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Baking Parchment transfer…inkjet
There has been some discussion and some trials with baking parchment transfers after my recent posts. I have had stunning success with my lasers…Brother B&W and Samsung color.
Initially I had also tried inkjet and as I had reported the method does work with inkjet, just not as vividly.
Today at work I printed onto baking parchment with a common HP color inkjet. (Mine at home is an Epson with Claria inks—water proof. The HP inks are not water proof and I wanted to test!)
Here are my results:
These two are onto gray classic Fimo. That is a dime in the corner. So what you are seeing is detail you may not see without the camera. To the naked eye these appear smoother.
These next two are on white Kato. This was ONE print. With the inkjet not all of the ink releases from the paper. I was able to get TWO transfers from one print! (Remember the dime!)
These are on Premo Pearl. Very hard to photograph. Very good transfers. That second one is again a second transfer from a print.
This last one is on SculpeyIII the whitest of all clays and it shows!
Just like the laser transfers all I did was to make a copy onto BAKING PARCHMENT (brand of choice BAK-O-MATIC by Dixie).
Place print onto sheet of raw clay (no water, no medium, no liquid clay).
Burnish (no need to burnish vigorously, seems to transfer rather quickly)
Lift paper off.
Cure.
And that is it.
I leave to to play….
Valerie
55 comments:
Great!
Thank you for sharing.
I need to get some of this paper. I wonder if Smart and Final has it.....
Hi Kathi,
I have never heard of Smart and Final...
Valerie
Hi Flor Larios,
Thanks!!!
Valerie
Very cool Valerie! Seems not all parchment works...unless...do you let the ink 'set' on the parchment? I tried both my Epson and Canon printers and although the image looks clear on the parchment, the ink kind of beads up. I got a half successful print with my Canon, but burnish too hard with either Epson or Canon and the image ink bleeds together. I have an HP that doesn't work too well anymore, especially with cardstock, but may work with this so will try that also....
Hi Tina,
I have very positive results with all the printers I have tried. HP and Epson inkjets. Brother and Samsung lasers.
The baking parchment is the same on both sides. The reports of paper being used that is different one side from another has me wondering what paper is being used.
AFAIK baking parchment by nature is the same on both sides.
I have used 3 brands of baking parchment; Reynolds, BAK-O-Matic, and PUR. All work with varying results. The smoother the paper the better the transfer. The BAK-O-Matic by Dixie gives the best results and I have listed some in small quantities at Etsy for purchase should anyone want to try.
Hope that helps!
Valerie
Thanks Valerie! Cool blog by the way! Glad to have found you. Linked you on mine also.
Tina
I am very excited about your findings Valerie! This could make it way easier for the beginner than the previous methods out there and that is why I wrote about you and your idea the other day on my blog! I will keep an eye out for your recommended brand of parchment... Can't wait to give it a try!
Cindy,
Thanks! I, too, am excited. It means everyone has easy access. I have made the baking parchment I like best available for trial at less than $5 at my Etsy shop. I want everyone to try and be successful!
Anyone who knows, between Etsy and PayPal fees I am not making any profit here! I really want everyone to have a chance at trying this without a big cash layout.
Valerie
Brilliant, thank you for sharing your discovery! I have been wanting to try transfers for a long time, but have not had the nerve!
Alyson,
Go for it. I also resisted for the most part. I did teach a relatively easy method a while back. It required toner and that meant a trip to a copy shop.
This is easy and cheap (ahh...that magic word).
Have fun with it,
Valerie
printer-friendly versions of posts/tuts?????
Hello Anonymous...
When I want to print something I have found on the web, here is what I do:
1. Highlight the part I want to print
2. Go to the bar at the top of the web page where your print option is, and select that.
3. This should open your printer options. Choose the printer you want.
4. In the box where it says 'print selection' put an X. That way only the highlighted area will print.
I have not created a downloadable file. Guess you could also 'print page'. I am including a TIPS and instructions sheet with the baking parchment paper if that is an option for you.
Hope this helps,
Valerie
Dear Valerie,
first A BIG THANK YOU for sharing this technique with us!
I had no problems with printing on baking paper, although the picture was a bit sallower than
your examples shown here...
The transfer onto the raw clay went well, too, but the heating in the oven unfortunately didn't "heat-set" the inks ;-(
I use a Canon PIXMA, and it looks as if the inks are NOT waterproof...
Greetings from Germany,
Susanne
Susanne,
Thanks so much for sharing your results. From all the feedback, seems like the Canon inks are the most tempermental.
A layer of liquid clay and a heat gun should take care of setting the transfer.
I am using a new spray fixative that seems to be fantastic. Only have had it for 4 months. I need to give it a couple of more months to make sure there will be no interaction with the clays.
It will be the answer to these type of problems/glitches.
so...stay tuned...
Valerie
Valerie
I'm in love !! the Samsung color laser CLP 315 printer is wonderful, and I can't wait to get the parchment paper you've had so much luck with.
I did a little experimenting today and I think the Reynolds parchment paper that you buy in the grocery store - which is what I am using - has a little too much texture on it for perfect transfers. My transfers were good- better than anything I had done so far, but the paper has just enough texture on it to not lay perfectly flat on the clay and leaves some ink behind no matter how much I burnish, there is ink left behind just a little bit that is obvious on images with very thin lines.
Tomorrow I am going to play with the freezer paper which is smoother than the baking parchment I have.
It's amazing how good the transfer is, and I was also able to apply texture (stamping) on top of the transfer as the toner color stretches and gives with the clay. Other transfer methods leaves more of a decal on the top of the clay and stamping cuts and tears the transferred image.
Thanks so much for sharing your technique.
Susan in Cincinnati OH
Susan,
Thanks so very much for detailing your results!
Ths was such a happy find. I do so much want everyone to have the same success.
Keep us informed. Cannot wait to see what you are creating!
Valerie
Hello the first time I printed on the parchment paper it worked out nice. Then I added about 12 photos i wanted to print to my program and now the parchment gets stuck in the printer. What do you do to get it to lay flat. I had let the parchment set under a stack of paper for about 20 minutes, still have the paper curling ruining my photos that print and I cannot use them on the clay now. Any suggestions?
Otherwise this is the best option I have tried so far but having problems with the paper curling on print. Using my laser printer from HP.
Hi Kat,
The paper I use is flat. When I tried the ones on the roll I simply put the cut sheet in with the curl opposite to the feed path. If that makes any sense. Some who are using paper from a roll are finding that if you take a plain piece of copy paper and put a fold about a inch from the short end, then tuck the baking parchment into that it will feed beter.
I smply find the 'straight' feed path, the one where the paper does not need to go around the roller. It may be in the back, or a drop down door in the front.
Thank you Valerie...i want to make pics on beads of my grandbabys, and i just bought the samsung 315 too! trouble is, i think i'm using the wrong setting, and what paper do you chose? i'm clueless here...i love to bead, but now i want to add this wonderful thing to it.
i did one decent one from a lazer copy at kinko's, but when i put the renolds parchment, (newer, heavier)through the printer, then i pushed it on the clay and rubbed it a bit, and it took off chunks of ink, but left holes. i don't know what i'm doing wrong. but, i really love it that you are sharing your wonderful tecnique with us, as most people charge you for it. that's so sweet of you. ;) Thank you!!! Tons!! :)
gina. p.s. what do you mean about making the paper not go around the roller?? my new printer didn't come with a book, and the faq only has "message problems" LoL, worthless!
i'll go look online and see if i can find anything. it will probably be someone nice like you. cheers to a really cool lady! :)
Hi Valerie...thank you so much for posting help doing this wonderful thing. ;) i was wondering, what settings do you use when you print? best..normal..draft? and since mine came out with chunks of ink on the clay, i did something wrong, eh. ;( how do i know if my new samsung 315 has the option to not go around the roller? this is my first lazer printer, and i've used inkjet since 1988, so i'm clueless here.
thanks cool lady. :)
we should clone you. ;)
@Gina,
Go around the roller means if your paper is having trouble feeding. Sounds like you are not having this problem. Printers (and most electronic hardware) no longer come with instruction books. Here is the download for your user manual. < http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/200812/20081208102728750/Guide_EN.pdf >
I use normal settings.
Valerie
Hi Valerie. Thanks so much for this method. I live far away from any copy places and have only an HP ink jet printer.
Does it matter if the parchment paper is silicone coated? Will it still work. I can find Wilton brand in the stores here, but they are silicone coated. My Reynolds brand is not very smooth. Tina Holden says that a brand from Costco (only in CA) Chef's Select, works well and it is silicone coated. What do you recommend?
Thanks,
Bette
Hi Bette,
The brand I sell is 'silicone' treated. What that means may be different for each manufacturer. The silicone on the brand I use is from vegetable oils. I do believe that the term silicone may be something the trade (professional) recognises in some way. It implies a certain finish. And after trying 3 different baking parchment papers myself, ALL have that finish. What differs is the texture.
