Image transfer magic – let’s make some today!
Hey, Graphics Fairy readers, it’s Heather from Thicketworks with my breakdown of three different image transfer results with one versatile transfer medium.
If you haven’t heard of 1Gel, it’s a transfer and decoupage medium, all in one.
It has special qualities that other mediums I’ve tried don’t possess: it’s never sticky, dries perfectly clear, and you can transfer images with ink jet prints, as well as laser jet prints, and xerox copies!
Here’s a visual comparison of the results from a Furniture project that I did previously using this same method:
Today, I’m going to just break down the basic technique for you guys, with a pretty Rose Image!
(This post contains affiliate links)
Supply List:
- Heirloom Traditions 1GEL
- Your favorite Graphics Fairy images printed one of three ways on regular printer paper:
- Ink Jet (I used Epson Durabrite inks)
- Laser Jet
- Xerox copy (I just ran to Staples to get mine)
- A paint brush
- Water
- A spoon or your favorite burnishing tool
(For this demo, the images were transferred onto wood that had been painted)
That’s it!
These gorgeous Graphics Fairy images were used for this comparison:
Shabby Graphic – Pink Cabbage Rose
French Men’s Neckwear Transfer
Here’s a simple collage which you can download HERE, if you like.
How-To:
(If your graphic contains text, make sure to reverse it prior to printing)
Print your graphics one of three ways:
- Ink Jet (I recommend using Epson Durabrite inks for best results)
- Laser Jet
- Xerox Copy (the kind you make at Staples or Office Max)
Note: I recommend allowing Ink Jet prints to dry for several hours before attempting to transfer them.
- Cut your motifs apart – you can fussy cut, or rough cut; whichever you prefer.
2. Arrange the graphics to please your eye:
3. Paint a generous layer of Heirloom Traditions 1Gel onto the surface you are decorating, and place your motifs printed side down onto the wet surface:
4. Burnish the paper firmly, to make certain that the ink or toner is bonding properly to the 1Gel.
(The back of a spoon makes a good tool for this step)
5. Allow the 1Gel to cure. I suggest setting it aside overnight for best results.
6. When the 1Gel has cured, saturate the paper with water:
7. Use the tips of your fingers to gently roll away the layers of wet paper fibers, exposing the image bit by bit:
Sometimes, whole layers of paper will peel away easily…
8. Just keep carefully removing the paper fibers until the image is completely revealed!
Dampen the paper as needed, to make the process easier.
Before you know it, gorgeous imagery will cover your project!
Laser Jet prints create the richest blacks, and most intense colors:
Ink Jet print produce softer, more romantic transfers:
Xerox copies produce rich colors and soft blacks:
So, now we have one transfer medium we can use 3 different ways!
I love that.
And, as a bonus, 1Gel is the perfect top-coat to protect your precious image transfers.
It dries to a crystal clear satin finish. Not sticky, just perfect.
I use it on furniture pieces all the time.
1Gel has become my go-to image transfer medium, because it has all the qualities that make this a satisfying and joyful process.
You find out more info about 1GEl HERE.
Thanks for stopping by The Graphics Fairy to find out about this wonderful way to transfer and preserve your favorite graphics!
Any time you need a little creative inspiration, stop by Thicketworks to say hi – there’s always a bit of joyful mayhem taking place there!
Heather
You might enjoy these fun projects:
Mimi says
Can you use this method on a coffee cup
Heather Tracy says
Hi Mimi – This type of transfer is best for projects involving items that get gentle treatment. It won’t survive repeated washings – there are ways to make a permanent transfer onto ceramic surfaces, but not this method. There are several methods to explore via Google – Thank you for asking, it’s a great question!
Rachel A Hyde says
I read this with great interest, as most of these transfer mediums are for either photocopies or laser printers and mine is an HP inkjet. I live in the UK and cannot seem to locate this product – does it ship here do you know? Also, can I use it on fabric that is going to be washed as I am looking for a good permanent transfer medium for wearable art that is actually going to be worn (and washed) a fair bit!
Heather Tracy says
Hi Rachel…excellent question. Here’s my take on this: YES, 1Gel is perfect for transferring images onto fabric. However, I would choose a different medium for items that require repeated washings. For things like pillow covers that are not subject to repeated washings, it’s AWESOME. Hint: YouTube is a great resource.
