The term Foil can be confusing because there are so many types. Most are some kind of metal–like aluminum foil. Transfer foil is a very unique material available most with a metallic sheen and others with holographic designs.
(If this seems too geeky, the dorky illustrations help a lot, and there are videos, too!)
This represents piece of PINK transfer foil:
Transfer Foil consists of three layers like a sandwich
TOP: Clear Mylar plastic
MIDDLE: A color or pattern
BOTTOM: Dull colored layer
To use transfer foils, there must be a sticky something on the surface to grab and pull the “foil” layer off of the clear mylar top.
Here’s the process…
- Place Transfer Foil “Color Side Up” and rub with finger onto the adhesive which has been applied to the new surface below.
- The color will transfer to the surface wherever the sticky adhesive was applied.
- Where the color has transferred, clear Mylar™ remains.
IMPORTANT: Always use the foil so that you are looking at the pretty color…”Color side up” so that the dull surface will be touching the receiving surface. (If the foil is not transferring, it is most likely because you have the foil upside down or you are not using transfer foil!)
TIP: Maximize the foil by using the sheet again and again; wherever the color remains on the sheet that foil will transfer.
PS ScraPerfect’s Best Glue Ever™ works very well as “something sticky” for transfer foiling. Apply the glue very thinly either with a stamp, a brush, or directly from the bottle. When the glue dries it becomes very, very tacky. Other options include double sided tapes, other foil glues, boding powders, fusible webbing and a hot iron, heat pens, and for the adventurous watch our video using laser printers.
For lots more ideas, watch “Video Guide: Transfer Foiling”.