As you noticed the Reynolds brand has more texture. The texture impedes complete contact and the transfer differs in that it is not as complete.
My HP worked great with the baking parchment I used. You can try it for less than $5 from my Etsy shop. I am offering it at that price so folks do not have to go out and buy the large box themselves. It is a huge investment if it is not a techniqe that will be pursued. (the box costs over $100!)
Take care,
Valerie
Hi Valerie, I just ordered a pack of your paper from Etsy. Can't wait to try it. As a member of a polymer clay guild, we may want to purchase a big roll and share it around. Where did you purchase your Bak-O-Matic paper by Dixie? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
You sure have caused a stir of interest! Julie
Hi Julie,
The brand I use is available thru restraunt and commercial kitchen suppliers. I work for an overnight camp in the mountains during the summers and at a private school during the year. Both places use this baking parchment to line the huge pans. I have a convenient and ready source to purchase from. When the facility makes an order I add mine and the cost breaks are great. I avoid the cost of shipping (this stuff is heavy) and I get the volume discount. There is no way I can think of to pass the entire savings on to my readers :(
Baking Parchment is one place I found. As you can see there is a shipping charge of $25 to my zip and the cost of the papers is over $100. The smallest quantity is 1000. (I think that is the only way it is packaged.) It comes in 16.375 X 24.375in sheets, not a roll. I precut the sheets to fit the printer!
Have fun,
Valerie
I just wanted to put an idea out here that may help in some of the stuck and curling paper comments, Having a tech background I have found that when there is a lot of humidity or moisture in the room where the printer is and the paper is kept will make moisture collect in the paper. Thereby causing stuck paper and jammed rollers. Our support staff even recommends keeping and or putting our printing paper in the freezer for a bit before printing. And darn if that doesn't help big time. So maybe....something similar may be happening.
Debi,
Thanks for your insight!
The baking parchment I use will not be affected by humidity. As a matter of fact the first box of 1000 sheets I tried was several years old and weathered several years back and forth to a camp kitchen with me...talk about humidity! And no curling or jamming in any of my machines.
Some care needs to be taken if using the paper off a roll (not the ones I am currently offering at Etsy). From the roll you need to feed the paper in such a way that the curl feeds opposite to the curl of the roller. And find the straightest feed path. This worked when I tried the ones on a roll for test purposes for me. I also could not just put in a stack of paper, had to hand feed.
With the precut sheets I offer I am able to load the auto feed tray. Set the paper selection to thin, the ink at norm/reg and just print...it flies!
When using paper not coated to resist fluids you do have the humidity problems. Your tech is absolutely correct. Remember that the paper we usually use in our printers is absorptive to get that ink to STAY. The baking parchment is treated to release wet/damp foods. And will release the inks...our goal.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and further the discussion! Every bit helps to further clarify and fine tune.
Valerie
Transfers are something I've been really eager to try out. Thank you so much for this!
The print I did was done on HP inkjet printer, using the cheapest baking paper in Holland (money is always tight in my household!) and I was really thrilled by the result! I blogged the pictures and I linked the post in my blog to this page as well.
Thank you so much, Valerie!
Theodora!
That is wonderful. I am going now to read your results.
Valerie
hi, i tryed this on my hp printer and it turned out great. then i ran out of ink and talked my husband into buying a new printer. while we got a kodak esp printer ( the ones with cheaper inks) stay away from this printer if you a want to transfer it will not work.
Thanks for the info!!
So far the results are saying that Canon (and now) Kodak printers are not effective with parchment paper for transfers.
Every bit of feedback is important and I thank everyone who takes the time to leave a comment with their results (+ or -).
Valerie
this sounds like a very interesting technique...well worth the effort. Thanks to Cindy Lietz for sending the link and thanks to you Valerie for your efforts and for posting all the very good information. I am going to give it a try in a few days!
Thanks to Cindy Lietz (Your Polymer Clay Tutor) for sending a link to this. And thank you Valerie for this very informative article. I am going to give it a try. I have a rather old HP printer, and have always used my Xerox photocopier for transferring, but if the color inkjet printer works, I am all for it! Thanks for the great tip!@
I have 100% unbleached parchment paper and can't get it to go through my HP Laserjet printer. Any suggestions?
Hi Gretchen,
Is the paper baking parchment? What brand? I only tested a few and all did work. Some better than others. The one I use presently is the one sold to the trade. It comes in a box of 1000 sheets and is coated. (Genuine vegetable parchment silicone pan liners.) It also comes in a variety of paper weights. You need to be certain that the one you choose is heavy enough for the printer feeder to grab the sheet.
