Have you ever wanted to "print" an image onto stone? Believe it or not, you can do this simple photo transfer using a laser-printed image and acrylic polyurethane (or Gel Medium - Liquitex, Mod-Podge, etc.) Regular paper can be used, or much-quicker specialty transfer paper.
Watch the video below to see exactly how to do this:
If you've seen my first video, How to Transfer Photos to Wood, then you will already be familiar with this technique.
However, I've had several people ask me if it was possible to transfer a photograph or print onto metal, so I thought I would put up another video showing how this can be done:
In this case, I used copper and brass sheets, but this can be done with other types of metal. However, I would say that regular steel ("weld steel", from Lowe's, etc.) rusts VERY quickly, so it would likely have to be coated first... or you can use that to your advantage for creative effects.
Hope you enjoy the video, and transferring your own photos onto metal (and other surfaces!) using Acrylic Poly Finish.
This video will show you how to etch your own computer design (or hand-drawn marker design) into copper.
You can use Ferric Chloride etchant for this, but I also show you how to make your own solution using Muriatic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide.
First, you will want to prepare your copper by making sure there is no protective film (often times, store-bought copper has this to keep it from tarnishing). You can do this with Acetone, or by using relatively fine sandpaper.
If using a computer, you'll want to come up with your design in Photoshop or your preferred graphics software. I get many of my images from TheGraphicsFairy.com. This design will be printed onto the MATTE side of the blue Press-N-Peel.
If using a marker, simply draw your design directly onto the copper. The chemical will only etch the bare copper areas, and will resist the areas covered by marker. (NOTE: You can also use fingernail polish if you prefer this medium to using a marker.)
I recently figured out what I consider to be the best DIY method for transferring photographs to wood. Prior to this I was experimenting with ModPodge Photo Transfer and Liquitex gel medium for transferring photo prints onto boards and other items.
This method ended up giving me much CLEANER results, QUICKLY. Instead of waiting 8 to 24 hours (as with Liquitex and ModPodge), I found that I could do the "rub process" within a couple of hours... sometimes even faster, depending on humidity.
The secret ingredient? ACRYLIC POLYURETHANE (aka "Polycrilic" or "Poly finish")
After the video was posted to YouTube, I started getting some great feedback.
If you try this printing-on-wood technique, please let me know! Also, if you come up with ways to enhance this technique, feel free to share.
