Image Transfer Medium Testing

Hey Everyone. it’s Rebecca Parsons here to show you my Image Transfer Medium Testing experiments with some of the newer Image Transfer products. 1Gel disappeared from the market a few months ago. We used it to make our beloved image transfers here on The Graphics Fairy. We mourned its demise for a short while, but needed to find a good substitute. Therefore, I tried several alternatives, and below are three that are working for my art and image transfer needs. I ran the tests for you on a painted surface and on fabric! YAY! Just remember, your results may differ so I always recommend that you complete a small test piece prior to creating your final piece. NOTE: All photos in this post are unretouched and taken in the same lighting conditions.

 

Experiments were conducted with five images that are all different. I selected them for different reasons. There is a full color image to transfer to a painted surface and another for fabric. Then I decided on three black and white images – a French label image with a variety of letter styles and sizes, of course. I chose a Rooster image with fine details that could easily get lost. Finally, I selected a black butterfly image with white text to see how a dark image transfers.

The surface was painted with two coats of Folk Art Chalk Paint (White Adirondack) and then allowed to dry for a few days. I used a rough brown paper bag like sandpaper to smooth out the surface. However, there was some fine texture. The fabric was washed to remove any sizing. The images were trimmed to the desired size. I made   a printable version of the reversed images for you if you would like to perform your own tests.

The Transfer Mediums

I used three Image Transfer mediums for my testing – Mod Podge Image Transfer Clear, DecoArt Americana Image Transfer Medium, and Golden Fluid Matte Medium. For sharp, saturated transferred images, it is best to use a toner or laser print. All three manufacturers recommend toner prints instead of inkjet prints. Sorry! I followed the manufacturer’s directions for application and paper removal. Here are the results of my Image Transfer Testing by Product. I compared 11 different aspects that are important to successful image transfers. I bolded the most important feature I discovered.

Golden Fluid Matte Medium – Instant Transfer

The Golden Fluid Matte Medium allows you to begin removing paper within 3 minutes. YES – Three Minutes! I set a timer for 2-1/2 minutes. Then I gently lifted a corner to see if the image was ‘married’ to the surface and the paper would separate. Once that happened, I gently began to peel (yes peel) away sections of paper diagonally across the print. NOTE: It takes practice and patience. If the image lifts, lay the paper back down and wait another minute. (I will give a full tutorial on this technique soon.) Then I waited another 2-3 minutes as directed. At that time I began the gentle rubbing method to remove the haze paper. I loved, loved, loved that I was able to peel away almost half the paper to begin with and practically immediate results. Two passes removed the haze. As a result, within 15 minutes I had fully completed image transfer. This almost blew my mind!! Here are close up photos of the completed transfers.

Cost $12+ for 8 ounces
Print – Laser or Toner Based
Consistency – Liquid
Sheen – Matte
Easy of Application – Easy
Wait Time – 2-3 Minutes
Background Removal – Slight halo of white areas
Durability – Good
Small Image Details – Excellent
Transparent or Translucent – Transparent
Fabric – Good Transfer (The tear is my bad, I did not burnish well on the edge.)

Mod Podge Image Transfer Clear Medium

Mod Podge Clear produces excellent transparent transfers – different from the milky MP version. I applied the medium to the surface and front side of the image with a brush. Then I carefully placed image face down onto the surface. The MP allows you to adjust the image slightly, which I really like. I use an old credit card to smooth out creases and air bubbles. The working time for MPC is 24 hours. At 24 hours, I sponged water onto the back of the image and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Using fingers and a soft sponge, I gently rubbed away paper layers with a gentle circular motion.

Plaid suggests that you remove the paper in layers – five gentle removal processes about 10 minutes apart with a sturdy sponge. You should allow for drying a few minutes between each rub. Then repeat the wetting process until all paper has been removed. Five passes removed the haze. For added durability, they recommend that you apply a topcoat. Here are close up photos of the completed transfers:

Cost $12+ for 8 ounces
Print – Laser or Toner Based
Consistency – Liquid
Sheen – Matte
Easy of Application – Fairly easy
Wait Time – 24 hours
Background Removal – Slight halo
Durability – Good
Small Image Details – Excellent
Transparent or Translucent – Transparent
Fabric – Does not recommend for fabric (I did it anyway with good results for art, but would probably not be permanent for clothing)

Americana Decor Image Transfer Medium

DecoArt Image Transfer Medium is the least expensive for good results. I applied medium, with a brush, to the surface and front side of the image. While wet, place image face down onto the surface. Smooth out creases and air bubbles. Let dry 8 hours. Then brush or sponge water onto back of the image. Let sit for 2-5 minutes. Using a soft sponge or fingers, gently rub away paper layers (a gentle circular motion works best). Let dry. Repeat wetting process until all paper has been removed. Three passes removed the haze. I found that the sponge caused tiny specks of detail to be removed where there was texture. I would use only fingers to remove paper in the future. For added durability, also apply as a topcoat. Here are close up photos of the completed transfers:

Cost $10+ for 8 ounces
Print – Laser or Toner Based
Consistency – Loose Paste
Sheen – Satin
Easy of Application – Easy
Wait Time – 8 hours
Background Removal – Slight halo
Durability – Good
Small Image Details – Slight loss of detail on textured surface
Transparent or Translucent – Transparent
Fabric – Good Transfer

Summary

In conclusion, I was pleased with all three mediums. Above all, they work as advertised, providing me with an excellent surface to work with. I will use them all for future image transfers. I am still on the hunt for a good 1Gel substitute for inkjet images. Again, my best advice is to experiment on a test piece before committing to your final work and naming your favorite.

My Image Transfer Medium Testing was a learning experience and I hope you can use my results to help your creativity. I will be back in two weeks with more mixed media mayhem. I also create Photoshop Elements tutorials over on The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership site. You can find even more of my art, DIYs, and whimsical shenanigans on Cre8tive Compass Magazine!

May joy be with you all,

Rebecca