i have waded through a LOT of videos about this technique and yours is a breath of fresh air! concise, easy to follow, and it looked great. and NO chatty, personal info that made my eyes roll back in my head. THANK YOU! lmao
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.
Thank you very much. This is a learning experience for me and I have been looking for DIYs on transferring images onto canvas. So happy I saw this...from Nov. 2010. Please don't take it down. It is a must see. THANKS!
To avoid translation issues, the item number is probably most helpful. Look for (or ask your retailer for) 3520 -- which is Fluid Matte Medium. You can also use 3530, which is regular Matte Medium.
@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.
Thank you for this tutorial! I just did this using Golden soft gel and it worked great! I've tried waiting overnight for it to dry but I'm making multiple transfers and time is of the essence! I had a few hiccups, the second peel tore in a few spots where I had the gel too thick, so I thinned my coats and viola! Awesome!
Deborah, Melanie and others have been able to use this technique with inkjet prints, but in Tech Support we have seen the water sensitivity cause color bleed, and it can be frustrating. You may find certain pigment inks working better than the dyes, but this is definitely something to TEST before diving into a big project!
I see. Re-reading your previous reply I thought you meant the soft gel gloss would produce a less hazy result without using varnish. I used a gloss varnish and it did bring the colours back to life (as if they were wet). I appreciate all the help. Thanks!
One thing I might suggest to people interested in toner transfers is to find a print shop that will print on vellum. Whichever brand makes the "1000H" vellum is what I use, and I can lift the page in one piece EVERY SINGLE TIME! And there are NO FIBRES AT ALL to scrub off later!
Nice! Thanks for the suggestion. Honestly, we had a lot of trouble just making sure they used a toner-based printer. The first time we ordered prints (online) they sent the order to a place that used an ink-jet print - despite very explicit instructions regarding the type of print we needed. They didn't charge us, but it took an extra couple days to sort out.
1000H vellum is a high quality tracing paper available at most art stores. It's packaging is bright orange. Bring it with you to the print shop and ask them if they can run it through their printers.
that IS good advice the rubbing can be tedious!! Thanks! I wonder if parchment paper might work? I've yet to try to run it through or try this with my printer..I have the ink well Epson 2550... a bit diff than an ink jet... hhmmm worth a try for $avings.
@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.
Betty - to the first part of your question the answer is absolutely! In fact, the smoother surface can make it easier to make complete contact with the print. As for the second part of your question, I've heard that it does work, but I've not tested it my self (I should do that right now!) - you should test it for yourself. And we're talking laser copy, not inkjet (just to be clear). Thanks for the question.
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..
Yes. Timing will change a little, so you'll need to test and practice with it, but Soft Gel, Regular Gel... matte, semi, gloss, etc. They should all work with this technique. Part of the reason Melanie chose Matte Medium here is to keep the sheen down so the canvas looks more natural.
@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)
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!!
Melanie uses a fluid medium in this video, but they'll all work pretty well. Since this particular technique depends so much on timing, I would follow the video closely and use fluid. A gel might go on thicker than a fluid and require a bit more time to dry before removal, it may also add the complexity of having thinner and thicker areas that cause parts to dry faster than others.
@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.
@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.
Great video! What paper did you use? Is it important that it be architectural paper? Other tutorials leave the paper overnight and it never peels off this easily. thanks!
Hello Vrinda, glad you enjoyed the video. Melanie uses our Fluid Matte Medium for this project. I don't know enough about Fevicol adhesive to tell you whether it would work or not.
@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.
@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.
Thank you for the quick reply. I had a feeling it wasn't washable. One more question, please. I transferred my photo onto canvas and it generally turned out well except it seems to dry with a hazy quality. Short of rubbing too hard as to remove the image, I think I've rubbed the paper off as much as I can. I experimented with gloss varnish which added "moisture" back to the image (and looks good). Is there any way to prevent this dried-out finish without adding varnish?
Both techniques work. The overnight method requires more scrubbing and takes 24 hours. This approach catches the transfer quickly after it takes place and you remove most of the paper while it has been softened by the water in the acrylic medium. The trick with this approach is being careful with the transferred image as the acrylic medium is also still soft. So it takes a more delicate touch and careful timing to do it faster.
