Friday 31 January 2014

Spray Hand Sanitizer Image Transfer

To begin the new year in my Fibre Optics Group, we experimented with different types of image transfers. We used Transfer Artist Paper, gel medium, glue, acrylic paint, Citra Solve and hand sanitizer. To see the results, please see the Fibre Optics Blog.

What I want to describe is using the spray hand sanitizer.  I had seen this done on an art journalling video in order to transfer an image to a carving block to make a stamp.  I researched on the internet, but no one was doing any image transfers onto fabric with this method. People are using gel hand sanitizer, but not the spray.

I decided to give it a try and I loved the results. 

 Here is how you do it:

You need to print your image to be transferred onto an inkjet transparency with an inkjet printer.  You can transfer in black and white, or in colour.  Make sure that you print onto the rough side of the transparency.  If you print on the smooth side, the ink will smudge as soon as you touch it.

Let the transparency dry.  (They work best transferring the image within 24 hours) Cut around the image if you are using only a portion of the transparency so you do not waste it. I print several images on the one transparency and then cut them up separately.

Have your fabric ready, as this works really quickly.  Your fabric should be washed, so any sizing is removed.
Dover Copyright Free Image
transferred to canvas


Next, spray the image with the spray hand sanitizer and immediately place it, sprayed side down, onto the fabric.  Burnish it with your hand, spoon, or other tool. Hold it in place with one hand while you do this to make sure the transparency does not move.  Lift up a corner, while still holding it, to see how the image has transferred. If it has not transferred completely, or as much as you would like, just spray that portion and push it down on the fabric again. Continue to do this on all portions of the transparency, until you are satisfied with the transferred image.

I really liked the images that I transferred onto the canvas cloth.
Image of "Portrait of a Man" by Luca Signorelli
also transferred to canvas