Hope this helps,
Valerie
Hello Valerie -
I have children that own a restaurant and I picked up some baking parchment from them this morning. It worked. It's a beautiful transfer! It still isn't the thickness to go through more than once, so think I should try some of the Bak-O-Matic (trade grade) Possibly it is thicker? Do you get the Red or Green Bak-O-Matic? It is a possibility that if it was thicker it could be reused and run through again. Have you tried that?
Gretchen the baking parchment is fantastic! I am so happy it worked for you. I am at work and am not sure which 'color' it is. I do know there are more than just the two. I'd be interested in knowing your results with heavier grades and multiple prints!
I usually just use it once thru the printer...I have a couple of boxes! Also I really do not make many transfers. Funny that. Just happened onto the baking parchment idea and not being one that transfers often.
Valerie
Just received your paper for transfers - OMG this stuff is genius,
perfect transfer - it has changed my life.
ok, so that's a bit dramatic, but seriously I'm thrilled to find this
paper.
Thank you for spreading the word, and the paper ;-)
peace,
River
www.polymer-clay-art.com
River (what a great artists name!),
I am always so happy when another has the same 'eureka' moment I had!
Have fun and thanks for the lovely note,
Valerie
Hi, can you also use this technique on trasfering image to a printing block to make a rubber stamps? Thanks.
hummingbirds213,
That is an interesting idea. What substance is the surface of the printing block. Will it 'grab' the ink?
The ink comes off the parchment quite easily. With the laser printers the ink is powdery so would need to be applied to something that grabs it.
If you give it a go, please post your results!
Valerie
hi,
unfortunately I had no results. I have a lexmark inkjet printer. This baking paper is the paper you put in the oven, so cookies don´t stick on the baking tray, isn´t it?
the colors on the paper was very pale. I am so sad. I hoped this will work, becouse I can´t get any results with the t shirt transfer paper :..((
greetings from austria
Hi to Austia!
The baking paper you used, is it coated/treated? Did you use the transfer on the clay?
You say the colors on the paper are very pale, yes...on the paper they will appear pale. The ink is sitting on a translucent/transparent ground. To be vibrant those colors are missing white. Printers do not print white. The paper provides the white. Once the transfer is applied to clay the colors intensify.
If, on the other hand, the transfer to the clay is pale then it may be the Lexmark inks. Or the quality of the parchment paper. I do believe you are the first I've heard from using Lexmark.
Have you seen the new book at beadworx.de? Bettina Welker has a project in her new book using the parchment papers. The same ones she purchased from my Etsy shop. The project may help trouble shoot.
Keep experimenting. Many times it is just a small step that needs adjustment.
Above all have fun with the process
Valerie
Hi Valerie, thank you for your answer.
I tried today again. This baking paper, what a coat do you mean? I don´t think it has a coat. It is just transparent/white.
Today it worked better. The only problem I have is, that the ink does not transfers to the clay very good. You can see the image on the clay well, but it is to light(bright). I rubbed with my finger with my nail. I carefully lift one corner to see if it transfered. Yes it did, but the most of the color was on the baking paper left:(
I saw a video with this transfer technique. It was a butterfly but printed with a laser printer. It was so great, there was no ink left on the paper.
maybe the problem is the ink.
thank you
Hi Again,
The coating I am referring to is 'silicon'. All the parchments I tried had the wording 'vegetable silicon' on the box. It gives the paper a very slick surface.
Also is your paper smooth, or does it have a texture? The ones I tried with a texture did give a much lighter transfer.
As you have seen, the laser printers give the best results. All the inkjet ones I tried did leave some ink on the paper. As you can see above, with some I was even able to get two really good images from one print.
Valerie
Hi Valerie, thank you for your answer! I looked in wikipedia, it says that most of this papers usually have this silicon coat. Anyhow I am not sure..I will soon buy a laser printer. Oh this hobby gets expensive!
Well I tried this method: I covered a normal sheet of paper with common nylon. Then I printed the image. Next I layed it on my raw clay and gently pressed with my finger.
The image transfered perfectly! No ink was left on the nylon. I was so happy till...I baked the clay. It cooled dawn, and I rubbed a very little bit with my fingertip to check out if it has dried. Oh what a smearing!
what did I make wrong? Shall I let it dry after baking? Will it dry ever? why doesn´t it dried in the oven? I thought it will stay permanent on the clay after baking.