Hi have watched your video over and over is very cool.i am new at canvas printings and tried my 1st one today which was a disaster..I'm trying to transfer a black n white AO print to canvas using mod podge..also the print paper is 160gms does that matter..any suggestions would be great..
Hello Azahlia - sorry to hear you're having trouble with this, it might take a little practice - but you can also watch this video with added detail on the process: ua-cam.com/video/K_cfJoJYQvU/v-deo.html
Please do not take this video down, I learned so much and will refer back to it. Is there a book by Golden showing various techniques using Golden mediums? LOVE Golden paints, they are THE best!
Hello Ginita, very pleased to hear that you like this video and learned from it. We have no immediate plans to take it down. There are a lot of books authored by our Working Artists over the years that can demonstrate techniques using our paints and mediums - Rethinking Acrylics by Patti Brady might be a good place to start, Inside Acrylics by Phil Garrett is also very good... Nancy Reynor's Acrylic Revolution...
yes, if you watch the newest video on Image Transfers - (Tips for a successful immediate image transfer), it shows applying a coat of acrylic medium over the image once the paper has been removed. The topcoat helps to transparentize any leftover paper fibers and protect the image. Images can also be painted with acrylics after you seal it with the 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.
Hi. First of all thank you very much for this excellent tutorial. My interest is transferring image on fabric (mostly Linen) can you please guide me which is the video on YT you are referring? I looked but I couldn't find it. Thank you in advance.
Sherry, sadly, no, you won't find GOLDEN products at Hobby Lobby. It should be available at Michaels and most other art supply stores. For help with the transfer to burlap, you might see the follow up video created by our Tech Support team: "Tips for a Successful Immediate Image Transfer" - where they get into some detail about transfers to textured surfaces.
Yes, anything that acrylic will adhere to will work. Just be aware that the absorbency of that material, like the environmental conditions of your studio, will affect the drying rate of the medium used which changes the timing of the process shown in this video. Our best recommendation is to always TEST your materials and technique with a small piece or scrap before committing to them in a larger or important project.
Thank you for mentioning this. Canvas can be ironed before image transfer to provide a nice smooth surface but we did not include that in this demonstration. 😊
I bought your golden regular gel (matte) as a medium to transfer a laser copy photo to another thicker paper (photo album) I have been doing some test runs and using water to take the paper up. what tool/technique would you recommend to take up all the paper? my fingers seem to be leaving still residue of the old paper down and I dont want to damage the final product by rubbing too hard. Thanks for your help!
Keith - we've not done extensive testing on it, however it is mostly carbon, which is very strong as a pigment. We've not seen fading with it, but we can't vouch for every available formulation used in all the laser printers out there.
Great Tutorial. I had a question, Do you know if the black toner from the laser print is archival? I'd like to mess around with this technique, but was wondering if the black transferred image will end up fading, while the rest of the paint applied on top stays vibrant?
Just so I'm clear, I would replace the matte medium with the soft gel gloss medium for the transfer? And that should remove that haziness from the finished product?
Dianne, the paper is standard bond paper as would be used in a copier. In the case of Melanie's demonstration here, the paper is larger (for the type of printer she used) but it's they same type of paper you would use in a regular size photocopier or laser printer.
@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.
@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.
Thank you very much for clarifying that. I think I prefer your way because you have instant transfer and it's easier to get the paper off. I appreciate your reply. xx
I have a question for Melanie. Is it also possible to do this technique when I have already done an acrylic wash on the canvas? Is it better to do a transfer on un-primed canvas?
Renee Moreno This should work either way. You are effectively priming the canvas when you put the Fluid Matte Medium on the canvas to make the transfer, but it may be even better to put a priming/sealing coat down with Polymer Medium or GAC 100 prior to the transfer just to mitigate any contaminants that might be in the canvas you are using.
I would like to try this method to transfer a photo to a canvas tote. Will I need to seal the photo afterwards to make sure that it will not rub off or wear off?
Hello, thank you so much for posting this! I tried the technique following same steps but only using grumbacher acrylic matte medium and varnish instead of golden, but it doesn't work, why would this be? any advice? Thanks!
