The Graphics Fairy

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DIY Packing Tape Transfers!

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Packing Tape Transfers

Hi everyone, it’s Andrea from The Cottage Market.  Sure hope that your Holidays are going fabulously.  Well today I have another quick and easy DIY for you and I really think you are going to enjoy it…we are going to do do DIY Packing Tape Transfers, this is a great technique for transferring onto glass.  In case you haven’t done them before and are a little hesitant…do not fear…I just learned and guess what?   It really works and it really is easy!  What I really like about them is that there are a million and one uses for them. Our examples are on glass so you can see how they are transparent but I know that you will love using them to decorate a package to making a label for a canister!  I used black and white but it does work with color also…the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based. You can visit The Furniture Transfer Section for these graphics and MANY others that are perfect for this project.   If you don’t have that printer you can always go to your local office supply store and get your prints made for pennies on the dollar : )  Let’s go see how we do this…

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DIY Packing Tape Transfers

How to Transfer Images onto Glass

You will need Heavy Duty Packing Tape (you can use regular…but the heavy duty tape works better and is easier to work with), scissors, a burnisher (you can purchase one or use a craft stick), images of choice and your vessels.

How to Transfer Images onto Glass

After you trim your image it is time to apply the packing tape…remember one important thing…whatever is white will be transparent.  Just lie your image down and center the package tape over it evenly and press.  Then cut the tape.

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Now it is time to burnish it…make sure to press heavily over the entire space it is very important.  I went over it a few times to be sure…from corner to corner…end to end to insure a great finished product.

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Now get yourself a bowl with very warm water in it and place your packing tape burnished image into the bowl and allow to soak about 2-3 minutes.

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Then removed it from the bowl and place it in between your thumb and index finger and begin to rub back and forth with force…you will see the paper coming off…continue to dip it into the water and keep working it till all the white is off.  DO NOT WORRY about the sticky side…it will be just like new when it dries.  Also there might be a tiny bit of white residue on your tape…that too is ok : )

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Now that all the paper is removed…place it on a flat surface and allow it to dry.

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Once the stickers are dry it is time to apply them to your surface…it couldn’t be easier…it goes on just like a sticker…it is that easy!  Make sure to smooth it nicely.  If you have stickers that you are not going to use…just place them on wax paper for another day.

How to Transfer Images onto Glass

Dress us any glass piece you have…clear or color!  I was thinking of making small ones all different and using them as wine glass charms…just place them on the glasses and then remove them at the end of the night when you do the dishes.  They are so inexpensive you can choose new graphics each time you have a party!  Dress up a package…label your canisters…with all of the graphics at The Graphics Fairy you can have different graphics for years!

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You can make tiny ones for small votives or you can double your package tape making sure that the edges but and cover the entire image for larger ones.  SOOOOO many possibilities!

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Sure hope you have tons of fun with this…the more you do it the better you get at it!!!  I will see you again really soon and if you want to visit in the mean time…come and see me over at The Cottage Market…it’s where I hang out.  Here’s wishing you all a very HAPPY…Safe…Wonderful…Loving…Compassionate…Healthy NEW YEAR!!! Hugs…andrea

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12 Easy Image Transfer Methods

For more fun Image Transfer Methods and Techniques be sure and check out the post 12 Easy Image Transfer Methods HERE!

DIY Packing Tape Transfers




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Comments

  3. This is totally amazing!!!! I cannot wait to try! Thank you for sharing! What an awesome new transfer method! 2016 is going to rock!!!!

    Reply

  5. I have a question… once you apply the tape to th4e object, do you pull the tape off and does the image remain behind, or do you need to leave the tape on the item? I get confused there! Thanks!

    Reply

      • When I rubbed the paper off from the tape, a lot of the ink was also removed. Can you please tell me what I did wrong?

        Reply

        • Hi Lisa,
          This is actually a guest post from Andrea over at The Cottage Market. One thing she stresses is , “the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based.” Perhaps that is the reason? You may want to re-read her instructions just to be sure and give it another shot, I find practice makes perfect! Good luck 🙂

          Reply

  6. I’m a little confused. What do we print the picture on to start? After it dries, how does it stick to the item? Do you leave tape on? I’m sorry..I have fibromyalgia and brain doesn’t function sometimes.

    Reply

    • Hi Sonya, You print the image on paper. Then you stick the tape to the paper and then you rub the paper away, but the ink stays on the tape, it gets trapped there. I hope that helps!

      Reply

      • When you are ready to transfer..is it just the image that stays or does the tape stay on there too or does it peel off?

