Source for Inkjet Image Transfer Paper

I have used wax paper, acetate, and other materials for inkjet image transfer. I found a new source from US ArtQuest products simply called "studio paper". You can find it here. It works wonderfully, is cheap and reusable. Just wash off the remaining ink with a damp cloth. It is also available at McClains Printmaking Supplies.

More on Wax Paper Inkjet Transfers

Perhaps we should call this type of image transfers "repulsion image transfers". The way it works is that the surface you print on repels the ink (it doesn't get absorbed into the structure of the material). Wax paper is on of many materials you can use for this purpose. What I like about wax paper is that some of the pigment is absorbed in the paper as you use it over and over. So you begin to build a background texture. Of course, if you don't want this you can create new wax paper blanks. If you want the entire image to transfer much like it was printed then use clear plastic "sheet protectors". I place a couple of sheets of paper in the sheet protector to give it some stiffness. What's neat about the plastic sheet protector is that in areas of the image that have lots of black - the ink will pool up and make some interesting effects. These are the two things I have tried so far. I suppose a regular transparency might work ( not one made for inkjet). Just remember you want to print using "inkjet paper" setting. You will get much more ink on the "photo" setting. Here's an image transferred using a sheet protector.

Images using Inkjet Wax Paper Transfer

How to Make Inkjet Image Transfers with Wax Paper

Here's another way to make an image transfer. Use common wax paper. I began by gluing a piece of wax paper to a normal sheet of inkjet 8.5 x 11 paper as follows:

1) Use spray adhesive and spray one side of the inkjet paper.
2) Cut a piece of wax paper that is larger than the inkjet paper by at least 2 inches.
3) Place the wax paper on the glue side of the inkjet paper. Start on one end and roll over to the other end. Try to avoid bubbles and wrinkles. I was able to lift the wax paper and reposition to remove wrinkles.
4) Use you hand to press down and smooth the wax paper/inkjet paper combination.

The purpose of this inkjet paper/wax paper sandwich is to add some strength to the wax paper so it will process correctly in your inkjet printer.

Once dry, you are ready to make an image transfer. You need the following items:

1) inkjet paper/wax paper sandwich
2) paper to receive image (this can be photo paper, watercolor paper, mixed media paper, etc.)
3) Flat surface for receiving paper

To make your transfer follow these steps:

1) Lay the receiving paper down on the flat surface
2) Load the inkjet paper/wax paper sandwich into the printer
3) Print and image (Print settings should be for inkjet paper - not photo paper)
4) Place the inkjet paper/wax paper sandwich ink face down on the receiving paper
5) Hold tightly with one hand and press down with the other
6) Be sure to rub the whole image area
7) Remove the inkjet paper/wax paper sandwich
8) Admire your transferred image

I really like the look of the transferred image. Why not try different papers and surfaces? Why not layer some images? This is an easy way to create some unique images.