Near the end of the video Melanie mentions that you can do this technique on any surface that accepts acrylic paint. So, that should work perfectly. In fact, it could be a very nice twist on the technique to apply color first, then use the transfer technique to create some line and definition. With this example Melanie is laying down the black so she can go back over it with color and texture.
Very interesting technique, grateful for the informations, I have one question; is it possible to paint over it using acrylic paint or oil paint ?? Thank you in advance
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.
Krissy - Mod Podge is PVA similar to regular white glue, very different from our 100% acrylic medium. If that were to work, it would probably be different process from what is shown in this video, and we don't have any recommendations for that. Thanks for watching, though, and please consider trying the process with Golden acrylics.
You commented: "We do not recommend washing the canvas after applying an image, or using this technique on clothing that needs to be laundered. You may be able to achieve an image transfer that is washable, but it would involve different materials than Melanie has used in this video and probably a slightly different technique or additional steps." Can you please tell me what materials or technic can be used?
What a great technic! I had problems at the beginning but the more I practiced the better the results. I love how I can now incorporate my photographs in my art. Do you know if Melanie Matthews has a book on image transfer?
@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.
@enitsirhceab It depends on what you're asking... Melanie states that this will work on anything you can put acrylic medium on. So, if you can put the medium on the ceramic or porcelain, then get good contact with the image, then removal of the paper... it should work. But our first recommendation is (always) do a test piece BEFORE committing to a new process in your work.
Once you have removed the excess paper (pulled it back) allow the medium to dry about 30 mins, using spray bottle water wet the entire surface. To completely clean off the paper and reveal the image below Melanie uses either a Scotchbrite pad or better a damp microfiber cloth, as found in dollar stores for household cleaning. Move the cloth in circular motion, section by section regularly rinsing off the wet paper pulp which gets caught in the fibers.
Great process, could you please tell me where you got the image and if it is available on the public domain? I've been looking for b/w photos of trees,but haven't had much luck. Thanks
Yes! Of course you can - as Melanie states, so long as the surface accepts acrylic medium (as acrylic paint will, perfectly). The one thing you need to watch is the texture - you need direct contact, and if your painting has a lot of texture it can make it difficult to get complete contact without gaps.
To follow the technique as shown here, yes, it needs to be a toner-based print (black and white laser copy or photocopy) -- however, transfers are possible with other materials. You need to experiment to see what works for you, but I've seen transfers made with color laser copies, ink jet prints and color magazines. If you search around UA-cam you'll probably see people demonstrating techniques using other materials.
You may paint over acrylics with oils. It is just important to make sure they are completely dry, and it may be a good idea to mount or stretch your image, assuming it is on a flexible support like canvas, prior to painting on it with oils. Oils are not as flexible as acrylics.
@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.
Great video. I have a question. Does it work if i Gloss Varnish a wooden surface before transferring the image? I have a piece of super dry wood and i am worried it would suck in all the color of the image if i don't treat the surface first. Thanks
Hello Khaled, we would not recommend varnish as a sealer in preparation for acrylics (either painting or image transfer) - your concern about absorption is valid, but you should use an acrylic sealer like GAC100, perhaps a couple coats, rather than varnish. For this purpose you could also use Soft Gel or a fluid medium like Fluid Matte Medium or Gloss Medium, but using a lower viscosity product like GAC100 first will reduce absorption and improve the adhesion of any acrylic product you apply over it.
Melanie, Thank you for your thoughtful video on immediate transfers. My question is, if after a couple of days removing paper and my feeling is any further rubbing will begin to affect the image negatively because when the image is damp it shows well but gets muzzy when it dries, so can I apply the same medium used for imaging so it looks as it does when damp. My image is 24 x 30" I truly thank you for your anticipated response. Best wishes.
Hello Christine, (this is not Melanie - just a regular person working at GOLDEN) if your image dries and gets foggy, but is dark and clear when wet, that it usually due to the remaining paper fibers on the surface of your print. But there is always that thin line between rubbing all the paper off, and rubbing the image off. You can sometimes capture that damp effect by using a clear medium (like Gloss Medium, or GAC100) but once a medium is applied you've sealed any paper fibers into the surface and there is no removing them after that. The most consistent and best advice we provide is to test you materials and technique before committing to them on an important project or as a means of practicing and refining the process before attempting a larger or more important project.