As for a UK distributor, Heirloom Traditions will ship internationally – please visit their site and don’t forget to use coupon code: GRAPHICSFAIRY for 10% off all regularly priced items!
jilly says
hi I just read your post try e bay – I am in the U.K, and managed to get some on e bay. Not tried it yet though!
Jean Bullock says
Thanks for the great tutorial.
Heather Tracy says
Thank you, Jean, for taking the time to leave a sweet comment!
Jackie Hale says
I’ve been wanting to try this ~ thank you for the great tutorial!
Heather Tracy says
Hi Jackie – Image transfers open up such a world of possibilities – I know you’ll have fun!
Gloria says
Before I heard about the 1Gel I went to my local craft store – they recommended Liquitex matte gel. I have not used it yet.
Have you heard of this? Will it work?
Also, I have a very dark furniture piece I would like to to a transfer on but I’m afraid it won’t show up. Can you give me some ideas.
Karen Watson says
Hi Gloria, I believe that Gel will work as well, I haven’t tried it myself, so I’m afraid I don’t have any tips for you.
spelling fairy says
XEROX.
Tracy says
Can I do this on a painted surface, and have the paint color show through (ex: lettering)?
graphicsfairy says
Sure Tracy!!
LaNell says
Hello Heather,
Thank you for all of your wonderful tutorials – you rock girl! I have a question regarding transferring an image to furniture (on the top of an occasional table). My image is 8″ wide and 18″ long, it is in color so I will print it with my Canon inkjet printer. I’ve ordered 1Gel medium but now I need some advice on whether to use the transfer method in this tutorial, i.e. using plain paper or the method you described in another post using Apollo transparency film. What would you recommend?
Heather Tracy says
Hi LaNell! I’m thrilled that you’ve found the tutorials useful, my friend. As to your question: the Transparency Film Transfer method is well suited to Fabrics, but I’ve not had such good luck with it on hard surfaces…I would go the ‘traditional’ route for your table top: plain printer paper, adhered face down onto the 1Gel coated surface, burnish, etc. Make sure to allow your Inkjet Prints to dry thoroughly before you begin! Good luck, and thank you for being so kind! xox
LaNell says
Great! I will give this a try this week and hopefully have photos to share with you soon.
Thanks so much for your help!
LaNell
Heather Tracy says
Sounds good, LaNell! Have fun with your project…xox
Isobel Conradie says
Thank you so much for this tutorial. Just one question, please – does one still feel an edge on your transfer after removing all the backing white paper, and if so, how do I remove it?
Thank you SO much!
Heather Tracy says
Hi Isobel! And the answer is: NO! You won’t feel an edge….your fingertips may be sore from rubbing every bit of paper away, but no edge will remain as long as you are careful to remove every little bit of paper fiber. Thank YOU for taking the time to visit The Graphics Fairy!
Tom Huynh says
I would like to try this approach on leather like my phone case wallet. Any feedback?
Heather Tracy says
Hey Tom – I’ve successfully transferred Toner Based Images to leather…and I LOVE the results. For a truly permanent transfer on an item that is handled so much, I’d go with the Citra Solv Method, though. Here’s a link to a tutorial that will walk you through my process: Image Transfers on Leather I’m not a leatherworker, but I would suggest searching for an appropriate sealer for the case, as well. Good luck, my friend!
Linda says
Any chance regular modpodge would work?
graphicsfairy says
To be honest I am not sure Linda. I always tell people, it’s always worth giving it a practice try on a scrap piece of material, you never know until you try 🙂
C.reid-adam says
Thanks for the gorgeous image! I am wondering if it is possible to change the size I print it please? I am on Windows 8 and have an HP inkjet. Thanks so much your kind advice. Carla
Heather Tracy says
Hi Carla! You can change the size of the image from within Acrobat Reader, as you are selecting print options. So pleased that you like it. Have fun! xox
Darlene Duncan says
If this method can be applied to a water base clear poly finish over chalk paint, then can the transfer be sealed the same way, after a top coat of the gel, has been applied and dried first? To give it a more durable and even finish..
