Both the gel transfer and the tape transfer work pretty much the same way. The basic idea is that you are covering the front (ink side) of the image with the sticky surface, then you gently remove the paper from the back, leaving the ink stuck to the transparent surface. I've had the best results using laser prints and photocopies, but prints from some ink jet printers will also work.
To transfer an image using tape:
Apply packing tape to the front of the image you want to transfer. Cut the tape a little bigger than the image, as you can trim it down later.
2. Soak the tape-covered sheet in a dish of water for a minute or two.
3. Lay the sheet, image-side down, on a flat surface. Using a small sponge or a corner of a rag, gently rub the paper in circles so that it starts to ball up and come off the tape. Add more water as needed to keep the working surface wet. Continue this process until all the paper fibers are removed from the image you are transferring.
4. Let the image dry, then trim it as desired.
5. Apply your image with glue or gel medium to your artwork.
6. To reduce the shiny surface of the packing tape, gently sand with fine sand paper or coat with a layer of matt gel medium.
To transfer an image with gel medium:
Paint the surface of your image with a layer of gel medium (Golden's self-leveling gel or tar gel work best, in my experience). Allow it to dry thoroughly.
Repeat, until you have 3-5 layers of medium.
Follow steps 2-5 above. Be gentle when removing the paper backing, as the medium is more fragile than tape, and can tear.
The finished transfer will tend to curl, but can be flattened back out when you are ready to adhere it to your art surface.
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