Hi Golden Paint friends, thank you for your appreciated reply. I have coated the image with your gloss medium successfully, it clarified well. I hope to use the image as an underpainting and ask is it necessary to further coat the canvas, (gessoed prior to image transfer, and coated with gloss medium following transfer) to complete in your oils. Thank you and best wishes :)
Check out the newer video with additional tips from our tech support team. A clear medium, like soft gel gloss ought to do the same thing as the varnish for what you're describing. But, as with anything, test it before trying it on a finished piece.
Are you able to wash fabric after it is transfered? also does it make the fabric hard? I used the gloss before and loved the outcome but would like it to be matte and perhaps easier to fold the fabric (making napkins)
We do NOT recommend washing the fabric after following this technique using these materials. We make a heatset fabric medium that is designed to endure laundering (GAC900) but I've not seen that used in combination with an image transfer. Please contact our product support team for technical details and suggestions (help@goldenpaints.com)
@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.
Hi melani!! thanks for the video... i want to paste on top de picture... can i do that? instead of pelican the paper...i also bought the soft gel medium...
Thanks for the awesome video! This is so helpful. I'd like to use this process as a base for oil painting on raw linen canvas. Should I size the canvas before applying the medium, or will the medium effectively act as a sizing coat? Thanks!
Stephanie - it is really personal preference. Melanie used plain canvas in this demonstration, she could also have sized or toned the canvas with another acrylic before doing the image transfer.
+GoldenPaints Hi Stephen I watch your u tutu and love them i live in Australia I would like to join one of your clubs what do I have to do and how much is it to join
Oh sorry, one more thing, is it a particular type of paper that is used? I read some comments and folks are mentioning different papers, some not so easy to locate.
d2, the copy that Melanie uses here was made on a large format laser printer typically used for printing architectural or mechanical drawings. You can often find these at copy/office centers. But, 11x16 is smaller than a typical laserprinter will use, 11x17 is a common sheet size that you can find at any office supply store. Your challenge with that would be getting all of 11" since laser printers don't usually print to the edge.
i have waded through a LOT of videos about this technique and yours is a breath of fresh air! concise, easy to follow, and it looked great. and NO chatty, personal info that made my eyes roll back in my head. THANK YOU! lmao
Thanks Melanie! I will pass your comment along to the team.
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.
Thank you very much. This is a learning experience for me and I have been looking for DIYs on transferring images onto canvas. So happy I saw this...from Nov. 2010. Please don't take it down. It is a must see. THANKS!
Thanks for the feedback, Celeste. You have nothing to worry about (regarding us taking it down) as this is the most viewed video on our channel.
To avoid translation issues, the item number is probably most helpful. Look for (or ask your retailer for) 3520 -- which is Fluid Matte Medium. You can also use 3530, which is regular Matte Medium.
Awesome technique. Way easier than any other options. Thank you.
**The print out of the piece should be a mirror image of how you want the canvas.**
@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.
Thank you for this tutorial! I just did this using Golden soft gel and it worked great! I've tried waiting overnight for it to dry but I'm making multiple transfers and time is of the essence! I had a few hiccups, the second peel tore in a few spots where I had the gel too thick, so I thinned my coats and viola! Awesome!
Unleashed Radiance - thanks for the feedback! Thanks for giving this technique a try, and for choosing GOLDEN.
Exactly what I was looking for to transfer an image of me as a child. Thank you!
Deborah, Melanie and others have been able to use this technique with inkjet prints, but in Tech Support we have seen the water sensitivity cause color bleed, and it can be frustrating. You may find certain pigment inks working better than the dyes, but this is definitely something to TEST before diving into a big project!
I see. Re-reading your previous reply I thought you meant the soft gel gloss would produce a less hazy result without using varnish. I used a gloss varnish and it did bring the colours back to life (as if they were wet).
I appreciate all the help. Thanks!
One thing I might suggest to people interested in toner transfers is to find a print shop that will print on vellum.
Whichever brand makes the "1000H" vellum is what I use, and I can lift the page in one piece EVERY SINGLE TIME! And there are NO FIBRES AT ALL to scrub off later!
