Let’s explore a side-by-side comparison of five easy DIY Transfers using an inkjet printer. Create your own designs to print and transfer OR use graphics that you find online. There are countless options available when it comes to available printable graphics & an UNLIMITED amount when creating your own!
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Today, we will be looking at five different DIY IMAGE TRANSFER options. Then, we will check out a side-by-side comparison along with the pros & cons of using each method. I have included a FREE PRINTABLE set of “Vintage-Inspired” Seed Packets. I will be using them in this post and in my next projects that I will be sharing with you!
Each transfer method ends up with beautiful results and is easy to create. The methods we will be testing out today are:
- Waterslide Decals
- Tissue Paper Transfers*
- Freezer Paper Transfers
- Rice Paper Transfers*
- Iron-On Transfers
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure policy here.
Inkjet Image Transfers
To see a better comparison each transfer method was applied to wooden squares that received one coat of Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Chiffon Cream. For the iron-on transfer, we applied it to both the wooden square and one on fabric.
*Decoupage is a simple way to transfer an image onto a surface using a glue-based mixture. With decoupage, you can transfer images to various surfaces easily like wood, metal, wicker, or glass. We will be using rice paper and tissue paper today, but you can also print on paper towels or napkins.
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DOWNLOAD VINTAGE SEED PACK IMAGES HERE
More Free Printables you may Like
Vintage Thrift Haul & Free Printable Tags
Upcycled Home Decor & Free Printables!
Free Printable Floral Tags for Spring!
DIY Transfers – Create & Apply to Your Projects!
Quick & Simple Thrift Store Makeovers
Free Printable Graphic – Vintage (Inspired) Seed Packs
The seed pack images I will be using today are sized at 3.8″x3.1″ each, they are uploaded as a PDF so that you can resize them. I designed them using Canva Pro along with all of the other FREE PRINTABLES I have created so far. There are 5 pages with 4 images per sheet.
Unlock 1,000’s of Graphics & more with Canva.Pro!
**Creative DIY Purpose engages in affiliate marketing whereby we receive funds through clicks to our affiliate program through this website or through the sale of goods or services on or through this website. We also accept advertising and sponsorships from commercial businesses or receive other forms of advertising compensation. This disclosure is intended to comply with the US Federal Trade Commission Rules on marketing and advertising, as well as any other legal requirements which may apply
Benefits of Creating & Using DIY Image Transfers
- You can create and use your own designs to transform your projects!
- UNLIMITED choices for designs
- You can print from 1000’s & 1000’s of available graphics and printables online
- DIY Transfers are usually less expensive than store-bought premade transfers
1. Freezer Paper DIY Transfers
I have the full Freezer Paper Transfer tutorial here on my blog. Inside of the post, you will find FREE PRINTABLES along with the link to the VIDEO tutorial over on my channel.
Tools & Materials for Freezer Paper Transfers
- Basic Inkjet Printer -I use an old HP Printer but here is a similar model and the one I will most likely purchase next
- Reynold’s Freezer Paper – Can be used for multiple craft projects to create stencils, use as finger painting paper, for sewing projects & more!
- Scissors –
- Rubber Scraper – for transferring your image (fingertips work the best but use what is best for you)
- Cardstock & Scotch Tape – (optional)
- A Printable Graphic or Image – you will need to reverse your image prior to printing if it has words or letters. Images can be reversed (use the “FLIP” icon) easily using Canva.com. **
FREE Printables are available here on my blog & can be found @ https://creativediypurpose.com/category/free-printables/. I try to add new ones each week and take requests for ideas on future printables!
Pros of using DIY Freezer Paper Transfers
- Inexpensive – each transfer costs pennies to create
- Freezer paper can be reused (for some projects) by wiping off the “used” transfer
- Sometimes you can get two transfers from each print
Cons of using Freezer Paper Transfers
- Images turn out faint, small details and the small font may not show up
- If paper tends to get jammed in your printer often, or if images print blurry then this may not be the best option
- You can’t print till you are ready to use your transfers. For best quality use your transfers within five minutes to an hour after printing
- The surfaces you apply the transfers to must be porous but not overly textured
2. Rice Paper DIY Transfers
My FAVORITE paper to use for decoupage. Inexpensive, easy to apply to most surfaces, rich in color, but most of all it’s a SUPER QUICK process from start to finish!
Depending on the finished look you want to achieve you can easily apply rice paper flawlessly without wrinkles. Or, strategically place the paper to create wrinkles if you want to distress with sandpaper to create an aged, worn look.
