Watercolor Transfer Printing Process

     On the side we began applying the printing processes to a small project: watercolor transfer. We printed off a picture of a recent project of our choice, either in color or black & white. We also used water colors to paint a small sheet of thick paper with any design we desired. We coated the paper (once it dried) with mod podge, a white glue-like substance that dries clear. Applying the print to the mod podge, we used a squeegee to flatten out any bubbles. Once that dried, we used water to gently rub off the paper until we could clearly see the image.

The Step-by-Step

     In case you are interested in doing this, here is a more in-depth look at what we did.

  1. Print off the picture of your choosing backwards (reflected across y-axis). You can also do multiple in case some don't turn out well or you have trouble deciding.
  2. Use a paint-friendly piece of paper with a sizable margin around where the print will go. You don't want it to reach the edges. You can paint this sheet with watercolor paint however you like, but make sure to let it dry after.
  3. Paint mod podge evenly across the frontside of the print, not too excessively or too light.
  4. Gently apply the front of the print to the painted paper, being very careful not to let it fold or create air bubbles.
  5. Use a squeegee to smooth it out and get rid of any remaining bubbles. Bubbles not dealt with will not allow the ink to transfer properly.
  6. Once the mod podge is dry, use your finger to wet the back of the print and rub gently. The image will began to appear but if it looks cloudy, then there is still some paper residue left.

My Experience

     Personally, I struggled with the bubbles. Applying it evenly is difficult and I ended up with a few that I could not get rid of. On painting the second watercolor, I tried to do an amalgamation of many colors in shapeless forms (not blending). This was hard and I ended up with an interesting outcome. I enjoyed the process despite being absent a couple of days and having to make it up. It is definitely something I would like to try again in my free time.

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