Nice! Thanks for the suggestion. Honestly, we had a lot of trouble just making sure they used a toner-based printer. The first time we ordered prints (online) they sent the order to a place that used an ink-jet print - despite very explicit instructions regarding the type of print we needed. They didn't charge us, but it took an extra couple days to sort out.
1000H vellum is a high quality tracing paper available at most art stores. It's packaging is bright orange.
Bring it with you to the print shop and ask them if they can run it through their printers.
Great advice, Kyle. Thanks for sharing this.
Also Kyle Tom Palissade makes a paper that just peels off without the frustrating rubbing off of the background paper.
that IS good advice the rubbing can be tedious!! Thanks! I wonder if parchment paper might work? I've yet to try to run it through or try this with my printer..I have the ink well Epson 2550... a bit diff than an ink jet... hhmmm worth a try for $avings.
@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.
Fabulous technique. I love Golden.
Betty - to the first part of your question the answer is absolutely! In fact, the smoother surface can make it easier to make complete contact with the print. As for the second part of your question, I've heard that it does work, but I've not tested it my self (I should do that right now!) - you should test it for yourself. And we're talking laser copy, not inkjet (just to be clear). Thanks for the question.
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..
hello, great technique, i was wondering can you use a regular laser ink jet printer from home???
Yes. Timing will change a little, so you'll need to test and practice with it, but Soft Gel, Regular Gel... matte, semi, gloss, etc. They should all work with this technique. Part of the reason Melanie chose Matte Medium here is to keep the sheen down so the canvas looks more natural.
Great to see how nicely and cleanly this method transfers to the canvas underneath...
@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)
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!!
will the fabric stiffen after you apply the medium? would using a transparency work better?
Melanie uses a fluid medium in this video, but they'll all work pretty well. Since this particular technique depends so much on timing, I would follow the video closely and use fluid. A gel might go on thicker than a fluid and require a bit more time to dry before removal, it may also add the complexity of having thinner and thicker areas that cause parts to dry faster than others.
@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.
Good video. Could you tell me if the paper used was ordinary copy paper? Thanks again.
@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.
Great video! What paper did you use? Is it important that it be architectural paper? Other tutorials leave the paper overnight and it never peels off this easily. thanks!
Good work.. could you please tell me what that white liquid was ? Can we mix fevicol + water to get desired results?
Hello Vrinda, glad you enjoyed the video. Melanie uses our Fluid Matte Medium for this project. I don't know enough about Fevicol adhesive to tell you whether it would work or not.
@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.
@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.
Thank you for the quick reply. I had a feeling it wasn't washable.
One more question, please. I transferred my photo onto canvas and it generally turned out well except it seems to dry with a hazy quality. Short of rubbing too hard as to remove the image, I think I've rubbed the paper off as much as I can. I experimented with gloss varnish which added "moisture" back to the image (and looks good). Is there any way to prevent this dried-out finish without adding varnish?
Both techniques work. The overnight method requires more scrubbing and takes 24 hours. This approach catches the transfer quickly after it takes place and you remove most of the paper while it has been softened by the water in the acrylic medium. The trick with this approach is being careful with the transferred image as the acrylic medium is also still soft. So it takes a more delicate touch and careful timing to do it faster.
Hi have watched your video over and over is very cool.i am new at canvas printings and tried my 1st one today which was a disaster..I'm trying to transfer a black n white AO print to canvas using mod podge..also the print paper is 160gms does that matter..any suggestions would be great..
Hello Azahlia - sorry to hear you're having trouble with this, it might take a little practice - but you can also watch this video with added detail on the process: ua-cam.com/video/K_cfJoJYQvU/v-deo.html
Please do not take this video down, I learned so much and will refer back to it. Is there a book by Golden showing various techniques using Golden mediums? LOVE Golden paints, they are THE best!
Hello Ginita, very pleased to hear that you like this video and learned from it. We have no immediate plans to take it down. There are a lot of books authored by our Working Artists over the years that can demonstrate techniques using our paints and mediums - Rethinking Acrylics by Patti Brady might be a good place to start, Inside Acrylics by Phil Garrett is also very good... Nancy Reynor's Acrylic Revolution...
yes, if you watch the newest video on Image Transfers - (Tips for a successful immediate image transfer), it shows applying a coat of acrylic medium over the image once the paper has been removed. The topcoat helps to transparentize any leftover paper fibers and protect the image. Images can also be painted with acrylics after you seal it with the 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.
