Transparencies: Using Tape

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Print/Wrapping Paper/Image
• Packing Tape ($2/Roll)
• Scissors
• Paper Towel
• Water

Things to Consider

The transparency image that you choose should be a matte (not glossy like magazine paper) finish printed image on paper. Stamped images, newspaper and printed computer inkjet paper are a few examples of what materials work best for tape transparencies. Magazine images and photos will not work as well - although, you can always experiment with what you think will work best for your project.

Step 1:

Cut out your image. The image in this example is taken from store-bought wrapping paper with ink prints on craft paper.

Step 2:

Tear off a piece of shipping tape that is large enough to cover the entire image. Shipping tape is used, although regular tape or clear contact paper can also be used. The difference depends simply on the size of your image and if you want to layer the tape.

Apply the tape onto the image.

Rub the tape vigorously to adhere the image and attach the ink.

Step 3:

Wet the paper towel with water. Then, turn the tape and image over. Begin blotting the back of the paper with the wet paper towel until the paper is thoroughly wet.

Step 4:

Once the paper is wet, slowly roll your fingertip over one corner. Gently pull the paper up to separate it from the tape. A transparent image will remain on the tape. If your paper begins to dry, simply blot the wet paper towel over the surface again.

Step 5:

Once the undesired background paper has been removed, pat the tape to dry off any excess water. The image transparency should remain on the tape. If necessary, trim the additional tape from the edges of the image to create a clean transparent image.

Finished tape transparency image

Trim excess tape, if desired.

Step 6:

Apply Mod Podge or clear glue to the back of the tape transparency. Then, adhere the image and allow the glue to dry.

Variations

Transparencies can be printed off the computer on printer-friendly acetate. This technique is more expensive because the plastic sheet is will trap ink from inkjet printers. Regular acetate sheets cannot be put through common household printers. 

As noted before, regular scotch tape or clear contact paper can be used as an alternative to shipping tape. Scotch tape may need to be layered in strips to cover the entire image. Contact paper, on the other hand, may not be sticky enough to separate the ink from the paper. As always, test different methods to achieve the best results for your project.

Get the Look: Ink Stains on Painted Surfaces

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• Liquitex Ink ($3)
• Acrylic Craft Paint ($2)
• Cheap Wide Paint Brush
• Canvas/Board

Things to Consider

If you're using a surface made of paper or coated in paper, the porous materials will absorb most of the paint and ink. For best results, use on blank or painted canvas, on top of glossy magazine clippings, or pre-treat the paper surface with a sealer or Mod Podge.

Step 1:

Add paint to the surface where the ink stains are desired. 

Step 2:

While the paint is still wet, use the wide brush to spread the paint horizontally or vertically. Add more paint until the surface is evenly covered.

Step 3:

Set the canvas on a flat surface and use the Liquitex eyedropper to apply the ink. The greater the distance from which the ink is dropped, the larger the splatter. 

Step 4:

Allow the ink to seep into the paint for 1-2 minutes. Then, place the board vertically to let the ink run. Once the ink has dripped to the desired length, set the board on a flat surface again. Wait 5 minutes for the ink to penetrate the paint.

Step 5:

Use the wide paintbrush to gently brush over the surface in the same direction as the paint was applied (horizontal or vertical strokes). The ink will begin to spread and blend into the paint, but the areas where the ink was applied will have a lighter, "stained" appearance.

Step 6:

Allow the ink to dry. Repeat Steps 3-5 if necessary or change the ink color to create an alternative stained look.