Ben Carter
Packing tape photo transfers are a fun and easy DIY project that can be used to decorate a variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, and ceramic. One popular application of this technique is creating personalised photo candles, which make great gifts for various occasions. With just a few simple steps, you can transfer a photo onto packing tape and apply it to the glass of a candle, resulting in a beautiful and unique handmade item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 15 minutes |
| Cost | Under $5 |
| Tools | Packing tape, laser printer, bowl of warm water, scissors, burnisher, towel |
| Process | Transfer photo onto packing tape, soak in water, rub off paper, apply to candle |
| Best results | Use white candle, laser print on plain paper, high-quality tape |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right packing tape
Tape Quality
Opt for a good quality packing tape from reputable brands. Avoid cheap, thin packing tape as it may not provide the necessary adhesion. Recommended brands include Duck, Scotch, and HP. These brands offer a range of tape widths, such as the standard 1.88" or wider options like 3" for larger designs or images.
Tape Stickiness
The stickiness of the tape is crucial for a smooth transfer. The tape should be sticky enough to adhere to the glass surface of the candle even after the transfer process. The stickiness of the tape is affected by the presence of ink and pigments. Any portion of the tape with ink will lose its stickiness, while the clear, white, or pale-coloured parts will remain sticky. Therefore, it is recommended to leave some white space around your image to ensure better adhesion.
Tape Application
When applying the tape to your image, use a credit card or the handles of your scissors to burnish, or press down hard, to ensure the tape adheres well to the image. This process helps create a strong bond between the tape and the image, reducing the chances of wrinkling or bubbling when applied to the candle.
Tape Compatibility
Not all tapes are created equal, and some may work better with specific types of images or printers. For example, some people have reported issues with Scotch tape and inkjet printers, while others have found success with laser printers and toner-based copy machines. Experimenting with different tapes and printers may be necessary to find the right combination that works for your specific project.
Tape Width
Consider the size of your image and choose a tape width that accommodates it. If your image is larger than the tape, you can overlap the tape or use multiple pieces, ensuring you line up the seams carefully. However, some prefer to avoid overlapping tape and instead place two pieces of tape right next to each other.
In summary, selecting the right packing tape involves considering factors such as brand reputation, tape width, image size, and the importance of adhesion. By choosing a good quality tape and following the recommended application techniques, you can ensure a successful photo transfer onto your candle, creating a personalised and heartwarming gift.
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Preparing your photo
To prepare your photo for the packing tape transfer, you will need a few materials and tools. Firstly, you must select a photo or image to transfer. This image must be printed on plain paper from a laser printer. Inkjet prints will not work for this project as the ink will dissolve in the water. You can visit a local copy shop to get your image printed if you don't have access to a laser printer.
Next, you will need to trim your image to size. Resize the image to fit onto the clear glass votive or jar. You can resize the image to be between 1.75" and 3.5" high, depending on the jar's height. It is recommended that you leave some white paper on either side of the photo for better adhesion later.
Now, apply the packing tape to the image. Place the tape over the image with the sticky side on the paper. Burnish the image by using a lot of pressure to press the tape and image together. You can use a credit card, scissors handle, or spoon to burnish the image. You can also use a burnishing tool or purchase one. If your image is bigger than the tape, you can use multiple pieces of tape, ensuring you line up the seams as closely as possible.
Finally, trim the excess tape from the image. Be sure to leave a white border around the image. If your image is larger than the tape, you can overlap the tape over the image.
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Applying the tape to the photo
To apply the tape to the photo, start by placing the photo face down on a towel and letting it air dry. Once the photo is completely dry, the tape will become sticky again. Cut the packing tape to the correct size, then place it evenly over the photo, sticky side down, and press down firmly.
It is important to use the correct type of tape and paper for this process. Heavy-duty packing tape works better than regular tape and is easier to work with. The photo must be printed onto plain paper from a laser printer, as standard photo paper or inkjet prints will not work.
After applying the tape, use a burnishing tool such as a craft stick or spoon to rub over the tape firmly, applying a lot of pressure. You can then trim off any excess tape around the edges of the photo.
If you are using a photo with a dark background, you may need to use sticker paper instead of tape, as the dark portions of the image may not stick well to the candle.
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Soaking the taped photo
Once you have applied the packing tape to your photo, you will need to soak the taped image to remove the paper and reveal the clear sticker. Fully submerge the taped image in a bowl of water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes, but you can leave it for up to a couple of hours. Change the water often to prevent the build-up of paper fibres, which can make the sticker look cloudy when dried.
After soaking, use your fingers to gently rub away the paper from the tape. You may need to soak and rub the image multiple times to remove all the paper fibres. The image won't stick well to the candle if there is any remaining fuzz on the tape, so be sure to remove as much as possible. You can use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to clean the glass votive and ensure a good stick.
If you are using a photo with a dark background, you may find that the tape does not become sticky enough to adhere to the candle. In this case, it is recommended to print the image onto sticker paper instead of using the packing tape transfer method.
Once the taped image is clean and dry, it is ready to be applied to your candle.
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$10.09
Applying the photo to the candle
Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to start creating your personalised photo candle! Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the photo to the candle:
Preparing the Photo
Firstly, ensure your photo is printed on plain paper from a laser printer. Standard photo prints or inkjet prints will not work for this project. You can resize your image to fit the candle jar, leaving some white paper on each side for better adhesion. It is also recommended to have a white border around your photo, as the white portion of the tape will be sticky, while the dark portion may not adhere as well.
Applying the Tape
Place the packing tape over your image, with the sticky side on the paper. Use a burnishing tool, such as a credit card, spoon, or craft stick, to press down firmly on the tape, applying pressure to both sides. This step ensures the image is securely attached to the tape. Trim any excess tape around the image, leaving a white border.
Soaking the Tape
Submerge the taped image in a bowl of warm water for at least 15 minutes, but you can leave it for up to a couple of hours. The longer soaking time will make it easier to remove the paper fibres from the tape. Change the water frequently to avoid cloudiness caused by paper fibres.
Removing Paper Fibres
After soaking, gently rub the paper off the tape with your fingers. Be careful not to remove the image along with the paper. You may need to soak and rub multiple times to ensure all the paper fibres are removed. Once the back of the photo looks clean, lay it face down on a towel and let it air dry.
Applying the Tape to the Candle
Once the tape is completely dry, it will become sticky again. Now, you can apply the tape to the glass jar of your candle, smoothing it down gently. Ensure you apply the tape to a white candle, as the photo may not show up well on darker-coloured candles.
And there you have it! Your very own personalised photo candle, ready to be displayed or gifted to someone special.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a white candle in a glass jar, heavy-duty packing tape (Duck, Scotch, and HP brands are recommended), a laser print of your photo on plain printer paper, a bowl of warm water, a burnishing tool (such as a credit card or spoon), and a towel.
First, apply the tape over your image, ensuring the sticky side is on the paper. Burnish or press down hard on the tape, using a lot of pressure. Trim any excess tape, then place the taped image in a bowl of warm water for 15 minutes to a couple of hours. After soaking, gently rub the paper off the tape. When the tape is dry, apply it to your candle.
The tape may not be sticky if you did not use enough pressure during the burnishing process, or if there are remaining paper fibres on the tape. You can try using Elmer's glue to adhere the tape to the candle, but be aware that the glue may break down when the candle is lit.
You must use a laser printer or a toner-based copy machine to print your photo. Inkjet printers will not work because the ink will dissolve in the water.