Hi. First of all thank you very much for this excellent tutorial. My interest is transferring image on fabric (mostly Linen) can you please guide me which is the video on YT you are referring? I looked but I couldn't find it. Thank you in advance.
@@adrianaariza-jones3694 Sorry it is such an old video, but here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/g16vP87OBpQ/v-deo.html
Sherry, sadly, no, you won't find GOLDEN products at Hobby Lobby. It should be available at Michaels and most other art supply stores. For help with the transfer to burlap, you might see the follow up video created by our Tech Support team: "Tips for a Successful Immediate Image Transfer" - where they get into some detail about transfers to textured surfaces.
love it thank u so much we can make which any kind of canves? thanks👑😇😇
Yes, anything that acrylic will adhere to will work. Just be aware that the absorbency of that material, like the environmental conditions of your studio, will affect the drying rate of the medium used which changes the timing of the process shown in this video. Our best recommendation is to always TEST your materials and technique with a small piece or scrap before committing to them in a larger or important project.
thank u so much 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😇😇😇😇
Great demonstration that offers some exciting possibilities, but why wasn't the canvas ironed beforehand to eliminate any creases?
Thank you for mentioning this. Canvas can be ironed before image transfer to provide a nice smooth surface but we did not include that in this demonstration. 😊
I bought your golden regular gel (matte) as a medium to transfer a laser copy photo to another thicker paper (photo album) I have been doing some test runs and using water to take the paper up. what tool/technique would you recommend to take up all the paper? my fingers seem to be leaving still residue of the old paper down and I dont want to damage the final product by rubbing too hard. Thanks for your help!
Keith - we've not done extensive testing on it, however it is mostly carbon, which is very strong as a pigment. We've not seen fading with it, but we can't vouch for every available formulation used in all the laser printers out there.
I'm sorry, I might have missed this but can you use a colored laser print? Thanks.
Great Tutorial. I had a question, Do you know if the black toner from the laser print is archival? I'd like to mess around with this technique, but was wondering if the black transferred image will end up fading, while the rest of the paint applied on top stays vibrant?
Just so I'm clear, I would replace the matte medium with the soft gel gloss medium for the transfer? And that should remove that haziness from the finished product?
Dianne, the paper is standard bond paper as would be used in a copier. In the case of Melanie's demonstration here, the paper is larger (for the type of printer she used) but it's they same type of paper you would use in a regular size photocopier or laser printer.
@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.
hello!! I want to know if fabrics can be washed after this technique ( at least once or twice). I would like to use it to do some pillows. Thanks!!
@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.
Thank you very much for clarifying that. I think I prefer your way because you have instant transfer and it's easier to get the paper off. I appreciate your reply. xx
will the fabric stiffen after you apply the medium?
Could you please tell me if the canvas with the transferred image can be washed? I plan to try it but I wonder what your advice would be.
Will it still work if your canvas has gesso on it? And can you use a coloured laser print?
@GoldenPaints so it doesn't necessarily have to be an architect laser printer? Just a laser printer at kinko's will do?
I have a question for Melanie. Is it also possible to do this technique when I have already done an acrylic wash on the canvas? Is it better to do a transfer on un-primed canvas?
Renee Moreno This should work either way. You are effectively priming the canvas when you put the Fluid Matte Medium on the canvas to make the transfer, but it may be even better to put a priming/sealing coat down with Polymer Medium or GAC 100 prior to the transfer just to mitigate any contaminants that might be in the canvas you are using.
How can i get this fluid matte material?
I would like to try this method to transfer a photo to a canvas tote. Will I need to seal the photo afterwards to make sure that it will not rub off or wear off?
Hello, thank you so much for posting this! I tried the technique following same steps but only using grumbacher acrylic matte medium and varnish instead of golden, but it doesn't work, why would this be? any advice? Thanks!
What a great technique! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Its nice technique...
