Photo Transfer
Transfer: This is a process
for creating photo transfers using your ink jet printer and polymer
clay. With this process, you should get great results most, if
not all of the time. One of the most important materials for
a successful photo transfer is the Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear
Medium. It is easy to use, will self level, cures clear and will
withstand repeated baking. The other is the paper used. Use
a paper from the tested list.
Materials
Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium, White Kato Polyclay, #S041062
Epson Photo Paper
Supplies
Computer & InkJet Printer or Color Copier, Photo Software,
8" - 12" Ceramic Tile or oven safe dish, Loew-Cornell
4550 1/2" AmericanPainter® Wash Brush, 50212 8-1/2x11
Cutting Mat, 99 Needle Tool, Fiskars Softgrip® Razor Knife,
Metal Ruler, Bowl
Instructions
1) The first step is to choose
the photos you want to use. If you have a computer with a scanner,
the photos can be scanned into your system or you can use a digital
camera. You will also need a photo processing software program
that will allow you to resize and print photos. You can place
multiple pictures on one sheet for easier printing. Leave about
one inch or more between photos. Reverse the print. (reverse
or t-shirt)
2) Print the photos on the Epson Photo paper. Allow the photo
to dry before continuing, if necessary. Cut the photos apart
if desired, leaving a white paper edge on the photos.
3) Place the photo on your ceramic tile and squeeze a small amount
of Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium on your photo.
Spread it with the 1/2" brush. Use a good brush and designate
it for the clear medium. Do not use it for painting after using
it with the Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium. Be sure all the
edges are covered and the photo has a good coating of the Liquid
Kato Polyclay Clear Medium. If there are any air bubbles, pick
them with the needle tool or a toothpick. If they will not pick,
use the brush and brush the air bubble off the photo. Be sure
to work on a clean surface, because the clear medium seems to
attract dust, cat hair or whatever is near, which will show up
as an air bubble. Tip: If you find a row of bubbles, that is
usually a hair. This can be pulled off the photo. Put the tip
of the needle tool in the center and pull it to the edge.
4) When the photo is completely covered, allow the medium to set
for a minute or two, then look at it closely to be sure it is
covered and there are no air bubbles or anything else on the photo.
If so, remove them. Letting the Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium
set for a minute or two, allows the medium to settle into a smooth
sheet. Bake the photo at 275 degrees for 5 to 15 minutes or until
the medium is completely clear. Remove the photo from the oven
and allow it to cool completely. Repeat the above for a second
coat of the Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium if needed.
5) Soak the photo in water The paper needs to be rubbed off the
photos. Gently rub on the paper until it starts to roll off the
photo. When most of the paper is off, continuing carefully rubbing
it under running water or in a container of water until all the
paper has been removed. Allow the photos to dry. Check to be
sure there is no paper remaining on the photo. If so, hold the
photo under running water and rub the remaining paper off. Place
the photo on a cutting mat. Use a very sharp craft knife and
a metal ruler to cut the edges off the photos or place on a thin
sheet of white clay, press gently, bake then trim.
©1999-2005 Cottage
Fever
