Artisan Enhancements™ Transfer Gel
How to use Artisan Enhancements™ Transfer Gel
Use: A translucent fibrous gel image medium used to transfer commercially or laser printed materials. Transfer Gel can be used as a professional quality decoupage varnish. Great for a variety of interior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls Coverage- Varies based on application.
Prep: Review tip sheets online or visit your local retailer for additional detailed instructions. Surfaces should be free of cleaner residue, dust, dirt, and debris. Properly prepared, painted, and sealed surfaces should be completely dry a minimum of 24 hours before Transfer Gel application.
Recommended Application: Stir before use – Do not shake. Image Transfer: Images should be printed/copied using a commercial or laser printer. Images should be mirrored/reversed prior to printing/copying. Apply an even, liberal coat of Transfer Gel to the image side of paper/printed material. Lay image paper/printed material face (image side) down on the surface. Smooth image to remove trapped air bubbles and excess gel. After drying a min 24 hours, remove excess paper backing to reveal transferred image. Mist paper with water and gently rub away paper pulp with fingertips or damp cloth. Image is sandwiched between surface and paper pulp. Do not overwork paper removal, some paper will remain on surface. Decoupage: Evenly apply liberal coat of Transfer Gel to the back of the decoupage materials. Apply the decoupage materials face (image side) up on to the surface. Smooth image to remove trapped air bubbles and excess gel. Apply thin, even coat of Transfer Gel over image as varnish.
Dry Time: Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C). Dry mirrored images a minimum of 24-48 hours before removing paper pulp backing. If adding more layers, once image transfer layer is dry, a thin layer of Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat may be needed to protect the image transfer. For decoupage, dry layers minimum 8-12 hours before additional layers. Allow layers to dry overnight before applying additional layers or sealer. Dry times between layers may be extended due to number of coats/layers, humidity, and cooler temperatures.
Seal: For optimal results, allow the image layers to set 24 hours before sealing. Seal with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers Transfer Gel, Clear Topcoat and Clear Finish.
Care/Cleanup: Surface Care: Clean with a dry or damp soft microfiber cloth. Avoid excessive exposure to moisture. Avoid cleaning with harsh, caustic, or abrasive cleaners. Clean up & Storage: Easy clean up with soap and water. Seal the container tightly. Do not freeze or expose to direct sunlight/extreme heat. RECYCLE CONTAINERS in accordance with local laws.
Transfer Gel FAQ:
Yes. Images and decoupage materials applied using Transfer Gel need to be sealed to protect the finish. We recommend sealing with Transfer Gel, Clear Topcoat, or Clear Finish. Make sure to use a proper varnish brush when applying Transfer Gel as a varnish. Transfer Gel as a varnish is thicker than Clear Finish and Clear Topcoat making brush strokes more visible and harder to control. Transfer Gel has a semi-gloss – glossy finish when used as a varnish. For a more consistent, even, or matte sheen - we recommend using Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish. See Tip Sheets for Clear Topcoat and Clear Finish for application instructions.
Note: Wax and Scumble maybe used over Transfer Gel techniques. To add an additional layer of wax or Scumble, first seal the image transfer or decoupaged surface with one thin coat of Clear Topcoat sealer. Allow the surface to cure a minimum of 72 hours before wax or Scumble application – for best results allow 1 week of Clear Topcoat cure time before wax or Scumble application. Follow wax manufacturer’s instructions for wax applications. Follow Scumble Tip Sheet for Scumble applications.
A variety of materials including wallpaper, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, and fabric can be used as materials to be decoupaged.
Yes! Transfer Gel can be used as a decoupage medium and varnish. For full decoupage application and dry time instructions, review the Transfer Gel Tip Sheet.
A spray mist bottle with a fine mist setting is a must-have for reverse image transfers. Mist the paper lightly to moisten the paper fibers. To remove backing, we recommend starting with your fingertips. If necessary, a very fine sandpaper can be used to start the paper pulp (250-800 grit). For extra stubborn paper, try Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scour Pads (blue). Word of Caution: When using sandpaper or scour pads, go slowly and lightly, do not use too much pressure. Excessive pressure can accidently completely remove the image or distress the painted finish below the transfer.
For full application and paper removal instructions, review the Transfer Gel Tip Sheet.
After removing the paper pulp, after the surface has dried, occasionally a white “halo” will appear around the transferred image. To remove or reduce the halo, lightly sand the dried image with a fine grit (250-800). The light sanding loosens the fine paper pulp fibers creating the halo. Next, lightly mist the halo area. Slowly, using fingertips, work edges very gently removing excess paper pulp around the halo. Do not use too much pressure when sanding or when rubbing with your fingertips. Excessive pressure can accidently distress the painted finish below the transfer.
Yes! Transfer Gel can be used as a varnish. However, make sure to use a proper varnish brush when applying Transfer Gel as a varnish. Transfer Gel as a varnish is thicker than Clear Finish and Clear Topcoat making brushstrokes more visible and harder to control. Transfer Gel has a semi-gloss – glossy finish when used as a varnish. For a more consistent, even, or matte sheen - we recommend using Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish.
If painting/staining/layering before application, make sure the basecoat of paint/stain/layers are completely dry before application of Transfer Gel. For best results let surfaces dry overnight before Transfer Gel application. Note: Raw, stone, and untreated surfaces may need to be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to Transfer Gel application. These types of surfaces absorb too much of the medium resulting in a weaker bond between the surface, gel, and image. Additionally, some paint formulas re-open readily with the reintroduction of moisture. If you’re concerned about the paint re-opening, seal the painted surface with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish prior to Transfer Gel application.
When using Transfer Gel, images should be printed/copied using a commercial or laser printer. Ink Jet and water-soluble inks are not recommended. If using original artwork, photography, or water-soluble ink: Make laser copies of the original works to be used with Transfer Gel techniques.
If copying or printing an image, a 24-28 lb. copier paper is a good paper stock thickness. If the paper is too thin, it can get too saturated with the Transfer Gel medium and occasionally tear during application. Some decorative papers can also be transferred such as thick wrapping and scrapbook paper. Always do a test piece to make sure inks and prints do not bleed prior to Transfer Gel application.
Download: 204-TGEL – TIPS – Transfer Gel – Artisan Enhancements
Download: 204-TGEL – SDS – Transfer Gel – Artisan Enhancements
| Weight | 1.19 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.5 × 3.5 × 3.75 in |
| Size |
Small 8oz (237ml), Medium 16 oz (473ml), Large 32oz (957ml) |
| Brand |
Artisan Enhancements
|