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    Furniture Makeover » Easy Image Transfer

    Easy Image Transfer

    Published by Gail | Published June 30, 2015 | Updated January 18, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    I did an easy image transfer on an old coffee table using 1Gel from Heirloom Traditions Paint. Transferring images is a fun way to update old furniture. via @repurposedlife
    myrepurposedlife-easy-image-transfer-coffee-table

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    cheap-coffee-tableDo you remember my free coffee table? I painted it earlier in the month using my Homeright Spray Shelter. Today, I’m going to show you how I did an easy image transfer on the coffee table using 1Gel from Heirloom Traditions Paint.

    finish-max-painted-coffee-table-spray-shelterI used Moody from Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type paint. (Use the code MYREPURPOSEDLIFE at checkout to save 10% on your purchase. I make a small commission and you save a little money.) My HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer made this a quick and easy makeover.

    coffee-table-homeright-finish-max-spray-shelterThis is how it looked when I finished painting it. I love the color!

    Heirloom-Traditions-1-gel

    Heirloom Traditions 1Gel

    Related Content: Pencil Transfer Method on a Small Wooden Stool

    moody-coffee-tableThe weather turned hot, so I decided to bring the table indoors to work on it. I used the 1Gel to do a topcoat all over the coffee table with a chip brush. After that coat dried, I did a second coat. Using the 1Gel is a lot easier than waxing and buffing!

    dry-fit-image-transferI got this Strausburg Ready Made Clothing image from the Graphics Fairy. First, I printed it at home using the poster function on my printer, then took the four sheets of paper to Staples to get laser copies. Then, I cut them out and taped them together using only a few pieces of tape on the white side of the paper. Make sure you get your image flipped, or do the mirrored image.

    image-transfer-methodThis is the most important part, apply your 1Gel to the printed side of the paper, trying to be careful not to get any on the white side of the paper. The goal is to remove the paper, and if you “seal” it with the 1Gel, the paper won’t remove very easily.

    I put a little too much 1Gel on mine, so you can see it seeped out around the edge. Allow your image to dry. I did this very late at night, and ended up working on it the next morning. On some of the bottles I have done I waited a few hours before removing the paper.

    dampen-image-transferThere are lots of ways to do image transfers. Many say to spritz water on the label, but I didn’t have a water bottle, so I used damp paper towels.

    1gel-image-transferWould you believe this is my first image transfer on furniture? I used my palm to roll off the top couple of layers of paper.

    This project is is not for the impatient DIY’er. It takes a lot of time and patience to repeatedly remove the tiny pieces of paper.

    how-to-image-transferAfter you think you have all the paper removed, you will still find more pieces hiding. I did one last dampening and wiping of the image.

    coffee-table-image-transferI actually chose this particular graphic because it is in English. I’m a huge fan of the French graphics, but it bugs me that I don’t know what they say.

    topcoat-image-transferAfter getting the last bits of paper removed, I did some light distressing, then  I put on another coat of 1Gel to seal the image.

    my-repurposed-life-image-transfer-coffee-tableVoila! Success!

    my-repurposed-life-image-transfer-coffee-table-moodyThis isn’t the best coffee table ever, in fact it’s very cheap, but the Heirloom Traditions paint and the Graphics Fairy image make it look a lot better, don’t you think?

    gail

    see more Image Transfer Projects here

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    1. Jill

      December 28, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Can the 1Gel take place of waxing when using chalk paint? I noticed you made the comment that it is a lot easier, so you can do the gel instead of wax for protection? Thank you

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        December 28, 2015 at 10:21 am

        Jill

        Yes, the 1Gel can be used as a topcoat to protect your finish. It's really a very versatile product!

    2. Heather

      September 05, 2015 at 12:11 pm

      This came out so clearly. I like your paper-towel method - I'll have to try it. Thanks for the great step-by-step! I'm just learning to use the 1Gel for transfers and it is such a great top-coat...

      Reply
    3. Christi

      July 05, 2015 at 11:55 am

      Your table looks amazing! I have tried image transfers a few times, but I find that they always end up looking almost like a sticker...there is an edge and a different consistency over the transfer. I guess what I am trying to say is that it isn't smooth and when I take off more...I end up taking off the image. I wish I could get this!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        July 06, 2015 at 7:57 am

        Christi,

        This image doesn't resemble a sticker, it looks more like it was painted on. The key is working on each and every layer of that thin white paper. Who knew there could be so many layers?

        good luck!
        gail

    4. Patricia

      July 02, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      Haha! I'm laughing at your English/French reasoning... I have the same issue and in fact made a sign that says 'FLOWERS' on years ago...because I didn't want it to say 'fleurs' ... I don't speak French! LOL!
      This table looks great... you make it looks so easy too.
      I've done some transfers similar to this...without the 1Gel... It wasn't as easy, if I recall. I should probably try this!

      Reply
    5. Kirby

      July 01, 2015 at 7:00 pm

      it looks SO much better! I've never heard of this gel; I'll have to be on the lookout.

      Reply
    6. Sue Z.

      July 01, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      love the coffee table, Gail! If we were neighbors, I'd be over to buy it from you! Great upcycle!

      Reply
    7. Mindi

      July 01, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      It looks so great!! I love the color too!

      Reply
    8. DI B

      July 01, 2015 at 12:56 am

      I see you got an upgrade to your "spray both". I still use mine made of PVC pipes and a large drop cloth to cover box. Yours looks much better.

      Reply
    9. JJ Crouch

      June 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

      Cute! Looks like a very fun project. You always do a great job.

      Reply
    10. Tanya

      June 30, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      Also, it is a beautiful table, I love heirloom stuff.

      Reply
    11. Tanya

      June 30, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      Hello, I'm trying to work on a table project something like this, Did you sand the table first? Mine has a shiny look to it.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 30, 2015 at 9:06 pm

        Tanya,

        yes I did lightly sand the table just to rough it up a bit because it was VERY shiny.

        gail

    12. Barbara Staab

      June 30, 2015 at 9:21 am

      Thank you for such clear instructions! Looks great

      Reply
    13. Bliss

      June 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

      So I have to be patient huh? That could present a problem.

      Reply
    14. Susan

      June 30, 2015 at 8:43 am

      Would you believe I have been struggling with an image transfer and this came at just the right time. The coffee table looks amazing. I love your posts. Thanks again

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 30, 2015 at 8:54 am

        Thanks so much Susan!

        This was pretty easy, but it does take patience. 🙂

        good luck!
        gail

    15. girlfromwva

      June 30, 2015 at 8:38 am

      i have never done an image transfer; maybe one day. i love the color & graphic you used!

      Reply
    16. Kris Holsti

      June 30, 2015 at 7:53 am

      LOVE this! Great Job friend and you make it look soooo easy.

      Reply
    17. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      June 30, 2015 at 7:35 am

      Yes, I agree, it looks a heck of a lot better!

      Reply
    18. Michele

      June 30, 2015 at 7:28 am

      It turned out very pretty!

      Reply
    19. Véronique

      June 30, 2015 at 7:18 am

      I just love it! You did such a beautiful job! I do have to say as a french canadian, i saw on many blog, french quote or words misspell.... Even sometimes the words didn't make any sens at all!! But I'm avalaible in the future if you need any help with French words!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 30, 2015 at 8:53 am

        🙂

        Yep... that's why I stayed away from French for this one! Thanks Veronique!

        gail

    20. cassie @ primitive & proper

      June 30, 2015 at 6:39 am

      would you believe i have never done an image transfer??? one of these days!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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