Getting Started

Whether you want to follow a trend or create an original look, image transfer papers let you transform your décor with limited effort, time, and expense. No matter what kind of image you start with—a photograph, a drawing, a charcoal rubbing, a magazine clipping—you can apply a copy of that image in all its detail and color to almost any surface.

Many brands of transfer paper accept images from photocopiers or ink-jet printers, and are most often available in sizes 8-1⁄2" x 11" (22 x 28 cm) and 11" x 17" (28 x 43 cm). You can find them in art and craft supply stores, office stores, online, and some large discount chains.

Decals made from certain types of transfer paper are often called “waterslide” decals, because water is used to release or slide the image from the backing paper. Another type of transfer paper allows you to use an iron to transfer images to fabric.

Remember that if you’re producing decals or decal-bearing objects to sell or publish, it’s illegal to use copyrighted images (even those that aren’t labeled with copyright symbols) without the permission of the copyright holder. If you’re planning to sell the items you create or use them for any commercial purposes, you must have permission to use copyrighted images. Some images, created before copyright laws, are copyright free and are considered “in the public domain.” A little research is worthwhile to find images that are in the public domain. Libraries and online searches can often prove great resources for copyright-free images.

Baking an image onto a ceramic or metal surface increases the durability of the decal. The instructions for baking on images in the instructions below describe in general the basic steps for doing this and are open to variation depending on the product you choose. Since each type of transfer paper may have different decal application techniques for specific surfaces, be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and adapt the project instructions accordingly.

The items are ready to use as soon as they’ve cooled. Nonporous surfaces, including ceramic, metal, and glass, are typically oven-safe, but check to make sure that the specific surface or item you’ve chosen can withstand high baking temperatures (up to 420˚F [200˚C]).

Remember to always hand-wash your newly decorated dishes (the decals and images are not dishwasher safe).