        Reply

        • Hi Sharon,

          Did you burnish (press down heavily)your tape to your image? , Andrea over at The Cottage Market, who posted this technique stresses this step. “ burnish it…make sure to press heavily over the entire space it is very important. I went over it a few times to be sure…from corner to corner…end to end to insure a great finished product.” I’m not sure other than are you using the proper packing tape? I would suggest re-reading Andreas instructions, and try again. Practice makes perfect 🙂

          Reply

  7. I’m thinking that you did this using a laser printer? It seems that inkjet print would dissolve in the water.

    Reply

    • Yep, I think laser only.
      She says, ” I used black and white but it does work with color also…the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either laser or toner based. You can visit The Furniture Transfer Section for these graphics and MANY others that are perfect for this project. If you don’t have that printer you can always go to your local office supply store and get your prints made for pennies on the dollar : ) “

      Reply

  8. I tried this technique today and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. The only thing I did wrong was after the white paper came off I dried the tape with a towel. Which was a wrong thing to do because it left fuzzies on the tape. Thanks for sharing this cool project.

    Reply

  9. That is a fabulous “how to” in the 1st weekly newsletter! Thank you so much, Andrea! I will definitely be trying this! I also think this transfer method would work on china!

    Reply

  10. Thanks for this! Great transfer technique to know. I have a laser printer, too, so it should be a technique I’ll certainly try out. But I do have a minor question….

    Are extra stickers you’ve created placed sticky side DOWN on the wax paper? Either up or down, maybe it would be best if waiting-to-be-used stickers were contained in something with a lid till you’re ready for them another day. It’s always something to consider if you have kids and/or pets. I live with a fluffy cat and a forced-air heating system, lol. There are ALWAYS stray dust particles and cat hair around to contend with when I do a project that involves exposed sticky tape, drying paint, or glue. Sigh.

    Reply

  12. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Always wanted to put nice stickers on my pamper hamper gifts. Enjoy a wonderful and peaceful 2016.

    Reply

  14. I made some yesterday and I’m one who has to try something before I totally “get it.” The next batch will be perfect. Look for glass objects with flat surfaces if using anything larger than an inch or so. My round Mason jar didn’t come out too well with a 2″ design. Great fun though.

    Reply

  15. I’m having a difficult time figuring out how the image sticks to the glass after the tape has been stuck to the paper, wetted, and then scraped. How does the sticky stuff last and not get gummy? And how long will it last on the glass? And what about the shine from the tape and the edges? Is the glass safe to wash after the image is on it?

    Reply

  18. I have kept 2 pcs of candle a looong time, not knowing what to do with them. Now I know what to do, I’m going to dress them up with these gorgeous sticker. Thanks for sharing Andrea!

    Reply

  20. Going To try this in my clear canisters to label them. Right now they are painted and I can’t wash them. This way I could always re-label them when necessary. Love this idea. Thanks.

    Reply

  21. Hello dear Karen. I surely will try tais asap! But I have one question: we apply the “printed tape” on the outside of the glass/jar? If we make it for a gift or sell it, will the tape remain there even if we wash it? Thank you so much! Hug from Portugal

    Reply

  22. What does burnish mean? I want to try this with my nieces, but I do not understand that reference. These items look awesome!!

    Reply

  23. Do you have any idea if it would work if someone drew on the paper with a Sharpie? My son is autistic and art is his thing. This would be an amazing gift for family and teachers!

    Reply

    • Melissa, not sure I’d you’re interested, but I just discovered that hobby lobby (and I’m sure others) now sell toner pens. Heidi Swapp brand I believe, though there may be competitor brands. Get this instead of a sharpie and you’re good to go! Maybe 2 dollars with a 40% off coupon at hobby lobby.

      Reply

  24. This was such a fun project! The instructions are perfect. You have to try it and not worry about messing up. It seems like soaking tape in water, the tape would loose all of the adhesive and never get sticky again, but it does!! Can’t wait to do more!

    Reply

  28. Thank you! Ha, I don’t have to buy one of those expensive thing-a-ma-jiggies! This is brilliant! Why didn’t I think of this? I’ll tell you why, it would take the fun out of seeing new creations. Again, thanks!

    Reply

  29. Hello-

    My image transferred great, however there doesn’t seem to be any “stick” left on the tape. Any suggestions on how to use something else for the “stick” aspect?

    Reply

  30. This sounds like such a fun creative idea not only to make things for mySelf but to share with everyone I can think of thanks soo much gonna Tryit first thing in the morning! Happy,happy!