I hope I don´t annoy you, but I cant stop my creativity:)
Nes from Austria
Hi Nes,
I am so pleased the transfer worked! It seems the ink from your printer is not stable on the polymer. That also happened with inkjet prints using inks that are not water proof when I tried. I used a spray sealant compatible with the clay, PYM II (preserve your memories 2). I know the company has begun distributing to Canada, they are US based. I do not know of a similar product in Austria.
Please try getting in touch with Bettina Welker. She is in Germany and has much better knowledge of what is available in the EU. Bettina has also used the technique and the papers I sell extensively.
Common nylon? What is that? Intriguing. It may be performing similiar to wax paper for you. I had no luck with waxed paper, which is what led me to the baking parchment.
Valerie
Dear Valerie,
yeterday your great baking parchment
arrived!
Just tried it on my HP LaserJet 1018 (with
refilled toner!) and it worked sooo great!!!
Although this printer doesn't have that
kind of "straight-through" paper feeding,
the parchment went through without any
crinkling or getting stuck in the printer!!!
(as my own parchment did ;-(
Thank you for providing this great opportunity
to by it at your shop!
Hi Susanne,
I am so pleased you have positive results!
Not so happy the package took so long to arrive. I sent it priority and thought the transit would have been faster.
If you have a chance post some pictures of your lovlies and link them here. Or send me a link and I will link to you. I enjoy your work and am certain others are more than interested!!
Thanks so much for the comment,
Valerie
hey valerie!
i am brand new to polymer clay and am very excited about it. i have been a frustrated artist for years, never finding the perfect medium for me, and i think this is it. i am developing a jewelry line to sell. any info you can pass on is greatly appreciated. ppreciated.
how do i get this parchment paper from you........i may have missed your info on here, how to get to your site on etsy. i can't wait!
thanks so much!
peggie
Hi Peggie,
My Etsy shop can be found at VAharoni
Let us know your results!
Valerie
hey valerie.........i got your papers today...yay!!!
i forgot to ask the most important question: how do i get the inks permanent on the clay. please tell me that process. ie do let the ink dry on the clay, then bake the clay? i normally paint studio sculpey gloss glaze on my uncured clay and then bake it. can i paint this over the transferred image (which i have not tried yet) before it is baked, or does it have to be baked first, then coated? will there be any reaction with the inks as a result of this or what do you recommend? i have an inkjet printer, but have a kinko's here in town if i HAVE to use the laser printer. pricier. i don't know if i get a notification of this email, but my email address is falkner4000@sbcglobal.net if you could drop me a note and let me know you replied.
thanks valerie!!
Hi,
When I print/transfer with my Samsung laser the ink is permanently bonded to the clay. I do nothing to 'seal'. With inkjets each is different and it will depend on the inks the machine uses. As a general rule for inkjets I would seal the image. I use PYM II. It is a fantastic product. There is a link to the information at the top of my blog pages.
I do not, never will, use the polymer clay glazes (or any other). They are water based and interact with many of the surface treatments. And on clay that has not surface treatment, ie only clay...I sand and buff. I do not personally care for the look of a glaze.
That being said, I did purchase as much of the mineral glaze as I could find before it was discontinued. I use it to mix with mica powders. It makes a wonderful metallic paint that is like steel, impermeable to everything!
Valerie
Hi, I just found your website and read this whole thread. You are so wonderful to be helping other artists with all your knowledge! God Bless You for that!! I was all excited to finally try transfering my artwork into pendants, until I read the one poster that stated her Kodak printer did not work (the printer that uses less expensive inks) thats the printer I have :-( I live in the mountains, no easy access to stores..have to travel about 50 miles one way to do any shopping...sooooo...if this brand of Kodak printer does not work, what is my alternative ? Or does that simply mean I would have to invest in an old fashioned, more expensive ink printer? :-) Somewhere in the thread was mentioned about going to a copy shop, would I have to design my work and burn to a CD for a copy shop to print from? Thank you so much for all this awesome and selfless help, you are so kind!!!! God Bless You! Cindy
Cindy,
I do not have access to a Kodak printer. The ones I tried were HP and Canon. Those worked fine when I tried. Please keep in mind the manufacturers of the printers and inks change the formulas frequently and the results may change.
Transfers really are trial and error. Before giving up on your Kodak, I would give it a try. Your results may differ.
The copy shop would refuse to put baking parchment thru their machines. Use of baking parchment will negate any warranties on their machines. This is a home method as we artists 'will try anything'!
Good luck! And let me know how it goes,
Valerie
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