@trszng - First let me suggest you just try it... do a very small test to see if it works. I am not sure this (fast) approach works with prints/copies that aren't toner-based. If it doesn't, I would also try the regular direct transfer method, which is the same as this but you let the whole thing dry before removing the paper. Again, try it small before committing any technique to an important project.
@TwistedxJester I just did this yesterday with laser prints that were a few weeks old. So, while we've not tested it, I tend to think it doesn't matter as long as the print is still clean and hasn't been damaged in any way.
Instead of just laying the photo on the canvas, seems like if you wrapped it around a cardboard tube (like one for wrapping paper or a large cardboard mailing tube), you could slowly roll it out and it would minimize the air bubbles. I do this when applying photos or posters to sticky board.
I need help i have done this technique at College and its amazing but i can't remember the full name of that glue ive been looking everywhere but im not sure which one is it and where to buy it on internet?.
@14Martynka215 - I am not sure what you mean by "glue" , but the technique demonstrated here used GOLDEN Fluid Matte Medium. You can find that at most Golden online and retail stores. (It can be used as glue.... particularly in collage, so I get where you're coming from, but if you use "glue" as your keyword, you won't find our Fluid Matte Medium)
@essenceofarts Thanks for the feedback. If/when using this technique on fabric, you should use GAC900 as an additive to both the base into which you're making the transfer and a protective coat over the transfer. You will heatset this acrylic before laundering and it will enhance durability, we have a video just on that product that can be found either on YT or in the video library on the Golden site.
@MHPhotography722 - you would have to experiment to see if it works. This video only demonstrates a transfer using black heat-set toner, there are other videos (by other users of our products) demonstrating techniques using color. Also, Golden makes a Digital Ground that will allow you to print color inkjet on acrylic skins. So there are color options.
@crayonsrcool9 Since Melanie is starting with a matte gel, and rubbing paper off the surface, the finish is more matte. However, once you have the image transferred, you could easily coat it with a gloss gel for a glossy surface.
@CameraTamera1 - we've seen user videos using our gel and laser prints on overhead transparency (photocopy) film. While that's not what Melanie is showing here, others have used that technique successfully.
@erinkaywebster - yes, a laser print or photocopy (as opposed to an ink-jet) print is required. And the paper is not special, any laser bond should work.
@chazzooz - as with everything, the best way to find out is to experiment on a small test piece. The concern with oils over an image transfer would be the potential for dissolving the toner. If you were to put a clear coat of acrylic over the transfer before painting with oils, you should prevent that from happening. But, again, test any new product or process before trying it on an important project.
seriously only leave the paper on for a couple of minutes? Not allowing it to dry for 10 hours? Also after it's completely dry, can you apply modge podge as a topcoat for protection?
@MissKitty28 - this is Melanie's technique, and she's used it and taught it extensively. But, it's not the only technique (wouldn't be very fast if it took 10 hours). Once the image is dry, you can probably put whatever you like - so long as it doesn't dissolve the acrylic or toner - over the image. Of course, we'd recommend a clear acrylic gel of some kind... or using the image as a foundation for painting with colors or glazes.
@CoryAnthonyBilicko - Yes, anywhere you can apply accrylic paint. Although, the texture of that paint would effect the transfer if it creates gaps between the photocopy and the surface you're transferring the image to. Direct contact is essential.
this worked very good. do you think it would work on a stained surface? i would like to transfer pictures and text onto a a stained table made out of mdf or cabinetry grade plywood. thanks for your help and a great video!
i've read and watched many other tutorials for using acrylic gel medium to transfer. they all advice to use water to deteriorate the paper and also advise to wait hours and hours before doing so. any thoughts on that? i'm hoping to do a transfer to wood with color prints and i want them to come across really bold. thank you golden!!
Just a comment. I have worked a lot with graphics and what is not said in this simple description is that, if the image has a distinct left and right--such as one with text, signage on buildings, or a recognizable image of a popular location—you should flip the image when printing it so it reads backwards. The orientation will automatically correct once the image is transferred.