    Reply

  31. You have given me a fantastic idea for a Crucible Candle for my son who is in Marine Corp Recruit boot camp training right now. The have what is called a Crucible. It’s 54 hrs, 45 mile hike with full gear, 36 stations to complete and 29 teamwork stations with 6-8 hrs sleep with 4-5 meals. So we burn a candle during this time for them and pray they make it. They enter this part recruits and exit it Marines!

    Reply

    • Hi there, if you check out the instructions in the first paragraph, you’ll see that you want to use Laser or Toner copies. 🙂 So just print off your designs and then have copies made. I hope that helps!!

      Reply

  35. I will be labeling my new clear acrylic makeup containers to say “Mine”…. Lol
    Thank you

    *looking out the window for UPS man

    Reply

  36. This looks simple enough and perfect for a centerpiece idea i am thinking about. Does this work as well with color images or only black&white? thanks!

    Reply

    • Joanne, we haven’t personally tried with color image, but one of our readers said that she has done it successfully. Just make sure that you are using a laser or toner copy.

      Reply

  37. Thanks for sharing! I just bought some adorable white ceramic soup bowls with handles for a wedding gift and have been wondering what to do to add a personal touch. What a perfect idea. I’ll probably spray a clear coat over the image so it stays on in the dishwasher.

    Reply

  38. With ink jet printer I cut freezer or wax paper to 8 1/2 x11 adhere it to card stock for stability print it the either apply and remove tape like a sticker image now on tape or if it’s a porous surface like wood or fabric barnish directly to. Item. Your printer sheet can be used over and over since you transfered picture!!!

    Reply

  40. Very smart. I just love smart ideas and the people who share them with others. Thanks and I will try this soon and make sure to post them. Be blessed! !!

    Reply

  41. Hi, I just tried this project. Althought very pretty ,it does not work with inkjet…at least not with my inkjet printer. What I’m thinking is : use gesso over the glass then paint with acrylic and then apply the sticker. Finger crossed.
    Lovely project !

    Reply

    • I Frida, that’s correct, it does not work with inkjet. We do have the instructions for using Laser or Toner ink, bolded out in the first paragraph. So sorry you missed that part! Just take your printed image to your local copy place and for a few cents you can get a laser copy for your project. 🙂

      Reply

  42. Hi! Thanks for the tutorial. Just to be clear… You are actually creating a sticker that sticks to and stays on the glass, right? Technically you are not transferring the image to the glass? I’m a little confuse, lol!

    Reply

    • Hi Jess, Yes, you are essentially transferring the image to the tape (so technically it is a transfer technique) and then you get a sticker for your glassware. Normally you buy decals to do this, and they can be expensive and then there is still a bit of a process. (I purchased an expensive brand of printable decals and after printing on them, the ink rubbed right off.) This is cheaper and easier!

      Reply

  43. Thanks for this post! I think there would be less confusion for this article if it was titled “How to Make a Clear Sticker”. It’s really not transferring an image using package tape 😉

    Reply

    • Hi Jennifer, You are in fact transferring the image from the paper to the tape. But I see what you mean. I can’t change the title now though, since it will break the link.

      Reply

  44. Hi I was wondering if you just print pictures and such off the printer? What paper do you use? Maybe if you have time you can email me. Thank you.

    Reply

  46. I’m doing it right now ^^ (How to spend a nice sunday ? ^^ )
    I’m waiting for the tape to dry, I hope it’ll become sticky again…
    The print is IN the tape, but still a little white too… I hope it’s enough !

    Will tell you the result ^^

    Reply

  49. To Melissa with the autistic son: If you have him draw his design with a Sharpie, you can photocopy his drawings and use the photocopies (because they are printed out with toner) as the image to stick your tape on. My 9 year old daughter did this and had a ball designing her own stickers!
    Also, if you want to do a big design (I am hoping to transfer some old photos to the glass in a picture frame to use as decor pieces), I have read that you can do the same method on clear contact paper (buy at an art supply or crafts store) so you don’t have to piece and line up your packing tape!

    Reply

  56. You can also use colored magazine pages that are clay based (will smear when wet). Use the same process, tape to picture, burnish, soak (I used soapy water) use your finger on the sticky sided (where the picture transferred to) and rub until the paper is released and most of the residue is gone. Let it dry and apply like a sticker. I DO believe that your method (printer ink) would work very well perhaps better than the option I suggested. It is fun to try either way. No major costs involved.

    Reply

  59. Just found this project. Will be trying it soon. Congratulations not only on your ingenious idea but also your patience!

