Gel Transfer Know-How

Gel transfers are a simple, versatile method for capturing printed images into translucent acrylic “skins”. With the image in the gel, it can be used in any number of ways, from a collage element to a component of a painting. Once you get the basic concept down, there are all sorts of directions you can take with image transfers.

The most common material used to transfer an image is a gel medium, such as GOLDEN Soft Gel (Gloss), Self Leveling Clear Gel or Clear Tar Gel. Click on the link below for an example of a gel transfer and step-by-step instructions from Patti Brady, Director of the GOLDEN Working Artists Program SM .

http://www.goldenpaints.com/artist/geltrans.php

Image transfers don’t have to be limited to gels; other acrylic materials can be used as well. Images can be transferred directly into an acrylic color, or into more unusual materials, such as Crackle Paste or Acrylic Ground for Pastels. Click on the following link to see examples of images transferred into different types of acrylic materials.

http://www.goldenpaints.com/artist/directransfer.php

For even more details, click on the link below to review an Application Information Sheet on image transfers.

http://www.goldenpaints.com/technicaldata/transimg.php

As you can see, there are a lot of different ways to transfer images, and more seem to evolve each day. Follow these instructions to get started, and then play around to see what works best for you.

For questions on specific projects, or on any GOLDEN product, please contact Tech Support at techsupport@goldenpaints.com or 800-959-6543 / 607-847-6154 Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST.