Transfers remain one of the most magical and amazing ways to add layers to collage. Transfers are highly sought-after techniques in the classroom, and I am happy to say this method will never fail you as long as you follow the steps below and practice a bit of patience.
Apply a thin layer of gel medium to the image or text to be transferred and to the prepared surface you are transferring onto.
Lay the prepared print onto the surface of the block. Smooth out all the bubbles with a squeegee or Catalyst Wedge. Allow to dry.
Place a small drop of water on one corner of the dry image. With your finger roll up the damp paper; if the paper rolls easily, the gel medium has cured. Apply a thin layer of water to the entire surface of the paper. Using your forefinger and middle finger, rub the paper away from the transfer in a slow, circular manner, being careful not to rub too vigorously.
To achieve a crisp transfer, work with either a laser print or a standard photocopy.
Be sure to print the image or text in a mirror layout if you wish the text to appear as it does in your original image.
I do not recommend using a heat gun to speed the drying process because this will cause the gel medium to bubble and pull away from the paper.
When applying the gel medium, a finger works best: The gel will go on in the most unified and level manner. If you choose not to use your finger, a palette knife or spatula is preferred to a brush.