Transfer Image to Glass: Packing Tape Transfers
Hi everyone, it’s Andrea from The Cottage Market. Today I have another quick and easy DIY for you, and I really think you are going to enjoy it…we are going to transfer images to glass with a DIY Packing Tape Transfer technique, 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! I used Graphics Fairy Images for this project, but you could transfer photos to glass too, which would be great for personalizing items for a party, shower or even a wedding!
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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 Printable 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…
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. You don’t need special photo paper or anything like that, just your laser prints.
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.
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.
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.
Then remove your image, or photo transfer, 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.
Now that all the paper is removed…place it on a flat surface and allow it to dry.
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.
Dress us any glass piece you have…clear or color! Mason jars would be so cute too! 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!
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. You can also use photos of your family or your pets! SOOOOO many possibilities!
I sure hope you have tons of fun transferring images to glass items with these packing tape transfers…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 meantime…come and see me over at The Cottage Market…it’s where I hang out.
For more fun Image Transfer Methods and Techniques be sure and check out the post Easy Image Transfer Methods HERE!
Hugs…Andrea
Ben says
Thanks for the tutorial. I have one question, will these transfers wash off? Thanks again.
Karen Watson says
Ben, it works like a decal. So I would use it for decorative projects only.
Jen says
I did this today in color & black & white and it worked perfectly
Karen Watson says
That’s great Jen! I’m so glad it worked for you!
Bertha says
I wonder if you can do it with Dollar Tree Contact paper? Then you can make larger one.
Karen Watson says
Hi Bertha, Yes, we have a post for that here! https://thegraphicsfairy.com/clear-contact-paper-transfers/
kathyb says
brilliant!
Karen Watson says
Thanks Kathy!
Angie says
So once the tape is on the glass. This is NOT dishwasher safe right, only hand wash.
Karen Watson says
Yes, exactly Angie!
Claudia says
What a great idea. And so easy to change for another style if wanted. Thank you, Andrea.
Dawn says
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!
Karen Watson says
Great tips Dawn!
Carlijn says
Nice idea! Work really well with colours as well 🙂 I’m using it to make stickers for my home brewed beer!
Karen Watson says
Good to know! Thanks!
Tamara says
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 ^^
Karen Watson says
Have a fun crafting day Tamara!
Tamara says
So ! To let you know, pages from old books don’t work x)
And the second try was great !! I might clear it better the next time, there were few pieces of paper left that I didn’t see when it was wet.
Thanks ^^
Karen Watson says
Thanks Tamara! If you want to use old book page, just make laser copies of them, and then you can use them!
Delaney says
Hello,
I was wondering if there was a way to make this permanent? Will it come off if you wash it?
Karen Watson says
Hi Delaney, sorry but no you can’t wash with this, it’s essentially like a decal.
Ann Williams says
That is amazing! I can’t wait to try.
Jessica says
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!!!
Karen Watson says
Thanks for the tip Jessica!
Joanne A. says
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!
Karen Watson says
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.
tillie says
I will be labeling my new clear acrylic makeup containers to say “Mine”…. Lol
Thank you
*looking out the window for UPS man
Karen Watson says
Haha! Great idea!
Cheryl Sullivan says
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!
Karen Watson says
Great idea Cheryl! Wishing him the best! My step son just went through something similar in the Army, very grueling, but a huge confidence booster!