How Does a Rub-On Transfer Work?
- A rub-on transfer is a design usually printed on a thin piece of Mylar. The design can be released with pressure from a pencil or coin onto the surface of your choosing. Rub-on transfers are usually applied into paper, but recently, transfers have also been created to decorate walls. A rub-on transfer is similar to a temporary tattoo in that the design is printed backwards so it can be transferred onto another surface. The most popular rub-on transfers are letters, which can be used in lieu of rubber stamps or a typewriter.
- Rub-on transfers are created with a computer and a printer. The printer prints the design backwards onto a transparent piece of Mylar. Next, the design is sprayed with a thin layer of clear, transparent glue. After the glue dries, a piece of paper is placed over the glue to protect the design from rubbing off before it is intended to. When you would like to use a rub-on transfer, peel the paper from the transfer and place it design-side down onto another piece of paper. Shade over the design with a pencil. The darker and more complete your shading is, the more likely your rub-on transfer will work completely.
- Iron-on transfers can be made at home with items around the house. Purchase plastic transparency sheets at an office supply store that can be printed on using your home computer. Spray the Mylar sheet with a thin coat of spray hair gel and allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Next, print your design backwards onto the transparency sheet, and allow the ink to dry. You can flip a design in most art editing programs, as well as on your print settings. Spray the design again with hair spray and allow the sheet to dry completely. When you are finished, flip the design over onto a piece of paper and shade over it thoroughly with a pencil the way you would with any other rub-on transfer.
