Transferring Images To Bottles

After my last post, I started getting emails from readers asking if they'd missed my tutorial on how I transferred images to bottles.  No, you didn't miss it, cause I hadn't done it yet.  So, here it is.  I used two different transfer techniques on the bottles.

The bottle on the right got a spritz of matte sealer to give it some tooth for the transfer.  After the sealer dried, I followed with my Splendid Blender transfer method.  Soft and subtle is what I wanted.

I used acrylic gel medium for the bottle on the left.

I'm sure most of you have seen a tutorial or two using  mod podge to transfer. Well, I've been transferring with acrylic gel medium for years.  I started using the Splendid Blender because it's so quick, and I'm an impatient sort.

So, why did I use acrylic gel medium for this?  That's easy.  Last week, I found tubes of the medium at an estate sale for 50 cents a piece. So, why not do a few transfers. The process is basically the same.  Brush the medium on the mirrored image, and lay it down on the bottle.  I've used both laser and ink jet copies.  Just make sure to smooth out all the air bubbles, and let it dry. It dries fairly quick.

Once the bond is pretty tight, wet the back of the paper, and slowly rub away the residue till the image is revealed.

Okay, here is how I got the image so transparent.  I used a fine grit sponge sanding pad to remove as much of the remaining residue as possible  Make sure the image is very dry when you do this.  I didn't want a perfect transfer.  I wanted the label to look as if it had worn away. The little missing pieces are intentional.  If you want perfection, you don't have to remove as much.

I continue to get questions about the images I use.  I've said it before, but it bares repeating.  I've been collecting ephemera for decades.  The images I use are from my own collection.  If I ever use another source, I will let you know.

So, there you have it.  Two bottles, two transfer techniques, and yes, I did the silvering and grunging on the silver bottle.  You can check out the basic technique in my post, "Silvered Bottles".  I go a step beyond though.

Sharing With:
Twigg Studios: Sunday Showoff
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
Stone Gable: Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits