SUBSCRIBE for new video notifications: bit.ly/GOLDEN_... Golden Working Artist Melanie Matthews demonstrates the immediate image transfer technique using Golden Matte Medium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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!
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!
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
@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.
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.
Painting leather with acylics begins with using Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to remove waterproofing coating, waxes, and other materials that may get in the way of adhesion. Apply a thin coat of the Matte Medium, Fluid Matte Medium or Polymer Medium Gloss and allow to dry. Then follow the transfer video instructions (also a newer one about tips for a successful image transfer). Keep the paint and medium layers thin, and once done, apply a waterproofing coat (such as camp dry spray).
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
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.
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 RU-vid you'll probably see people demonstrating techniques using other materials.
@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.
@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.
Robyn, it depends a bit on the paint and surface prep. As Melanie says in the video, you can do this on practically anything acrylic paint will stick to. However artist acrylics aren't designed for the sort of wear and tear of furniture, the gels are pretty soft and would discolor if exposed to handling, heat and/or moisture. If this is a purely decorative (not functional) item, that may not be a concern, but we don't recommend this for daily use.
Callie, yes... the canvas shown is cotton. If you want to do this on a regular textile fabric, you may need to stabilize the fabric before you apply the acrylic medium as you'll have a hard time removing the paper as Melanie demonstrates on a supple fabric. You may want to tape it down on all sides or something. Just experiment with this on a small scale to find what works for you.
TiArra - this is a demonstration of a transfer using a photocopy or laser print. While the technique would be different, you may be able to transfer a printed image using the same materials. It would be best to experiment first, try some small transfers using images clipped from magazines, and refine your technique before trying something larger like your poster. Also, remember, transfers result in a reverse image (unless you transfer into a clear gel, see our other image transfer video for that technique)
+GoldenPaints Hello where did you get this printed? Im having an issue of finding a laser printer this large. Unless i do a blueprint printer? but cant do it in color
We recently made image transfers (much larger than this, actually) using prints we had made at a local office supply store (a big box retailer, you're likely to have in your town) - but we had to verify that the printer they use is toner-based and order at the counter. If you order online, they may use an ink-jet printer which will not work for image transfers. Some office centers (again, a big chain with locations everywhere) may also have one of these large format laser printers. Ours cost about $8 for a 32 x48" print.
+GoldenPaints i figured it out thank you. for clarification for others i did it at staples. what they call blueprint printer but can only black and white
+Erin Magee funny tou ask that. the first one yes it was great. i went to a different staples just now and printed one and came out poor quality. will go back to the first staples and get the printer model for you! 11x17 i just printed in color look great!
@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.
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?
@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.
Well... you could and that would work, but I was actually suggesting you replace the varnish with a soft-gel. Some of the haziness comes from the natural texture of the paper that you've imparted on the gel below, part is from the residual paper. Putting clear on top tends to level out the texture and saturate the residue and reduce it's appearance.
Yes! Absolutely, that is one of the best reasons to use this technique. In fact, we have another video (produced by out Tech Support team) that shows a technique of creating an image transfer on a clear gel skin then painting the back of it for a hand-colored effect with a black and white image. (see the video titled "Gel Image Transfer" on our YT channel)
We can't comment on specific brands of printers. Generally the issue with ink-jet prints is the sensitivity of the inks to water, they tend to bleed and blur rather than create a crisp image. That said, there are probably people out there who are successful with it. You should experiment with it on a small scale and see if you can make it work. If it doesn't, give the B&W copy or laserprint a try.
@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.
I just tried it with a color (Xerox) laser copy - and it looks like it will work the same as B/W toner based laser copies. Of course, Melanie was making a foundation for painting... and that might be a better way to bring in some color.
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. 😊
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.
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!!
excuse me, its very interesting and i would like to try it, but i don't know what kind of glue she use when she pose de draw on the web painting. can you help me?
Thanks, Melania, for your wonderful video!!! Why, according to your video you starting to pick up paper after couple a minute, and most of the people on the other videos waiting for 24 hours?
There are options. The fast image transfer is simply to show that it is possible to remove the paper after only a few minutes during the image transfer process! It can take some practice to get the timing down, to learn when you are moving too fast, and how different substrates can make a difference, but worth testing to see what you think. Let us know how it goes!
You should not pour the Fluid Matte Medium onto a surface painted with oils, acrylics are a waterborne medium they'll crawl around and not stick to the oils very well. However, the canvas Melanie prepares in this video would work very well for painting in oils once the acrylic is fully cured... though we'd recommend putting an additional coat of acrylic over the image to protect the toner in the image from the oil and solvents. Oils usually stick to dried Acrylics, but not the other way around.
