Things You'll Need
Image (black and white or color photocopy of a photograph)
Scissors or craft knife
White glue or acrylic medium
Soft paintbrush, spatula, sponge brush or finger
Dish of warm water
Lifting an image from one medium to another is called a "transfer." To easily transfer an image from a photograph, all you need is a photocopy of your image and plain old white glue. White glue is sold at art and craft supply stores under the name "PVA glue" (polyvinyl acetate), but any white glue you have will work. You can also use acrylic medium, gesso, acrylic binder or acrylic paint. This kind of image transfer works best with a black and white or color photocopy of your photograph, as the glue will bond with the ink in the photocopy. This bond will provide you with your transfer. Glossy photos or images printed with inkjet printers won't work as well, as the ink will run instead of transferring.
Step 1
Trim the image you will be using to the size you would like and place it on your work surface.
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Step 2
Apply a thin coat of glue on the image. The glue will be milky when first applied. Brushstrokes will show up in the transfer, which can be used as an effect. If this is not the look you're going for, keep your brushstrokes smooth and even. If desired, you can use a spatula or your finger to smooth out the glue.
Step 3
Let the first coat dry for up to an hour. The glue will become clear when dry.
Step 4
Apply another thin layer of glue perpendicular to the first layer.
Step 5
Let the second coat dry thoroughly.
Step 6
Add more layers of glue until you have applied between three and 10 coats. The number of coats depends on what kind of material you're transferring the image onto. Your transfer will have to be strong enough to be rubbed or heated without tearing. If you're transferring onto a piece of paper, you'll need more glue, whereas for a piece of wood you'll need less. Apply coats of glue until you are sure your transfer will not tear. Wait for each coat to dry thoroughly, or you will end up with an unworkable product.
Step 7
Let the transfer dry completely. This can take between 24 and 72 hours, depending on the thickness of the glue.
Step 8
Put your transfer into the dish of water and soak it for between five and 20 minutes. You will know it's ready when you see plain paper, as the ink from your image has been lifted or transferred into the glue. After a few minutes, the paper will start to dissolve.
Step 9
Peel the paper away from the transfer with your fingers. Keep the transfer wet and remove all the paper. Work carefully so as not to tear the transfer. Remove all the paper or it will show up as empty space in your transferred image.
Step 10
Trim the edges of your transfer. You can now transfer your image to another surface, or simply use it as a cling on glass.
Tip
Cover your work area thoroughly, as dry glue can be hard to remove from certain surfaces.
If your image contains text or is otherwise direction-specific, reverse it before beginning.
If you are not attempting to use an original image, you can transfer from mimeographs or books. Newsprint and pages torn from magazines can also be used to good effect. If transferring an image from a book, remember that once the image is transferred, you will be discarding the paper.
Images can be transferred to many different surfaces, including wood furniture, stretched canvas and leather luggage.
Once you have transferred an image you can add painted details on top of it.
Warning
Rinse your brush between coats, as dry glue will ruin the bristles. White glue is non-toxic, but some acrylic products are not food-safe. If using acrylic products, be sure to rinse your brush in a sink not used in food preparation.
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