I don't know how this would work on styrofoam, you should try it. (Then let us know) The chemicals in our acrylics won't eat into the foam, they're water based and should adhere pretty well. The main concern would be if the foam surface is durable enough for the process of removal if you have to rub much of the paper off.
@aharw - yes, it is inevitable that putting a medium over fabric will effect it's flexibility, and in the case of the image transfer technique Melanie is demonstrating the fabric is not intended to be used for apparel. The gel medium won't make the fabric perfectly stiff, but the image won't be durable enough (nor is it recommended) for laundering.
does this technique only work on a canvas that doesn't have any base coats on it?i have been trying this technique on ready made canvas which have been primed for acrylic use but the image i am getting is not as clear and bits of the image has flaked off. what am i doing wrong?
Does it have to be an architecture laser printer or will a 'normal' HP laser printer suffice. I want to cover a white prom dress with transferred images. Any other things to take into consideration before I embark on this process? I'd like the dress to retain it's fabric/draping qualities. Do I need to mix with Golden's fabric medium? Thanks-great video!!
@pmondoy - It has to be toner based for the technique demonstrated in this video. So, if it is indeed a "Laserjet" it should work. As with all things, test before applying this (or any new technique or material) to your final/important artwork. The concern with your dress question is the durability of the finished product and (in exchange) the suppleness of the fabric once you've put the amount of medium needed for the transfer.
@LillyEve1@LillyEve1 It is correct that only toner based process will work for transfers due to water sensitivities. If an artist is interested in using an ink-jet printer they may want to look into Golden's Digital Grounds.
@LillyEve1 It is correct that only toner based process will work for transfers due to water sensitivities. If an artist is interested in using an ink-jet printer they may want to look into Golden's Digital Grounds.
Hey there Melanie, great video. I just met you today. You came to us for a Golden workshop. I have to tell you that we all very much enjoyed the workshop and hope you have you return for another workshop soon. Thanks for a very informative and entertaining workshop. Sonia P.
also, other videos show that people use water to get rid of the paper...is the difference in the medium or is using water optional? i'd prefer dry since i'm transferring to wood but just want to make sure i'm not skipping a step.
@giimoTV --- Please do! That's the idea... the acrylic gel used for the transfer is a great ground for painting (with acrylics) the only thing I would avoid is painting solvents or mineral spirits that have the potential for damaging the image you've transferred. With acrylics, you should be able to paint over this with no problems. Letting it dry thoroughly first will help ensure that the image isn't disturbed.
We hesitate to say "only" -- as soon as we make an absolute statement there will be someone out there to prove us wrong. However, Melanie's demonstration was based on using laser prints or photocopies (both use similar heat-activated toner) and the timing has been refined for those materials. Other types of prints may indeed work, but you'll have to practice with them to see how long it takes to get a satisfactory image. I've seen similar demonstrations with people using images in magazines.
Absolutely! But texture could be an issue. You'd want to do this over a smooth painting because it will be hard to get full contact, as Melanie demonstrates, with a lot of texture to conform with. Also, if there is a lot of texture, it will be a lot harder to pull the paper up cleanly or rub off the paper fibers.
Yes! There are a couple of ways to go about that. You can do the image transfer as a layer directly onto your painting (again, watch for the texture of the underpainting) or you can make an acrylic paint skin on a separate piece of plastic (a stretched out garbage bag works well) then adhere this to your painting sort of like a collage, use a gloss gel to "glue" it to the surface of your painting..
Melanie mentions that this large format copy was from an architectural laser printer ... so other than being larger than normal, the paper ought to be standard laser printer compatible. I've done this myself using paper from our office copiers.
Just want to welcome everyone to Golden's "Paint Bar" (where this video was shot). It is in the corporate store right next door to the SAGG (gallery) above the factory floor in New Berlin, NY. Visitors are welcomed, see our website if you'd like to arrange a tour.
