Transfer inkjet photos to non-porous surface?

Question

Does anyone know how to transfer photos to a non-porous surface? I want to do an image transfer from my printer to a plastic tile. Any ideas? I already know to use a reversed image...then what? How do I transfer it?

Answer 1

There are actually *lots* of ways to transfer images to (non-porous) surfaces (though you might want to sand the surface a bit first to improve tooth in some cases). We do this on polymer clay a lot... though we sometimes just do it onto the raw clay too.

If you need to use only an inkjet to get your image, you'll have to use some type of transfer paper (there are special ones, or some other clay-coated papers work too) as well as some kind of acrylic solvent/carrier, if you want to get more than a light transfer image (unless using the packing tape method mentioned above). And using heat is often helpful too in some instances.

Btw, you can do either a "direct" transfer, or you can do an intermediary transparent "decal" transfer.

Rather than explain all the ways (because there are lots of variables and choices for each), just take a look at the Transfers page at my website.
http://glassattic.com/polymer/transfers.htm

There's actually much more info on that page than you'll ever need, but you might want to start with the categories called "Transfer Papers" and also "Non-Liquid Clay Mediums" if you must use inkjet (if you use a toner-based image --photocopy or laser-- there will be even more options open though).

P.S. You might want to ask this question in this transfers yahoogroup too:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/inkjet_transfers


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

You can't do a transfer with ink jet toner, because the ink bleeds. You have to use copies from a copy machine. Unfortunately, Decal-It by Plaid is no longer available. That's a great product for making decals to attatch to surfaces. You could try an eBay search for it.
One way you can do it is transfer the image to clear adhesive paper or Con-tac paper. You place the image face-down on the adhesive, rub it real good, then soak the whole thing in water. You then rub off the wet paper, leaving only the ink behind. I've done this many times with great results.
If you want a real vintage, beat-up looking image ( looks aged), you can use nail polish remover or acetone. Place image face down on surface you want to transfer to, and soak the back of the paper with the nail polish remover ( I use soaked cotton balls). Don't rub- pat it. Keep the paper wet. After about 60 seconds, lift the paper, and the image should be transferred. You can then coat it with a clear finish for permanence. Just test a tile to make sure the nail polish remover doesn't eat the plastic.
Hope these help.

Answer 3

All I can come up with is, make a copy onto paper, and decoupage it on the tile.