The Best Photo Transfer Techniques


With photos, there are practically no limits to your creativity, because there is a method for photo transfer for almost every surface and with beautiful motifs, all kinds of objects can be individualized quickly. These can be vacation memories on a piece of driftwood or tiles, a great gift idea for the wedding. You can embellish everything you can imagine from fabric to glass. Today we will give you an overview of the best photo transfer techniques and their applications.

1. Photo transfer potch

Suitable for: all surfaces, the rougher, the softer

Advantage: works on almost all surfaces

Disadvantage: it takes a little longer and you have to work carefully. The print can crack on smooth surfaces

Original: laser printing, reversed

How does it work?

The motif must be laser printed and glued to the surface. After drying, the paper is rubbed off and the photo layer remains.

2. Lavender print

Suitable for: fabric, wood, cork

Advantage:  possible in large format

Disadvantage: smell

Original: laser printing, reversed

How does it work? 

Place your template on your object to be printed and rub it with lavender oil.

3. Decal film

Suitable for: smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, and porcelain 

Advantage: Can be made large format, depending on the film and the printer

Disadvantage: drying time, since clear varnish is used

Template: print directly on decal film, laser or inkjet

How does it work?

The motif is printed on the film, sprayed with clear varnish, and dissolved in a water bath. 

4. Photo transfer with tape

Suitable for: all smooth surfaces

Advantage: you have everything at home

Disadvantage: small format

Template: laser printing

How does it work? 

The motif is stuck on the tape, placed in a water bath and rubbed off. 

5. Photo transfer with inkjet printer

Suitable for: wood

Advantage: you have everything at home

Disadvantage: small format

Original: no original, direct printing with inkjet

How does it work?

Prints your motif on a cut transparent film. Put it on the material you want the photo on and compress on it.

6. Cyanotype

Suitable for: wood, fabric, paper

Advantage: special, very nice look

Disadvantage: you have to work with gloves because salts used are harmful and complicated

Original: printed on foil, negative

How does it work?

The model is printed on film in black and white. Then chemicals are applied to the surface, the film is placed and exposed to sunlight. This creates a blue print.

7. Tattoo film

Suitable for: skin, smooth surfaces

Advantage: easy handling

Disadvantage: expensive

Original: mirrored, inkjet printer

How does it work?

The pattern is printed on a transfer film. Conveyed to a backing paper and then applied to your object with water.

8. Adhesive film

Suitable for: smooth, flat surfaces

Advantage: easy handling

Disadvantage: only works on flat surfaces, the edge is visible

Template: direct printing

How does it work? 

Simply print on adhesive film, stick on and you’re done!

How to transfer images with Transfer Marker

Transfer Marker can transfer images to almost any surface you can think of in just a few seconds,

Tips:

1. Prepare the marker

Before working with the Transfer Marker, you should prepare it first.

Shake the marker well and press on a paper a couple of times until you see the wet tip.

2. Prepare the surface for transfer

Regarding surfaces, we recommend using the Transfer Marker to transfer images to porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard, cork, clay, cloth, and wood.

Do not start before being sure the surface is clean and dry to guarantee well adhesion and acquire a better result.

3. Prepare the drawing to transfer

Once you have a clean surface and the prepared marker, prepare the image that you are going to transfer. Notice that:  The image must be printed with a laser printer, traditional printer images do not work. Besides, to adjust the image, print it inside first, to prevent its moving when pasting it.

4. Transfer images to any surface

With everything ready, you will only have to transfer your images! Set your desirable picture on the surface to be transferred. When it exactly fits its position, pass the marker over it.