Also, we recognize that we have another video showing direct image transfers, this is a slightly different technique for everyone to try.
hello, great technique, i was wondering can you use a regular laser ink jet printer from home???
trszng 3 days ago
@trszng - First let me suggest you just try it... do a very small test to see if it works. I am not sure this (fast) approach works with prints/copies that aren't toner-based. If it doesn't, I would also try the regular direct transfer method, which is the same as this but you let the whole thing dry before removing the paper. Again, try it small before committing any technique to an important project.
GoldenPaints 2 days ago
Awesome video! How fresh does the print out need to be for the transfer?
TwistedxJester 4 days ago
@TwistedxJester I just did this yesterday with laser prints that were a few weeks old. So, while we've not tested it, I tend to think it doesn't matter as long as the print is still clean and hasn't been damaged in any way.
GoldenPaints 3 days ago
Instead of just laying the photo on the canvas, seems like if you wrapped it around a cardboard tube (like one for wrapping paper or a large cardboard mailing tube), you could slowly roll it out and it would minimize the air bubbles. I do this when applying photos or posters to sticky board.
lwarteman 1 week ago
I need help i have done this technique at College and its amazing but i can't remember the full name of that glue ive been looking everywhere but im not sure which one is it and where to buy it on internet?.
14Martynka215 2 weeks ago
@14Martynka215 - I am not sure what you mean by "glue" , but the technique demonstrated here used GOLDEN Fluid Matte Medium. You can find that at most Golden online and retail stores. (It can be used as glue.... particularly in collage, so I get where you're coming from, but if you use "glue" as your keyword, you won't find our Fluid Matte Medium)
GoldenPaints 2 weeks ago
Hi, Its nice technique...
I have a question, If I am using this technique on fabric, I can wash it after some time / Days??
essenceofarts 3 weeks ago
@essenceofarts Thanks for the feedback. If/when using this technique on fabric, you should use GAC900 as an additive to both the base into which you're making the transfer and a protective coat over the transfer. You will heatset this acrylic before laundering and it will enhance durability, we have a video just on that product that can be found either on YT or in the video library on the Golden site.
GoldenPaints 3 weeks ago
NICE!
ammaray2 1 month ago
I'm sorry, I might have missed this but can you use a colored laser print? Thanks.
MHPhotography722 2 months ago
@MHPhotography722 - you would have to experiment to see if it works. This video only demonstrates a transfer using black heat-set toner, there are other videos (by other users of our products) demonstrating techniques using color. Also, Golden makes a Digital Ground that will allow you to print color inkjet on acrylic skins. So there are color options.
GoldenPaints 1 month ago
is the final transfer glossy at all?
crayonsrcool9 2 months ago
@crayonsrcool9 Since Melanie is starting with a matte gel, and rubbing paper off the surface, the finish is more matte. However, once you have the image transferred, you could easily coat it with a gloss gel for a glossy surface.
GoldenPaints 2 months ago
What about with film transparencies?
CameraTamera1 3 months ago
@CameraTamera1 - we've seen user videos using our gel and laser prints on overhead transparency (photocopy) film. While that's not what Melanie is showing here, others have used that technique successfully.
GoldenPaints 2 months ago
Does the image have to be a laser printed image for this to work? And is it printed on regular paper or is it some kind of specialty paper? Thanks.
erinkaywebster 3 months ago
@erinkaywebster - yes, a laser print or photocopy (as opposed to an ink-jet) print is required. And the paper is not special, any laser bond should work.
GoldenPaints 2 months ago
@GoldenPaints so it doesn't necessarily have to be an architect laser printer? Just a laser printer at kinko's will do?
kendahke 1 month ago
what if you wanted to paint in oil paints over the image? would that cause any problems?
chazzooz 3 months ago
@chazzooz - as with everything, the best way to find out is to experiment on a small test piece. The concern with oils over an image transfer would be the potential for dissolving the toner. If you were to put a clear coat of acrylic over the transfer before painting with oils, you should prevent that from happening. But, again, test any new product or process before trying it on an important project.