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!
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.
I have enjoyed your tutorial very much. Some videos say to leave the canvas for 24 hours to make sure the image has transferred before saturating the back of the paper with water and then rub off the paper. You managed to do it in a few minutes. What is the difference please? Thank you very much. xx
Both techniques are valid. It does not take 24 hours to ensure image transfer, but by allowing the acrylic medium to dry you reduce the risk of removing the image as you remove the paper. The trade-off is that you frequently have more paper residue and the paper is harder to remove with the overnight technique. We have demonstrated this technique in an older video on our channel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VE7qcQm685Y.html
Will the fluid matte medium affect any acrylic paints already on the canvas? In other words, could you use this process to do an image transfer after already painting on the canvas?
No, acrylic medium should not effect any dry acrylic already applied. Yes, you can transfer an image on top of already painted canvas - if there is texture created by the paint, you'll need to work harder to get complete contact, but it should work fine. Interesting alternative technique! Let us know how it goes.
What are the rules for the image you are transferring? what sort of samples work and do not work for image transfer in regards to the type of paper and print it is? Can you only use a source that is professionally printed or an you use this techniques with any prints? (Magazines, newspaper, books, gloss and matte)
Whoa! What medium is that? Because I use a matte gel medium but I have to let it dry for hours. Sometimes a day! When you said how long you waited I was like waaaait a minute! Lol. I also need to get me one of those printers so I can do 16x20s! But I seriously need to know... What is that medium?? =)
Well... in this video Melanie is using Fluid Matte Medium. But other mediums work as well. With respect to drying time, that can vary. People in the Rocky Mountains might see it dry much quicker than people in the Bayou. The printer Melanie uses is at a local office/print center (don't want to name brands... ) it is used for printing large mechanical and architectural plans, and it is toner based (dry toner, heat-set) not an ink jet print. I hope this helps.
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!
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?
Melanie, that is why I am asking, if that very short process possible only with Golden, or with other mediums too? And why all the other people waiting 24 hours, before starting removing the paper? Maybe, that is just some kind of advertising?
The fast transfer process should be possible with other brands mediums and gels that dry at a similar rate. It is a little riskier to remove the paper right away, as you can go too far too fast and remove some of the imagery. It requires practice. Waiting 24 hours allows the medium to dry and the image to lock down to the surface, with less risk of removing parts of the image during paper removal. Also, when you wait, you can be more aggressive with removing the paper by using a sponge and even gently scrubbing the surface with a scouring pad. If you have additional questions, you can reach the Materials & Applications Specialists at Golden Artist Colors directly at help@goldenpaints.com. Good luck with your image transfer.
This technique would shorten the layout time for creating a mural. But, can someone paint over it with exterior paints? Would it withstand the environmental elements?
Elgeta Witt we have extensive information and resources about murals on our website, and you can contact our product support team with any questions you have. How materials withstand exposure depends on a lot of factors that you would need to discuss with them.
Well... we all have different definitions of "normal", but to do exactly what Melanie is showing in this video, you need to use the same materials she uses. You could experiment with pages -- do really small tests to see if it works, more tests to get a process to work well. I suppose the results would be influenced by the type of ink and paper used in your source material. If a book was printed on coated paper, I would expect it to work better, possibly not work if printed on uncoated.
Well what about doing a clear coat over it? Its a tv "armoiur" sorry about my spelling Im doing it shabby chic but I wanted to transfer something to the front of the doors..
Is the fluid medium different from a gel medium? I’ve used matte gel medium to do transfers, but it’s certainly not instant. It seems to be much thicker than the pourable product you used as well. I guess what I’m wondering is what element/supply used in this project was what made the transfer so quick?? I typically use wood or a stretched canvas and my images are printed on standard laser printer paper. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or if it’s the specific transfer medium. When I use the matte gel, I have to let it dry completely (usually overnight) and then I have to wet the paper and complete the tedious peeling process. I would greatly appreciate input!! Thank you!!
Hello Katelyn - there is a lot to unpack in your comment, and the best thing might be to send an email to help@goldenpaints.com - - but right off the top, a fluid medium in this process will have less "hold-out" meaning it will penetrate the surface of your print more readily than a gel in most cases. Also, the type of print is critical, as this demonstration uses a dry-toner based print (not an ink-jet) - as is common on black and white copiers and office laser jet printers. Technically, the only difference between the fluid and gel mediums (assuming their both matte) is the viscosity - determined by the amount of thickener (not water!) in the medium. So, while it may affect the timing, either medium should work.
