Image Transfers

[LUCY C-T]

Ok, I wanted to use Golden (have used this before), but couldn't get any in time for my project so Jane suggested Windsor and Newton acrylic matt gel medium. I got some but the results were varied to say the least :blink: . Is there an 'idiots' guide to using it to get consistant (within reason) results? Any help would be much apppreciated. TIA:)

[Jane]

Make sure you put a really thick layer of medium, hold the transfer in the same position then stroke gently from the middle outwards to get rid of air bubbles and smooth (especially over faces) the gel.

[LUCY C-T]

Thanks Jane, how long should I leave it? In the class at Nottingham, it didn't seem that long, but I was busy thinking about the next bit that I didn't take much notice.

[Jane]

No, it wasn't that long, I think you need to lift a corner and see if it's there yet, if not then leave it. I left some ages and it still didn't transfer.

[Flo]

with Golden it transfers pretty much instantaneously, haven't tried the Daler Rowney gel though (sorry, that's not very helpful!)

[Jane]

I ordered some Golden from PaperArtsy the other day because I couldn't find ANY matte medium locally.

[LUCY C-T]

Oh I forgot about Paper Artsy, although Dyan is back, so maybe she brought a suitcase full back :lol:.

Flo and Co - that's exactly why I really want Golden as I know that the transfers are much better and are generally consistant. Couldn't get any in time for this particular project - always the same isn't it, you need it now syndrome :lol:.

I'll carry on using Windsor & Newton (seeing as I've bought a tube) and I'll be a bit more generous with it and then get some Golden as soon as I can.

Thanks for your advice girls:)

[krystal]

Are you working with fabric or card? The method is slightly different for each.

On fabric, if you're using Golden Gel (haven't used any other medium with any amount of real success) then you need to smooth on a fair amount of gel (not too much but enough to hold the image) lay down your image, then, working pretty quickly, smooth down with your fingers.

IMPORTANT STEP - burnish well - use a bone folder, spoon - even your die cut machine - and seriously burnish. Pay special attention to the edges. You should see the image coming through the paper more clearly. Let it rest a minute or two then lift the corners - is it transferring? Peel off the paper - you should only be peeling off one layer, leaving behind a residue of paper.

Gently rub the residue with your finger - too much pressure will take off the ink - until the image shows through clearly. When completed, if there's still a 'bloom' of paper residue, then dip your finger in water, dry it off so that the finger is only damp, then rub again. (Too much water will smear the inks, especially if you've used compatible inks in your printer!). Great transfer.

You can also get a super easy almost perfect transfer by using Sheer Heaven - all you do with that is to print onto it, spray with alchohol, then turn face down on card or fabric. Smooth down with your fingers, burnish with a bone folder and lift. Really quick and easy method ;)

Krystal

[LUCY C-T]

Are you working with fabric or card? The method is slightly different for each.

On fabric, if you're using Golden Gel (haven't used any other medium with any amount of real success) then you need to smooth on a fair amount of gel (not too much but enough to hold the image) lay down your image, then, working pretty quickly, smooth down with your fingers.

IMPORTANT STEP - burnish well - use a bone folder, spoon - even your die cut machine - and seriously burnish. Pay special attention to the edges. You should see the image coming through the paper more clearly. Let it rest a minute or two then lift the corners - is it transferring? Peel off the paper - you should only be peeling off one layer, leaving behind a residue of paper.

Gently rub the residue with your finger - too much pressure will take off the ink - until the image shows through clearly. When completed, if there's still a 'bloom' of paper residue, then dip your finger in water, dry it off so that the finger is only damp, then rub again. (Too much water will smear the inks, especially if you've used compatible inks in your printer!). Great transfer.

You can also get a super easy almost perfect transfer by using Sheer Heaven - all you do with that is to print onto it, spray with alchohol, then turn face down on card or fabric. Smooth down with your fingers, burnish with a bone folder and lift. Really quick and easy method ;)

Krystal

Thanks Krystal. I'm transfering onto card at the moment. Do you have any tips? Also where can you get Sheer Heaven from? I've heard of it before but don't know where to get it from and what type of alcohol can you use? TIA:)