Preserve It transfers (homemade rub-ons)

by PC Smart

sandbox serendipity (my art blog)



This technique was published a few years ago. My friend Margert and I came up with it during one of our creative brainstorming sessions....We wanted the ability to transfer text and images easily without using gel mediums. This kind of happened by accident when I ran out of inkjet transparencies and decided to try spraying overhead/laser transparencies with Krylon's Preserve It (Digital Protectant spray). We discovered that the images/text kind of floated on top of the sheet and were rubbing off onto whatever came near them....it was the "ah-ha" moment....
You will be able to transfer your images onto wood (painted and non), fabrics and other porous surfaces. You will still have to seal the images (spray is best so you don't disturb the image, I use Krylon Crystal Clear or more Preserve It). Transferring to non-porous surfaces such as metals, glass, etc will be trickier and may not work as well. Sometimes I find if you spray the receiving surface with Preserve It, it will accept the image better.


MATERIALS
Krylon Preserve It! Digital Photo & Paper Protectant in Matte
Clear transparency sheet for laser printers or copiers
Computer and inkjet printer
Stylus or dull pencil
Permanent marker

GENERAL DIRECTIONS
1. Use the permanent pen to place an identifiable mark on one
corner of the transparency sheet.
2. Following manufacturer’s instructions, apply a light coat of
Preserve It! onto the marked side of the transparency sheet, covering
it completely. (The mark will allow you to identify the sprayed
side of the sheet as you work.) Let dry thoroughly.
3. Making sure the text or image is reversed (mirror image),
print onto the sealed side of the transparency sheet. Let sit for several
minutes to set the ink. (Note: In order to ensure correct orientation
when transferred, text and images have to be printed in
reverse/mirror image.)
4. Apply a light coat of Preserve It! to the printed area of the
transparency sheet. This will dry tacky to the touch in approximately
ten minutes, which indicates the transfer sheet is ready for
use.
5. Place the project that is to receive the transfer on a sturdy
work surface. Position the transparency sheet transfer side down
onto the project. Use the stylus or dull pencil to gently, but firmly,
rub the transparency sheet to transfer the text or image onto the
surface. (To avoid transferring unwanted areas of the transparency,
either cut the images apart or place a piece of unsealed transparency
sheet between the areas you don’t want to transfer and the
surface before you apply pressure.) After you have done this first
transfer, it will still be possible to get more transfers from this
same transparency sheet—each time you transfer, the image will become lighter.

Note: I have been able to store the printed sheets and transfer the images even months later...a lot depends on the temp/humidity though....I place them in a folder with an unsealed sheet next to the printed side