Mica Tile Transfer Technique
Developed by Frankie Fioretti & Susan Pickering Rothamel


Scrapbook page by Frankie Fioretti

Materials List
  • A 'Really Big', 'Extra Large' or 'Grand Effects' Mica Tile
  • Duo Embellishing Adhesive
  • A soft Applicator (see below)
  • Studio Paper
  • A photograph
Directions

Selecting a transferable photo:

  • A photo with greater contrast will transfer more clearly.
  • Old black and white photographs work very well.
  • Select color photographs with the greatest color contrast. (Such as a blue sky against dark trees or people.)
  • To increase contrast, increase the intensity on your copier/printer (see notes below on smearing).
  • Remember to select a photo that can be reversed, and still be readable.

Selecting a Mica Tile:

  • Make a note of any natural markings on the Tile. Transfer the image into a position on the tile where these markings will not be distracting. i.e. across the subjects' face.
  • Peel the Tile into at least two layers.
  • The image will be transferred to the top non-Duo'ed Tile.

Duo Embellishing Adhesive:

  • Apply a very thin coat of Duo to the bottom Tile, and allow it to dry completely.
  • The best applicator is a delicately textured sponge, Appliqate mop, or very soft wide brush. The applicator will determine the texture created by the Duo. A soft applicator yields less texture. A brush will provide more texture.
  • When less texture is desired, allow the Duo to flow, applying it in random patterns, such as swirls, avoiding obvious strokes.
  • Avoid creating bubbles when applying the adhesive.
  • Allow the adhesive to dry naturally, rather than speeding it along with a heat gun. It makes a difference.

Printing onto Studio Paper:

  • Use Studio Paper ONLY through an inkjet printer or copier.
  • DO NOT run Studio Paper thru a laser or toner copier/printer!!
  • In general, make your inkjet copies on the printers' best setting. For paper type, choose glossy photo paper. You will want the copy to be somewhat "wet" for the best results. The results will vary from printer to printer and will also depend on the age of the ink cartridge. If the ink in the cartridge is almost depleted, the intensity of the copy must be increased.
  • Smearing - If you have increased the intensity of the ink/color of your copy for the purpose of higher contrast, the copy will be very wet. This additional moisture may cause smearing when the copy is transferred/ burnished onto the Tile or other non-porous surface. Allow a few minutes for some of the moisture on the copy to evaporate, before transferring the image. Humidity may be a factor in that 'setting up' period.

Making and Mounting the Finished Mica Transfer:

  • Gently lay the non-Duo'ed Tile onto the image. Burnish gently with a tissue.
  • Carefully turn the 'sandwiched' tile and Studio paper over, burnishing it gently from the backside too.
  • Carefully lift off the Studio Paper and clean it.
  • Allow the inkjet ink on the Tile to dry thoroughly. This may take an hour or so, but speeding up the process with a heat gun is best. (If you do not allow the ink to dry thoroughly, any remaining moisture will be trapped between the bottom Tile and the mounted top Tile, condensing and spoiling the image.)
  • For a very subtle image, mount the finished Tile onto a medium value paper, such as beige, taupe or grey.
  • For a more distinct image, mount the Tile onto a light colored or onto a subtle patterned surface. This will enhance the image.


Sample of a finished transfer. Clarity of images may vary depending on the contrast in the photo.

Tips:

  • Make your copies before coating the bottom Tile with Duo. By the time the Duo is ready, some moisture in the inkjet copy will have evaporated sufficiently for a clear transfer.
  • "Burnish" with a soft tissue rather than a burnishing tool, which will cause streaking in the image.
  • After burnishing, fit the matching Tiles together, enclosing the transfer between the layers.
  • If you are not pleased with the transfer, peel away that layer of Tile and start again!
  • Immediately wipe the Studio Paper, for use again, and again. If necessary, use a small amount of water, or turn it over and use the other side.
  • When the paper is no longer usable to make transfers, Studio Paper makes an ideal palette for all arts and crafts, particularly Piñata Color Inks
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