    Reply

  60. This is so awesome! Thanks. I tried it and I think I may have rubbed off too much. The sticker only sticks in the middle. Any suggestions?

    Reply

  61. I dont know what I am doing wrong, but this isnt coming out the way you have pictured at all 🙁 I printed the images, mostly black and white, and then I put the tape on them and burnished. I put them in water and waited….either the paper dosent come off all the way or the ink fades to almost invisible, and neither are very sticky after.

    Reply

  62. I wiped my back side of photos off with paper towel now it won’t stick to my glass .what can I use to make it stick to my glass.thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Lynn,
      This tutorial was done by Andrea over at The Cottage Market, you mention photos, in her instructions she says , “the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based.” is your photo laser or toner based? I hope that helps 🙂

      Reply

  63. Great post! I have a quick question, after I laid my stickers to dry, the tape is kind of cloudy and white, but yours are so clear. Do I need to do a second rinse of the sticker to get it to be that clear? Thanks so much!

    Reply

      • Hi Tammy,

        So sorry but I don’t have a good answer for you 🙁 This was a guest post from Andrea over at The Cottage Market and she is taking the summer off. The good old “practice makes perfect” maybe 🙂 Sorry couldn’t be more helpful!

        Reply

    • Just leave the milkyness. Its there because of the moisture contained in the gum after you dunked it in water. Use a hair drier on the sticky side and see it disappear almost instanty. Use caution, I use the highest heat setting and get burned often or use something to weight your stickers down while you blast it.

      Reply

  64. Help! When I put my paper and tape into the water, the paper immediately separates from the tape with no image. Is my water too hot?

    Reply

    • Hi Shelley,

      This project was a guest post from Andrea over at The Cottage Market, she is taking the summer off so we can’t ask her advice. One of the things she does mention in her post is “the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based” She also recommends that you use heavy duty packing tape. I don’t know about the water temperature. Maybe give it another try with cooler water and see if it makes a difference. Sorry to not be able to be more specific 🙂 Good luck!

      Reply

  65. Huh, interesting! Its kind of like those temporary tattoos you can get for kids. I will have to give this a try. How does the tape hold up to heated surfaces, like being on glass from a lit votive/tea candle? Does this process work on other surfaces? Like plastic, metal, wood, etc.?

    Reply

    • Hi Theraisa,

      This is a guest post from Andrea over at The Cottage Market. It should hold up fine to the heat of a votive or tea candle with no problem. She mentions transferring to canisters, but as for other surfaces, you may just need to give it a try 🙂 Let us know if you do and how it worked out! Good luck 🙂

      Reply

  66. Simplemente maravilloso apenas lo leí y me puse a hacerlo, y ya! en unos minutos está hecho, muchas gracias por compartir .

    Reply

  67. I have a question. I have made little snowmen out of clay pots (painted white). I want to put the grandkids names on them. Will this work on white paint?

    Reply

  68. People are confused but it is so easy ! And it should have been added that if you do not have a laser printer, you can still print your own design on your regular inkjet printer and take your print to the shop to make a photocopy. Then use the photocopy for this project. Inkjet does not work because it dissolves in the water. Also, if you need a better way to understand how to do it, marthastewars.com has the same thing explained. She has an article about it made like 10 years ago.

    Reply

  69. This is a really great project! I tried this with a wine glass and it came out nice! I also blotted with a paper towel and it had an opaque look to parts of the sticker so I trimmed it away. Also, I had to trim very close to the edges of my image so that there aren’t any bubbles and its easier to smooth out around the glass’ rounded edges. I also applied a little semi-gloss gel medium on the sticky part and around the edges of the image since I think my tape was a little weak on the stickiness- it sticks nicely anyway but I wanted to make sure it stayed there!! It came out great and I can’t wait to try them again! Thank you!!!

    Reply

  70. that’s nice though I know this method I wanted a new way to transfer photos into objects without the transparent tape …

    Reply

  71. I am wanting to use this on a silicone to go coffee mug. I saw you can’t wash it but do you think it would hold up hand washing it (ex just rinsing the outside?)

    Reply

  72. Hi!
    This looked really neat so I tried it straight off. Problem is, all the paper didn’t come off and left the transfer looking cloudy. Stuck it on a white canister and it looks o.k.ish but… Tried it a few times, same result; any advise? Love the site!