I have a question, If I am using this technique on fabric, I can wash it after some time / Days??
Near the end of the video Melanie mentions that you can do this technique on any surface that accepts acrylic paint. So, that should work perfectly. In fact, it could be a very nice twist on the technique to apply color first, then use the transfer technique to create some line and definition. With this example Melanie is laying down the black so she can go back over it with color and texture.
Very interesting technique, grateful for the informations, I have one question; is it possible to paint over it using acrylic paint or oil paint ??
Thank you in advance
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.
Krissy - Mod Podge is PVA similar to regular white glue, very different from our 100% acrylic medium. If that were to work, it would probably be different process from what is shown in this video, and we don't have any recommendations for that. Thanks for watching, though, and please consider trying the process with Golden acrylics.
You commented:
"We do not recommend washing the canvas after applying an image, or using this technique on clothing that needs to be laundered. You may be able to achieve an image transfer that is washable, but it would involve different materials than Melanie has used in this video and probably a slightly different technique or additional steps."
Can you please tell me what materials or technic can be used?
What a great technic! I had problems at the beginning but the more I practiced the better the results. I love how I can now incorporate my photographs in my art. Do you know if Melanie Matthews has a book on image transfer?
شكرا علي اسلوبك الرائع في الشرح
لي سؤال ما نوع الورق المستخدم ونوع الطباعة الخاصة بيها
I love the idea of this! I am anxious to try it.
+María Camp that's such a beautiful old fashioned phrase "I am anxious to..." I use it all the time, but no-one else does. Well done !
Thank you. :-)
@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.
@enitsirhceab It depends on what you're asking... Melanie states that this will work on anything you can put acrylic medium on. So, if you can put the medium on the ceramic or porcelain, then get good contact with the image, then removal of the paper... it should work. But our first recommendation is (always) do a test piece BEFORE committing to a new process in your work.
Can that process be used on a painted surface?
Sorry to have missed your comment (months old, really sorry) - Yes, this process works over acrylic paint as well as acrylic medium.
Thank you for the tutorial. I didn't know this could be done so quickly!
can I do this same process with a primed canvas or does it have to be unprimed
what sort of brush would you recommend with fluid matt medium xx
Once you have removed the excess paper (pulled it back) allow the medium to dry about 30 mins, using spray bottle water wet the entire surface. To completely clean off the paper and reveal the image below Melanie uses either a Scotchbrite pad or better a damp microfiber cloth, as found in dollar stores for household cleaning.
Move the cloth in circular motion, section by section regularly rinsing off the wet paper pulp which gets caught in the fibers.
Yes, the process works with many kinds of mediums and surfaces, including the GOLDEN Polymer Medium (Gloss), and GAC 500.
Great process, could you please tell me where you got the image and if it is available on the public domain?
I've been looking for b/w photos of trees,but haven't had much luck.
Thanks
Google 'tree silhouttes'
Yes! Of course you can - as Melanie states, so long as the surface accepts acrylic medium (as acrylic paint will, perfectly). The one thing you need to watch is the texture - you need direct contact, and if your painting has a lot of texture it can make it difficult to get complete contact without gaps.
To follow the technique as shown here, yes, it needs to be a toner-based print (black and white laser copy or photocopy) -- however, transfers are possible with other materials. You need to experiment to see what works for you, but I've seen transfers made with color laser copies, ink jet prints and color magazines. If you search around UA-cam you'll probably see people demonstrating techniques using other materials.
can you use this with transparency film or does it have to be paper?
You may paint over acrylics with oils. It is just important to make sure they are completely dry, and it may be a good idea to mount or stretch your image, assuming it is on a flexible support like canvas, prior to painting on it with oils. Oils are not as flexible as acrylics.
@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.
What was the white glue you put on the canvas? Please share the name. Thank you
Is it possible to do this on a surface that has been painted with oil paint?
I am wanting to do an image transfer to a piece of wood furniture that I plan to paint first. Will this technique still work?
Thank you!!!!!!!!!! If I want to transfer text, how do I do so so the text is not backwards? Thanks again!
find the "mirror" function on your printer menu or you Xerox copier
easy as that
good luck Beth
Ty, is this washable if i use this technique on clothing?
Great video. I have a question. Does it work if i Gloss Varnish a wooden surface before transferring the image? I have a piece of super dry wood and i am worried it would suck in all the color of the image if i don't treat the surface first.
Thanks
Hello Khaled, we would not recommend varnish as a sealer in preparation for acrylics (either painting or image transfer) - your concern about absorption is valid, but you should use an acrylic sealer like GAC100, perhaps a couple coats, rather than varnish. For this purpose you could also use Soft Gel or a fluid medium like Fluid Matte Medium or Gloss Medium, but using a lower viscosity product like GAC100 first will reduce absorption and improve the adhesion of any acrylic product you apply over it.
Wonderful... Thanks a lot.
Hi great video. Would this work with an inkjet printout, say from a Canon Pixma 5000?
Melanie, Thank you for your thoughtful video on immediate transfers. My question is, if after a couple of days removing paper and my feeling is any further rubbing will begin to affect the image negatively because when the image is damp it shows well but gets muzzy when it dries, so can I apply the same medium used for imaging so it looks as it does when damp. My image is 24 x 30" I truly thank you for your anticipated response. Best wishes.
Hello Christine, (this is not Melanie - just a regular person working at GOLDEN) if your image dries and gets foggy, but is dark and clear when wet, that it usually due to the remaining paper fibers on the surface of your print. But there is always that thin line between rubbing all the paper off, and rubbing the image off. You can sometimes capture that damp effect by using a clear medium (like Gloss Medium, or GAC100) but once a medium is applied you've sealed any paper fibers into the surface and there is no removing them after that. The most consistent and best advice we provide is to test you materials and technique before committing to them on an important project or as a means of practicing and refining the process before attempting a larger or more important project.
Hi Golden Paint friends, thank you for your appreciated reply. I have coated the image with your gloss medium successfully, it clarified well. I hope to use the image as an underpainting and ask is it necessary to further coat the canvas, (gessoed prior to image transfer, and coated with gloss medium following transfer) to complete in your oils. Thank you and best wishes :)
Check out the newer video with additional tips from our tech support team. A clear medium, like soft gel gloss ought to do the same thing as the varnish for what you're describing. But, as with anything, test it before trying it on a finished piece.
Are you able to wash fabric after it is transfered? also does it make the fabric hard? I used the gloss before and loved the outcome but would like it to be matte and perhaps easier to fold the fabric (making napkins)
We do NOT recommend washing the fabric after following this technique using these materials. We make a heatset fabric medium that is designed to endure laundering (GAC900) but I've not seen that used in combination with an image transfer. Please contact our product support team for technical details and suggestions (help@goldenpaints.com)
what if you wanted to paint in oil paints over the image? would that cause any problems?
Is it possible to transfer onto a canvas painted with a wash of acrylic paint?
You can only print on a laser printer right? No inkjet printer because the image will bleed and discolor?
Do I have to use Fluid matte medium to do a quick transfer or will soft gel work as well?
@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.
Hi melani!! thanks for the video... i want to paste on top de picture... can i do that? instead of pelican the paper...i also bought the soft gel medium...
I dun have to wait for medium to dry few hours before peeling off?
any idea of the longevity of this lasting? I haven't really heard anything about how long a toner based print lasts
Thanks for the awesome video! This is so helpful. I'd like to use this process as a base for oil painting on raw linen canvas. Should I size the canvas before applying the medium, or will the medium effectively act as a sizing coat? Thanks!
Stephanie - it is really personal preference. Melanie used plain canvas in this demonstration, she could also have sized or toned the canvas with another acrylic before doing the image transfer.
+GoldenPaints Hi Stephen I watch your u tutu and love them i live in Australia I would like to join one of your clubs what do I have to do and how much is it to join
Oh sorry, one more thing, is it a particular type of paper that is used? I read some comments and folks are mentioning different papers, some not so easy to locate.
d2, the copy that Melanie uses here was made on a large format laser printer typically used for printing architectural or mechanical drawings. You can often find these at copy/office centers. But, 11x16 is smaller than a typical laserprinter will use, 11x17 is a common sheet size that you can find at any office supply store. Your challenge with that would be getting all of 11" since laser printers don't usually print to the edge.