Gel Transfers

This is a classic and low-tech method for transferring images and it requires minimal materials. In Chapter 2, this technique is referenced in both New From Old and Dreamy.

Apply soft gloss gel to the surface you are going to transfer to.

Lightly spray the laser or toner print of your image with water.

While both are still wet, place the image face down onto the surface and rub all over to ensure adequate adhesion. Be careful not to get gel on the back of the image you are transferring. Allow to dry overnight.

Mist the back of the transferring image with water.

Rub off the paper. A piece of brown craft paper is especially helpful in removing those last bits of paper

You can also apply gentle pressure with your ngers to remove the paper backing from your transferred image.

TIPS
You may get some smearing when using an inkjet printer to make a gel transfer. If you only have access to an inkjet printer and you absolutely have to try this right now, spray the printout rst with a workable xative. You may have to spray several times for best results. If you dont apply the gel on perfectly, your transfer can be more randomwhich isnt necessarily a bad thing! Your transfer should be moistnot wet. If it is wet, you could end up with unwanted wrinkles. But, again, those wrinkles could add a bit more visual interest, too. If you still have a bit of paper residue on your transfer, use a damp brush with polymer medium to coat the surface. When dry, this will make the residue more transparent.