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:
Can you use this method on a coffee cup
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!
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!
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!
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!
Thanks for the great tutorial.
Thank you, Jean, for taking the time to leave a sweet comment!
I’ve been wanting to try this ~ thank you for the great tutorial!
Hi Jackie – Image transfers open up such a world of possibilities – I know you’ll have fun!
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.
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.
XEROX.
Can I do this on a painted surface, and have the paint color show through (ex: lettering)?
Sure Tracy!!
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?
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
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
Sounds good, LaNell! Have fun with your project…xox
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!
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!
I would like to try this approach on leather like my phone case wallet. Any feedback?
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!
Any chance regular modpodge would work?
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 🙂
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
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
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..
Hi Darlene, absolutely. Just be aware that many poly finishes can yellow over time. xox
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.
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!