Yesterday I shared a process using laser printer transfers and a heat press. These are two of my better creations. I still need to tweek the heat press settings a bit, but over all I am quite happy with the results. I shared the unicorn ornament on my FB feed and numerous friends are asking me me make some for their daughters.
This definitely looks like a way cheaper way to “print” onto acrylic. I’ve been looking into UV printing some stuff recently but the machines are so expensive and finicky… I’d love to see your process (if you don’t mind sharing )
I don’t think a steam press would work. In order to get the ink to transfer properly, your temperature needs to be precise and the steam would make the transfer paper too wet.
Oh, you can turn off the steam. It just happens to go to a higher temperature than a regular iron. I don’t know how precise it is though. But I could stick a thermocouple in there…
Awesome Heidi! Curious about the cuff: did you create the curve yourself using PG acrylic? I work with metal cuff bracelets and have been curious about experimenting with acrylic on the GF. Thanks.
Yes, I created the template myself. I have used both PG acrylic and scrap acrylic I’ve purchased from a local fabrication shop. I use a heat press to mold the acrylic.
Heidi, did you transfer before cut for the unicorn or the other way around? Also, the bracelet, I assumed you took it out of heat press while it was warm and form the shape over a template? This is all so fascinating.