How clear are your transfers?

[Mike576]

I ordered the TW designs transfer kit with samples of the white and clear bottles.

What im wondering is how clear the transfers should be?

Also i cant seem to get a transfer using the white without it peeling some of the white off.

These 2 designs were included in the kit so i imagine the propper printer and ink/settings were used.

In the past ive had great results with acetone transfers so that always a backup but these being clear is a nice feature. Thanks!

 

[tdelewis]

If it peeling you are putting it on too thick and could be using too much pressure. I use Prismacolor markers 40% gray. They can be purchased at most craft and art supply stores. I don't know what is in these items but the marker works the same way as the white transfer magic and the marker costs about 5 to 6 dollars.. Also, Tira Mitchell sells Prismacolor markers on Engraver.com About Us (engraver.com). Check it out.

 

[rmgreen]

White Dykem also works for transfers. I also use transfer magic and the prisimacolor markers as already suggested. All work great.

1-Clean and remove any residue on the work piece. Denatured Alcohol, Acetone, etc.
2-I use q-tips to apply transfer material to work piece. The amount is not thin but it's not thick either.

Applying the transfer too soon after application can cause problems as well. I have not found any problems with applying the transfer when using transfer magic or white dykem after a long drying time (in excess of 5 minutes and longer).

I also use a fixative so that I do not wipe out my transfer as I cut the design. Various hair sprays, quick drying clear matte finishes and artist fixatives all work.

Lighting is crucial in being able to see the transfer especially under a scope. Side lighting seems to work best for me rather than 90deg to work piece lighting and not super bright. I have a light inside my scope through the lens that emits a green tint. This also is advantageous to improve contrast.

"Experience will improve your transfer greatly."

 

[papart1]

Mr. Green, what style of white Dykem do you use please?

 

[Mike576]

If it peeling you are putting it on too thick and could be using too much pressure. I use Prismacolor markers 40% gray. They can be purchased at most craft and art supply stores. I don't know what is in these items but the marker works the same way as the white transfer magic and the marker costs about 5 to 6 dollars.. Also, Tira Mitchell sells Prismacolor markers on Engraver.com About Us (engraver.com). Check it out.

Ill try less pressure that may be it. I dont think i could get it thinner. I use a qtip dab then shake off any excess. Then apply a quick layer.

 

[rmgreen]

Mr. Green, what style of white Dykem do you use please?

Liquid. I have also divided the full container into 4 smaller containers. Dykem evaporates quickly and becomes to thick. I have also tried thinning it but propotions have not worked out well for engraving. The original solution is best for engraving and the reason for keeping it in small containers. I have not tried the pen applicator yet but will.

 

[rmgreen]

Clarity of Transfer: How Clear? Clear is a word that is subjective. The clarity for me is more than sufficient for following with a graver. I am 77 wear progressive eye glasses, I can see the sharp edges of the transfer with either my "Cheaters" Opti-visor or my scope. I do not trust my glasses without using one or the other no matter what I am looking at as it relates to engraving.

 

[papart1]

Liquid. I have also divided the full container into 4 smaller containers. Dykem evaporates quickly and becomes to thick. I have also tried thinning it but propotions have not worked out well for engraving. The original solution is best for engraving and the reason for keeping it in small containers. I have not tried the pen applicator yet but will.

applied with a q-tip I think?

 

[tdelewis]

Check on Tira Mitchell's pattern transfer kit. She sells these for about $16 something. I like her beading tools also. They are very durable.

 

[Mike576]

Check on Tira Mitchell's pattern transfer kit. She sells these for about $16 something. I like her beading tools also. They are very durable.

I agree her beading tools are fantastic, ill check that kit out as well. Acetone transfers are nice but having clear sheets make life a lot easier when it has to be in the right spot.