Image Transfers

Doing an Image Transfer is the act of using a solvent to transfer either a printed image to an other surface. There are many different ways of doing this, but the 2 most common solvents used for the process are Wintergreen Oil and Xylene found in blender pens such as the Chartpak Blender Marker.

'''NOTE: Images need to be printed via a laser printer, photocopied or come from a newspaper to transfer properly. Images printed in books or from ink jet printers (common house hold printers) will not work.'''

Using Blender Pen
The most common marker to use for image transfers is the Chartpak Blender Marker. This marker contains Xylene witch is highly toxic, so please use it in a well ventalated area or use a Respirator with proper chemical filters. (Not Dust Mask)


 * 1) Place the image ink down onto the desired (porous) surface such as another paper.
 * 2) Rub the marker onto the back of the image.
 * 3) Use the back of a spoon to rub the image back. This will ensure that the paper comes in contact with the surface receiving the image enough.
 * 4) Lift paper's corner to check if successful.
 * 5) Remove copy paper.
 * 6) Hopefully you thought of making your image already in reverse.

You may want to invest in gloves that don't dissolve with these solvents. Prolonged contact with these chemicals has been shown to have serious health affects.

Using Wintergreen Oil
Using wintergreen oil to make an image transfer is very easy. Apply the wintergreen oil to the BACK of the image you want to transfer. Make sure that your image is printed on a laser printer, and that it is printed OPPOSITE to the way you want it to appear on the transfer surface. (Text must be printed in reverse! Don't forget!). After applying the thin coat of wintergreen oil (you can use a brush, or a rag), burnish the back of the printed image with a smooth object. A bone folder works the best. Make sure the paper doesn't move around on the surface. Taping it down is a good habit. Then, pull up the piece of printed paper and your image should be on transfered onto the desired surface!

Using Mod Podge (idiot proof)
This is a very simple and quick way to transfer images. Mod Podge is used for decoupaging, collaging and even as a glue. It is a white liquid (same consistency as white Elmer's glue) and comes in a jar; available at the RISD Store.

images from ink jet printers have the tendency to run
 * Ideal for
 * photocopies
 * magazines
 * newspaper
 * even pencil drawings


 * 1) Brush on Mod Podge directly on to the image
 * 2) Let this 1st coat dry before adding another one (if you wish to; 2-3 coats are the minimum I would say, but the more the merrier)
 * 3) While the coat is still wet, place the paper or surface you want to transfer it on directly on top ('gluing' both surfaces together)
 * 4) Let this dry completely (drying time depends on surface area- just make sure you feel no moisture)
 * 5) Peel off the paper where the original image was- you will be left with the area that you 'Mod Podged'
 * 6) Using a damp cloth or sponge, carefully rub off the left over paper
 * 7) To avoid peeling off any of your transferred image -Take off any pulpy paper pills that build up -Dampen the area with water from a spray bottle or dip the cloth back into some water
 * 8) As you do this you will see the image emerge!