Tools & Materials for Rice Paper Transfers
- Inkjet Printer
- Rice Paper
- Printable Image
Pros of using Rice Paper TransfersPrints with beautiful rich colors and tones
- Can apply without wrinkles effortlessly
- Inexpensive
- Applies with ease to most surfaces
- You do not need to apply sealer prior to applying your prints
- Goes right from the printer to apply to your project ( I would wait about 5 minutes for the ink to dry)
- Less chance of smearing or ripping vs the other “paper transfer” options
Cons of using Rice Paper Transfers
- It is on the thicker side and takes a bit longer to apply to round edges, etc
3. Iron-On DIY Transfers
Iron-On transfers can be applied to fabric, canvas, and wood. Avery is the brand I have used with great success and is very user-friendly. They offer a version for light-colored fabrics as well as one for dark. When applying your image onto fabric, you will need 100% cotton or a poly/cotton blend for full adhesion.
Tools & Materials for Iron-On Transfers
- 100% cotton or poly/cotton blend fabric, canvas OR clean wood surface
- Iron
- A firm ironing surface (I use a large wood board on top of my ironing board with a tea towel covering the wood)
- Avery Iron-On Transfers – Light Fabric OR Dark Fabric
- Inkjet Printer
- A Reversed Image
Pros of using Iron-On Transfers
- Colors come out crisp & vivid
- Simple & easy process
- If using the correct materials it’s pretty fool-proof
Cons of using Iron-On Transfers
- Can be costly vs other transfer methods
- Limited on surfaces that you can apply them to
- Tears easily
4. Tissue Paper DIY Transfers
Tools & Materials for Iron-On Transfers
- Basic Inkjet Printer -I use an old HP Printer but here is a similar model and the one I will most likely purchase next
- Printable Image
- Spray Sealer (if your ink tends to reactivate and blur when adding adhesive)
- Solid Color Tissue Paper Sheets
- Piece of Cardstock
- Scissors
- Scotch Tape
Pros of using Tissue Paper Transfers
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
Cons of using Tissue Paper Transfers
- Some inkjet prints need a coat of spray sealer prior to adhering to the surface of your project
- Tissue paper can tear easily (but that is an easy fix by applying a small piece to cover the tear
- Some may have to spray with a sealer after printing and waiting for it to dry
- The tissue paper will need to be taped onto cardstock or printer paper prior to printing.
Another option is to apply Repositioning Spray, however, this option does have strong toxic fumes. The cardstock you use to “position” the tissue paper can be reused multiple times without the need for additional spray.
5. Waterslide Decals for DIY Transfers
Tools & Materials for Waterslide Decals
- Basic Inkjet Printer -I use an old HP Printer but here is a similar model and the one I will most likely purchase next.
- Waterslide Decal Paper
- Printable Image
- Scissors
- Bowl of Water
- Cloth of Paper Towel
- Spray Sealer (to apply over your printed image prior to applying)
Pros of using Waterslide Decals
- Rich in Color
- Ease of Use
- Applies to Most Surfaces
Cons of using Waterslide Decals
- Have to spray with a sealer after printing and wait for it to dry
- If they don’t have enough sealer the ink can smear
I just saw these on Amazon and will be purchasing them to try soon!
Koala Matte Waterslide Decals – No need to spray – Works for inkjet & laser printers
Be sure to join me all next week as I show “Vintage Garden” DIYs using all five forms of transfers!
Peony FREE PRINTABLES
Peach Color Peony & Rose Download (PDF)
Mauve Color Peony & Rose Download (PDF)
Shop the Products in this DIY Image Transfers Post
- HP INKJET Printer (my HP model is no longer made but this is similar) – Basic, easy to use
- Rice Paper
- Reynold’s Freezer Paper – (for printable transfers)
- Waterslide Decal Paper (for inkjet printer)
- Iron-On Transfers for light fabric (for inkjet printer)
- Mod Podge (32 oz. matte)
- Gesso Surface Prep Medium (16-oz white)
- Wax & Chalkpaint Brush
- Water-Based Poly Sealer (brush-on)
- Lavender (faux) just ordered & it is AMAZING for the price
*“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some links are affiliate links which I earn a small commission from at no extra cost to you.
As soon as I post this video on YouTube Sunday I will link it here for you. A video will post soon after that with UPCYCLE projects using each of these transfer methods!
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