GoldenPaints 3 months ago
seriously only leave the paper on for a couple of minutes? Not allowing it to dry for 10 hours? Also after it's completely dry, can you apply modge podge as a topcoat for protection?
MissKitty28 3 months ago
@MissKitty28 - this is Melanie's technique, and she's used it and taught it extensively. But, it's not the only technique (wouldn't be very fast if it took 10 hours). Once the image is dry, you can probably put whatever you like - so long as it doesn't dissolve the acrylic or toner - over the image. Of course, we'd recommend a clear acrylic gel of some kind... or using the image as a foundation for painting with colors or glazes.
GoldenPaints 3 months ago
thanks for show how to make this look so easy
LegacyCanvas 3 months ago
Great video, thanks. I have a project for the day!
MoRicePhoto 4 months ago
Do you think this process would work on a canvas that has been painted with acrylic paint? Thank you.
CoryAnthonyBilicko 4 months ago
@CoryAnthonyBilicko - Yes, anywhere you can apply accrylic paint. Although, the texture of that paint would effect the transfer if it creates gaps between the photocopy and the surface you're transferring the image to. Direct contact is essential.
GoldenPaints 4 months ago
this worked very good. do you think it would work on a stained surface? i would like to transfer pictures and text onto a a stained table made out of mdf or cabinetry grade plywood. thanks for your help and a great video!
xxdjcharlierockxx 4 months ago
i've read and watched many other tutorials for using acrylic gel medium to transfer. they all advice to use water to deteriorate the paper and also advise to wait hours and hours before doing so. any thoughts on that? i'm hoping to do a transfer to wood with color prints and i want them to come across really bold. thank you golden!!
sullivanej 4 months ago
Just a comment. I have worked a lot with graphics and what is not said in this simple description is that, if the image has a distinct left and right--such as one with text, signage on buildings, or a recognizable image of a popular location—you should flip the image when printing it so it reads backwards. The orientation will automatically correct once the image is transferred.
psychssuck 4 months ago
@psychssuck Good point!
rkstudio 3 months ago
I don't know how this would work on styrofoam, you should try it. (Then let us know) The chemicals in our acrylics won't eat into the foam, they're water based and should adhere pretty well. The main concern would be if the foam surface is durable enough for the process of removal if you have to rub much of the paper off.
GoldenPaints 5 months ago
Would this technique work on styrofoam? I know man chemicals will eat into foam.
Thanks!
VJExavior 5 months ago
will the fabric stiffen after you apply the medium? would using a transparency work better?
aharw 5 months ago
@aharw - yes, it is inevitable that putting a medium over fabric will effect it's flexibility, and in the case of the image transfer technique Melanie is demonstrating the fabric is not intended to be used for apparel. The gel medium won't make the fabric perfectly stiff, but the image won't be durable enough (nor is it recommended) for laundering.
GoldenPaints 5 months ago
will the fabric stiffen after you apply the medium?
aharw 5 months ago
does this technique only work on a canvas that doesn't have any base coats on it?i have been trying this technique on ready made canvas which have been primed for acrylic use but the image i am getting is not as clear and bits of the image has flaked off. what am i doing wrong?
manafa2000 9 months ago
@manafa2000 Also wondering if you can use primed canvas.
art23ist 7 months ago
Does it have to be an architecture laser printer or will a 'normal' HP laser printer suffice. I want to cover a white prom dress with transferred images. Any other things to take into consideration before I embark on this process? I'd like the dress to retain it's fabric/draping qualities. Do I need to mix with Golden's fabric medium? Thanks-great video!!
pmondoy 10 months ago
@pmondoy - It has to be toner based for the technique demonstrated in this video. So, if it is indeed a "Laserjet" it should work. As with all things, test before applying this (or any new technique or material) to your final/important artwork. The concern with your dress question is the durability of the finished product and (in exchange) the suppleness of the fabric once you've put the amount of medium needed for the transfer.
GoldenPaints 5 months ago
You can only print on a laser printer right? No inkjet printer because the image will bleed and discolor?
LillyEve1 10 months ago
@LillyEve1 @LillyEve1 It is correct that only toner based process will work for transfers due to water sensitivities. If an artist is interested in using an ink-jet printer they may want to look into Golden's Digital Grounds.
GoldenPaints 10 months ago
@LillyEve1 It is correct that only toner based process will work for transfers due to water sensitivities. If an artist is interested in using an ink-jet printer they may want to look into Golden's Digital Grounds.
GoldenPaints 10 months ago
Hey there Melanie, great video. I just met you today. You came to us for a Golden workshop. I have to tell you that we all very much enjoyed the workshop and hope you have you return for another workshop soon. Thanks for a very informative and entertaining workshop. Sonia P.
nonameszp 10 months ago
can I do this same process with a primed canvas or does it have to be unprimed
bluejd 11 months ago
@bluejd
frustratedfretfinder 2 months ago
also, other videos show that people use water to get rid of the paper...is the difference in the medium or is using water optional? i'd prefer dry since i'm transferring to wood but just want to make sure i'm not skipping a step.
jessicab1st 1 year ago
can you use this with transparency film or does it have to be paper?
jessicab1st 1 year ago
what happend if i paint over a transferred image?
giimoTV 1 year ago
@giimoTV --- Please do! That's the idea... the acrylic gel used for the transfer is a great ground for painting (with acrylics) the only thing I would avoid is painting solvents or mineral spirits that have the potential for damaging the image you've transferred. With acrylics, you should be able to paint over this with no problems. Letting it dry thoroughly first will help ensure that the image isn't disturbed.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago 2
@GoldenPaints Thank's a lot!!
giimoTV 1 year ago
Could you tell me if this can be done "only" with laser copies or I can also do with ink jet copies?
artemisvictrix 1 year ago
We hesitate to say "only" -- as soon as we make an absolute statement there will be someone out there to prove us wrong. However, Melanie's demonstration was based on using laser prints or photocopies (both use similar heat-activated toner) and the timing has been refined for those materials. Other types of prints may indeed work, but you'll have to practice with them to see how long it takes to get a satisfactory image. I've seen similar demonstrations with people using images in magazines.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago
Absolutely! But texture could be an issue. You'd want to do this over a smooth painting because it will be hard to get full contact, as Melanie demonstrates, with a lot of texture to conform with. Also, if there is a lot of texture, it will be a lot harder to pull the paper up cleanly or rub off the paper fibers.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago
Can you do this over top of an acrylic painting?
QuitWastingTime 1 year ago
Yes! There are a couple of ways to go about that. You can do the image transfer as a layer directly onto your painting (again, watch for the texture of the underpainting) or you can make an acrylic paint skin on a separate piece of plastic (a stretched out garbage bag works well) then adhere this to your painting sort of like a collage, use a gloss gel to "glue" it to the surface of your painting..
GoldenPaints 1 year ago
@GoldenPaints Cool! Thanks for replying!
QuitWastingTime 1 year ago
Melanie mentions that this large format copy was from an architectural laser printer ... so other than being larger than normal, the paper ought to be standard laser printer compatible. I've done this myself using paper from our office copiers.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago
Good video. Could you tell me if the paper used was ordinary copy paper? Thanks again.
peckinpahlady 1 year ago
Yes. Ordinary copy paper.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago
Just want to welcome everyone to Golden's "Paint Bar" (where this video was shot). It is in the corporate store right next door to the SAGG (gallery) above the factory floor in New Berlin, NY. Visitors are welcomed, see our website if you'd like to arrange a tour.
Also, we recognize that we have another video showing direct image transfers, this is a slightly different technique for everyone to try.
GoldenPaints 1 year ago