Heather Tracy says
Hi Darlene, absolutely. Just be aware that many poly finishes can yellow over time. xox
LizinAz says
Can you recom mend a waterslide transfer paper for a high-heat laser printer? I have an Okidata c5800 which is a hot laser printer.
Heather Tracy says
Hi LizinAz – I have not personally used this High Heat Laser Compatible Waterslide Paper, but the manufacturer says it will work! Good luck on your quest!
LizinAz says
Thanks so much!
Susan Rose says
I am chalk painting a music cabinet and wanted to replace a decal that was on the piece originally. Can I do this method and would I do it prior to waxing or after an initial layer of wax. I am probably not going to use a polyacrylic finish as this piece will not get much use.
Heather Tracy says
Hi Susan! Yes, you can use this method, whether you want to transfer the image, or simply decoupage it, 1Gel will do the trick. It’s best to work on an unwaxed surface, then apply your wax after the medium has thoroughly cured. Have fun! xox
Maria Valadao says
I am using glass from a picture frame. Would this work on glass also?
Thank you very much for your help.
Heather Tracy says
Hi Maria! This is not an appropriate Transfer Method with a glass surface, unfortunately. You may want to look into this method for transferring onto glass – Clear Contact Paper Transfers
Good luck! xox
Peter Trentacoste says
I currently own A Epson model XP420. I have been printing on freezer paper sheets and transfer the image to wood which I then carve. When I print in black and white it works OK but if I use color it runs into the other colors. I tried so many different settings, so this is where I am at now. I just need a printer that will work. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I make carvings for zero cost to Veterans at the local VA facility. Hope someone has info for me. I also own a laser printer but it is just black and white
graphicsfairy says
Hi Peter, Here is a post I wrote about my favorite printer, I hope it is helpful. What a wonderful thing you are doing for our Veterans, God bless you!
https://thegraphicsfairy.com/the-best-printers-for-crafting/
DeAnna Alley says
Hi Heather,
This may be a silly question but I am new to all of this. I love this idea and I can’t wait to do it though!
What exactly does burnishing mean?
Thanks, DeAnna
Heather Tracy says
Hi DeAnna! Not a silly question at all, my friend. Burnishing is just a term that means to ‘rub’ a surface, often with a tool, in order to press two surfaces together tightly or to press firmly. Hope this helps!
david says
Hi,
I have an HP officejet 7500 inkjet printer.
You mention epson durabite ink but if using a standard HP inkjet can it have the same results on painted wood? The wood in question is MDF? I don’t want to import the 1gel to the United Kingdom then find it doesn’t work or works best only with durabrite ink. Also if the ink does apply well to the wood does it come off over time if rubbed or with natural light? I’m wanting to print onto painted wooden mdf blocks which I’m hanging on walls, so I would really appreciate a reply.
Also is there anything on the market that allows the transfer of inkjet from paper or another medium onto very heavy thick card? If water is required to wet paper fibres then I’m guessing this could ruin the card so could there be anything else out there that can be used and din’t ruin or stain card?
Heather Tracy says
Hello David…excellent questions.
Firstly, although I do like 1Gel, you can obtain similar results with any good quality Gel Medium (Golden, Liquitex, etc.) So, no need to import 1Gel to the UK unless you really want to.
Inkjet prints are always going to be a bit trickier to work with when transferring images, as opposed to toner prints. Each ink formulation is unique – if your printer uses pigment-based inks, there is less likelihood of bleeding, but there are no guarantees. My best suggestion is for you to experiment with readily available transfer mediums: Mod Podge & Gel Medium on a variety of surfaces to determine how well you like the results.
For the type of transfer you are proposing, you may want to consider using a waterslide method. Just Google Waterslide Image Transfer, to see what I mean. This is the creation of almost imperceptible ‘decals’ that you can affix to the project – exceptionally crisp and clean images, but a bit fiddly.
You are correct: moisture and heavy card don’t always play well together. Ideally, for an image transfer that doesn’t involve water, you would do well to use a solvent based method – but this will only work with Toner Prints. The benefit is that paper fiber is usually able to absorb solvents without warping, staining or buckling.
As with all things ‘image transfer’ related, there are no ‘one size fits all’ answers. I hope that this will give you a few ideas for avenues to explore!