Canvas Photo Transfer

A while back, when I was waiting for Sweet J to arrive, I posted a picture of a canvas photo transfers I had done after reading a post on Delia Creates. Fast-forward a few months and I’ve completed three others, with plans for more. While Delia has wonderful instructions, I thought I would share a few of my tips and tricks so you can be on your way to creating your own one-of-a-kind canvases.

First, you need:

• gel medium – I use Golden Gel Medium in Regular Gel (Gloss)

• a canvas – any shape or size

• high resolution, toner-printed image/photo

• foam brush – the little cheap ones

• spray bottle filled with water

• straight edge, like a credit card (optional)

• cotton rag (optional) – I use an old washcloth for the texture

The Image/Photo

This is the part that makes the project: the image or photo. Both full color and black and white images work. Here are a couple of things to pay attention to:

1. Pick a high resolution image/photo. Clearer picture, clearer transfer.

2. Since the image will go face down on the canvas, either choose an image that works in reverse or use a photo program (photoshop, corel, etc) that can reverse it first. *Faces, animals and flowers probably won’t matter but text will.

3. The image needs to be sized to the canvas. If you are using an unusual shape or size, adjust the image/photo accordingly. I used 11×14 canvases so when I had the images printed, I asked for them on 11×17 size paper, with the images blown up as big as they could be on the paper so there would be enough in the 11-inch direction. *I did learn that lesson the hard way. The first time, I didn’t ask and that created white bars at the top and bottom of my canvas. And so I had to do them again. 

4. Make sure the image/photo is printed on 20lb paper. Even when the printer worker looks at you incredulously, stick to your 20lb guns. It won’t work with anything thicker.

Now that you’ve assembled all your supplies, let’s begin.

The Process

With your canvas laying flat, apply an even layer of the gel medium with the foam brush. How much? Not too much and not too little as that could lead to bad transferring.

Lightly spray the printed image with water and lay face down on the gelled canvas, making sure to pay attention to your placement. Then, starting in the middle, use your fingers to press down and smooth out the paper on the canvas. You could also use a brayer or any straight edge, though be careful to not rip the paper. I’ve found my fingers work best. And sometimes, even when you think you have all the bubbles and wrinkles out, the paper dampens a bit more and more appear, so keep watching. It doesn’t have to be perfect but deep wrinkles and bubbles will cause issues with the transfer.

Let the paper/canvas completely dry. I let mine dry overnight just to be safe.

Now that everything is good and dry, get your spray bottle and coat it with water until you can see your image. Now comes the tedious part. Very carefully begin to remove the paper. I always start with the parts that are hanging over the edges. Remove them carefully. If you are too rushed or too rough, the image will simply pull away with the paper. Then start rubbing. The wet paper will start to peel away and ball up. I like alternating between a washcloth and my fingers to remove the paper. One works better than the other for different spots and angles.

After you have removed your first “batch”, allow it to dry a bit. It is a bit disheartening because when it’s wet, you think you’ve removed so much and then it dries and it’s very white still. Persevere. You can do it. Wet down the paper and rub it away. I liken this process to a desk top Zen sandbox with a little rake. It’s quite peaceful.

Repeat the process until you are satisfied with the clarity. I did between 2-4 passes until I was content. Just so you know, it’s never going to be absolutely clear and that’s okay.

Also, some of your image may pull away and leave a white spot. That’s okay, too. It has the distressed look. It adds character. If you experience large or badly located white spots, permanent markers or paint can be applied to fill in or cover it up. *As you can see on Sweet J’s cheek, I was a little rough. I did try to fix it but his skin color is a “perfect baby peach” I just could not recreate so I left it.

When you are satisfied with the clarity and your boo-boos are corrected (if you have any), top it with a nice, even clear coat. The gel medium works, as will Modge Podge.

Tip for getting the residual paper to disappear:

Before the final coat, spray the canvas again.

*Left side, dry. Right, upper corner, wet.

Use a rag/towel to wipe away the excess water which will leave the canvas damp. When it’s damp, the residual paper bits disappear. Now apply the clear coat and the paper bits will stay invisible.

**The canvas can’t be dripping or soaking or drenched. Just damp enough that the paper is concealed.

*Excess water is removed but the canvas is damp and the paper is still disguised.

Allow the sealed canvas to dry. Hang them everywhere.

*I shot this angle to show the circular textured top coat I applied. Just a possibility.

**If you do end up with a lousy transfer or, in my case, an inadequately sized image, you can reuse the canvas.

Scrape off as much of the bad image. Then use sand paper or a sanding block to scratch it up a bit. Coat it with a white primer spray paint. Allow to dry and start over from the top.

Good luck!

-amy c