But, GoldenPaints, what IS the fluid medium? Everyone is asking and I have read many comments and replies and I still don't know lol... What specific brand did Melanie use? I wish to research :) TIA
Everything goes great with the process except when I need to rub the residual paper off it. The photo under seems to peel sometimes in chunks. I waited a couple of hours to rub off the last little bit of paper is that a bad idea?Is it better if its still a little wet?
I am having difficulty finding the matt medium. where can I get it and what exactly is it called and or is there several products that will work. I tried mod podge and that did not work at all. it turned into sort of a soft rubber and I could not get it off the wood.
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
How should I paste 10 or 15 A3 sheets on a 4 x 10 feet large canvas? How can I lay the multiple sheets on canvas because the gel medium dries up quickly?
Hello Fazil, there are a few ways to accomplish what you're looking to do - send an email to help@goldenpaints.com and someone will get back with a some ideas (might ask a question or two) to get you going where you want to go.
What kind of paper did you use? Was it laser printed? Where can one get a large print like the one you used in this video? (Or larger) Thank you, Gloria
Hello Gloria, that is probably the most frequently asked question about this video. The print is a laser print - which is important to the process. An ink-jet print won't work, but ink-jet is becoming more common than laser jet (dry toner, black and white) printing systems. Melanie purchased this print (from her own photograph) at a commercial office center that offers large format prints for engineering and architectural plans. You may be able to get this type of print from an office supply chain copy center as well. Just be certain to check that it is a laser-print (dry-toner) printer and not ink-jet. We found that the clerks often do not know the difference or which they have, so you may want to ask for a sample to examine or test before paying for your large format print. All of which leads up to the paper used, which is simply the paper that is used on this printer. We're pretty sure it is a white bond paper similar to what is used in photocopiers, but it comes on a wide roll for the large format printers.
Hello Ross, Melanie did not use an actual "blueprint." That term is an anachronism, as actual blue prints were contact prints from drawings (mechanical) made on vellum. Now mechanical drawings are done on a computer - and printed on large format printers, like the one Melanie used to print her photograph for this demonstration. The main challenge here is finding a large format LASER print that is toner-based, rather than a large format INK-JET printer. That is why this technique works using a photocopy or laser printer, but not a print from a desktop ink-jet printer. Blue prints involve a special paper and exposure to ammonia (I actually used to make blue prints when I was young... which now makes me feel very old) - I don't expect that sort of print would work with this technique at all.
Hello EV - I can see some challenges with this, particularly with the newsprint itself not holding up well to water. You will probably have to experiment with this on small test pieces to see if you can make this work at all.
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)
Hi Malanie i hope you well! Today i had a very bad experience with my photo tranfer... what can i do fore the paper do not get bubbles please, my print is 100x100cm is very big i need to make this transfer perfect... can you help please? many thanks Geraldo Frazao
Geraldo Frazao Hello Geraldo! Sorry you had a bad experience with this. The process as Melanie does it is very sensitive to timing which is more difficult to manage as the image gets larger. You may want to use the more traditional technique of allowing the image to dry completely in the gel before removing it. To avoid bubbles, you must concentrate on getting complete adhesion by using enough medium and working all the bubbles out carefully from the center.
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
Hello Kimberly, you should be able to paint over PVA (Mod Podge) with acrylic colors once the PVA has dried. The primary concern would be with the tendency of PVA to become brittle and crack when used on a flexible surface.
so you have to use a special type of paper to do this? what is it called? and would it work with your own drawing, like could you draw something on it yourself and then transfer it onto the canvas like this?
The paper is specific to large format laser printers (not ink jet) and I have not attempted a drawing transfer using this technique. If you have additional questions or need assistance contact us at help@goldenpaints.com
That is actually a plastic scraper or paddle, similar to what they use in auto body repair, a wide plastic spackling knife from a hardware store would work, as would a paddle burnisher from an art supply store.
why do some wait overnight before they start the rubbing process? so it's matte medium and a laser ink jet printed picture only...what about sealant? krylon clear gloss spray?
Thanks for the questions. You can also create a transfer by allowing the acrylic medium to dry before removing the paper. This takes longer, but the image is less vulnerable to rubbing off. It is not ink-jet, but toner-based (laser jet) images that are recommended for this process. You can use many different sealers or top coats. We recommend an isolation coat of acrylic gel, then a removable varnish (spray) with UVLS.
+GoldenPaints yes laser jet...hahaha@ laser ink jet. I just realized as well that it's the photo to wood transfers is where some wait overnight before rubbing...my bad. thank you for the quick reply
I've done the over-night method on canvas and other flexible supports. That method actually works better for me. Ultimately, that's what counts: what works for you.
+michel3265 that's a great question because once, while intending to use the overnight method, I peeled it back to check it after a couple of minutes and it was an almost perfect transfer already !
