careful not to let the gel medium seep out from the edges and onto the paper-backed image.
- Allow the image to dry completely. This can take as little as 30 minutes with a heat gun, but it's important to also allow some air dry time.
- Once dry, slowly remove the paper by rolling away the paper fibres with your fingertips. Be careful not to use your fingernails, as this can damage the transferred image.
You can now display your transferred photo on plastic! This method creates a vintage or "gauzy" look, adding a unique touch to your home decor.
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The Wax Paper Method
First, cut a few sheets of wax paper to the size of a standard piece of printer paper. Then, use painting tape to attach a small strip of wax paper to the end of a piece of regular printer paper, so the printer can grab onto it easily. Next, print your chosen image onto the waxed paper, remembering to reverse the image first using photo-editing software. It doesn't matter which side of the wax paper you print on.
Once your image is printed, carefully lift the wax paper and place it onto the item you want to transfer it onto, such as a piece of wood or plastic. Use a spoon or credit card to burnish the image onto the surface, pressing down firmly. If you're transferring onto wood, you can dampen the surface slightly first to make the transfer darker, but be careful not to use too much water, as this could cause the ink to blur and smudge.
Finally, slowly and carefully lift off the wax paper to reveal your transferred image. If you're using wood, you might want to seal the ink with a wood sealer or butcher block sealer to make it washable and protect it from wear and tear.
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The Omni Gel Method
Prepare the Image:
Firstly, you will need a toner-based image, printed using a laser printer or photocopier. Ensure you have the regular (non-mirrored) image, and trim away any excess paper, leaving a small border around the image.
Apply Omni Gel:
Using a foam, nylon, or flat bristled brush, apply a smooth coat of Omni Gel to your image. Go in one direction, covering the image and its edges. Allow this coat to dry for about 15 minutes.
Second Coat:
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of Omni Gel, this time brushing in the opposite direction. Again, let this coat dry.
Third Coat:
For the final coat, brush on the Omni Gel diagonally (top to bottom, at an angle). Allow this coat to dry completely, which may take at least 6 hours.
Soak in Water:
After the Omni Gel has dried, place the transfer image, gloss side up, in a bowl of cold water. Soak the image for about 15-20 minutes.
Remove Paper:
Take the image out of the water and place it on a plastic tray or vinyl tablecloth, image side down. Ensure the image is smooth and in contact with the tray to prevent stretching. Now, use your fingertip to slowly roll away the paper fibers from the back of the image. Keep the image moist while removing the paper.
Final Touches:
When most of the paper has been removed, use a lint-free towel to clean off any remaining bits. If desired, trim off any excess transfer material from the edges. Your photo transfer is now ready to be used in craft projects or adhered to a surface.
Note: Omni Gel is intended for toner-based images and will not work with InkJet prints. This method results in a thin film of polymer imprinted with the image, which can then be applied like a decal.
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