Transferring Printed Images into Artwork
Using Acrylic Mediums

Many GOLDEN products can be used for the transfer of printed images generated from diverse sources such as magazines and photocopies. Gel mediums provide the perfect tool for creating transparent image transfers.


Application Description


The transfer process requires brushing or pouring a thin layer of acrylic medium over the image to be transferred. After complete drying, soak the coated image in water and then remove the paper backing of the image. This leaves a transparent or translucent image imbedded within the acrylic medium.


Selecting an Appropriate Gel Medium:
We have found that the Soft Gel Gloss provides the clearest image transfer of all the gels if the acrylic is brushed on. To avoid brush strokes it may be necessary to pour on a medium. Thickly pouring on mediums will lead to crazing of the surface, making it look like a topographic map. Pouring mediums also tends to reduce control over the thickness of the final transfer image.

GOLDEN GAC 800, specifically formulated to avoid crazing, is the medium of choice when pouring. The best pouring gel medium is either Self-Leveling Clear Gel or Clear Tar Gel. Both level out before drying. Be careful when brushing these gels; they are less resistant to foaming which can reduce the clarity of the transferred image.
For ease of transfer, the minimum layer to use is 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch. A thinner layer makes it quite difficult to handle the image without breaking.

Soaking the Film:
Make sure the image is completely clear before soaking. This is a good indication that the film is fairly cured. For best results wait 2 to 3 days before soaking.
Use a lukewarm water bath for soaking the coated image, as this will speed the process. The longer the image sits in the water, the easier it is to remove the paper from the back of the image. Take the image out of the water if you see any blanching (fogging) of the image. Three or four minutes are all that is typically required. DO NOT soak longer than 15 minutes.

Removing the Paper Pulp:
Remove the coated image from the water. Begin rubbing off the paper backing and continue rubbing until all paper is removed. Let the image drip dry until it becomes physically dry. It is common that the acrylic used will become milky again. This is because of the water being re-introduced back into the film. When the film becomes clear again, you are ready to use the transfer in artwork.

Adhering the Transfer:
If applying onto canvas, the canvas should first be prepared with a coat of Gesso (or some other acrylic medium). Using Soft Gel Gloss as an adhesive, brush onto the side of the transfer that is to be affixed to the canvas. Quickly press the transfer against the canvas-apply sufficient pressure to be sure of uniform contact with the support. Allow to dry and the transfer is complete.

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