    Reply

    • Hi Annabella,
      This is actually a guest post by Andrea over at The Cottage Market, I can’t really think of why it isn’t working for you if you followed her instructions exactly. I can only suggest, make sure the water is very warm and to burnish super well. You might hop over to The Cottage Market and ask Andrea 🙂

      Reply

  73. Didnt work for me, either. The water was definitely warm, and I burnished it to death. The image floatd off in the wter 🙁

    Reply

    • Hi Donna,

      I am sorry you are having problems with this technique. This is a guest post from Andrea over at The Cottage Market, one thing she stresses in her tutorial is, “the one thing you have to remember is that you MUST use prints that are either LASER or TONER based.“

      Reply

  74. Hello, thank you for sharing this transfer technique with tape. Please inform if the images to be transfered to glass can be printed to normal fotocopy paper from in normal inkjet printers. Won´t the ink blur when the images are put in water? Thank you.

    Reply

      • Right. Sorry. Only saw that indication after sending my question. I suppose buying a good quality tape is important. Not the one we buy here in Portugal at the chinese shops. It didn´t work very well.. Not enough gluing power. Will try again with a good brand. Thank you for sharing.

        Another way of transfering these prints is with the decall paper from Crafty Computer Paper in England: http://www.crafty computerpaper.co.uk. Just print in laser printers or inkjet at home and in this case applying after a spray sealer and when it´s dry just place it in cold water and the motif comes off with an excellent adherance on anything. Ther´s white and transparent decall paper. Disadvantage: a bit expensive postage price, but really quick and resistant.

        Reply

  75. LOVE YOUT RANSFER GOOD DIRECTIONS ETC CAN YOU MODPODGE OVER THIS STICKER IF YOU ARE DOING A PLATE OR GLASS I JUST DISCOVERED THEY MAKE A DISHWASHER SAFE MODPODGE THANKS

    Reply

  76. After reading the comments above, there seems to be confusion over a number of points:
    1) You must use a LASER printer and NOT an ink-jet. Laser images are of a WAX substance which does not dissolve in water. Ink-jet inks are a DYE and WILL dissolve and smear in water.
    2) You must burnish the tape and the paper with a lot of pressure. This is dome to insure that the wax image of the laser print becomes imbedded deeply into the GLUE of the packing tape – this is the point of transfer.
    3) The paper must then be separated from the tape by soaking in warm water. Do not rub the paper to hard because you may remove some of the glue on the tape. This would destroy of remove some of the image.

    Reply

  77. I have to admit, I was sceptical about this at first. I’m making come candles for my wedding so figured I’d give this a go as it might look less messy than my previous attempts. But wow I was so impressed – and I only used regular sellotape to test it first time round!
    Now I just need to find a good method to transfer to wood without confusing things with American products which I don’t have access to.

    Reply

  79. ok, so these aren’t transfers.. these are removable decals, because you are not “transferring’ the image to the item, only to the adhesive side of the tape.. you are making a decal out of the tape, and adhering it to the item. I think what is confusing people is the term “transfers”… thinking the image itself is being transferred to the item using the tape adhesive as the medium.. when actually, the tape is being made into a decal.

    Reply

  81. Hey, I’m sorry to say that this don’t work. I tried it many time. Got 2 pages of each of pictures for wine glasses and it didn’t stick. Tried it on a champagne glass didn’t work, tried it with mod podge didn’t work. IF you can suggest another method I will highly appreaciated. Thanks

    ~Gisell~

    Reply

  84. Ok, I tried it again and this time it work perfectly, not sure what I did wrong the first time. I spent about 5 minutes rubbing and pressing the image with a ruler and then I submerged it in warm water and let it soak for about 2 minutes. The white paper peeled off easily without damaging the black ink. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

  85. hey Im doing this on a plate, but having guest sign the plate with a marker I know to have the maker dry i have to put it in the over. Do you think its safe to put the sticker in the oven?

    Reply

  86. I’ve been doing this for some time. Since I do a few at once I’m pressed for time so I use a hair dryer to get some or all of the moisture out quicker. Dry it on the tacky side. I also find that the heavy duty tape and the cheaper versions both have their strengths and weaknesses. The cheaper versions are not too tacky so the paper comes off easier provided you did your burnishing thoroughly. The heavy duty tapes are easier to work with if your prints are small. For larger projects I use clear self adhesive rolls. The sticky back type to cover school books with.

    Reply

  87. Thanks for this ! Worked perfectly. Is there any way to stick just the image without the tape ? Is there any way to take the tape away and just keep the image there ?

    Reply

  88. This absolutely worked! Im excited because now I can finish customizing my husband’s mug for his birthday! Thank you for this easy tutorial!!

    Reply

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