transfering images with transparencies

[holzwurm]

Several years ago I took an engraving class at Trinadad State College from Rex Pederson. One topic was how to transfer images by (copying) printing them out on clear transparency paper then using acetone to rub the reverse image onto the metal. The one detail I can not recall is which side to print the image on - smooth side or rough side?

I know we did simple transfers in class but now need a prompt how to do it.

Thanks

[marziale00]

I have played with a bunch of ways to transfer. Best I found (from lindsay engraving site) was to print on white parchment baking paper with a laser printer (most have doors for a straight pass thru). Use a sticky substance like damar varnish on the surface of the metal. When its really tacking, burnish on the image, complete transfer with no blurring.  The paper is almost as see thru as tracing paper.

[smart dog]

Hi Holzwurm,
There are several ways to skin that cat.  Generally, if you are using an inkjet process you should print on the rough side otherwise the transparency will not hold the ink very well and it will smear.  If a laserjet, I am not sure which side is the printable surface.  I use a similar process.  First I coat the metal to be engraved with either an extremely thin solution of Bullseye shellac (10:1 dilution alcohol to shellac) or Tom White's "Transfer Magic" solution.  Then I let the coating dry and print a mirror image of my design on the transparency using an inkjet printer.  After printing, put the printed side down on the metal and burnish the backside of the transparency.  There are also ways to do this using a laserjet printer.   The forum at www.handengraving.com has many threads describing those methods in detail.

dave

[Jim Filipski]

If you have access to a b& W laser printer ( old style) Print your pattern out reversed on a piece of paper then cut it out and tape to your part . Daub lightly with acetone The image will be transfered to your piece. Takes a bit of practice on how wet to make the paper....too wet & it will smear  get it just right & the transfer will be near perfect
Hope this helps
Jim

[holzwurm]

If you have access to a b& W laser printer ( old style) Print your pattern out reversed on a piece of paper then cut it out and tape to your part . Daub lightly with acetone The image will be transfered to your piece. Takes a bit of practice on how wet to make the paper....too wet & it will smear  get it just right & the transfer will be near perfect
Hope this helps
Jim

Thanks Gent's. I'll experiment some more. I've done it befor so I should be able to do it again. It's just a matter of having the right combination of parts and pieces. I can almost remember how we did it in class - these suggestions are helpful.

Jim,  I've tried both ink jet and laser with the image reversed on regular white printer paper and swiped on acetone but all I did was make the paper damp - no transfer of image at all.  I have some transparancy paper left over from the class so I'm half way there.

[David Rase]

It has been my experience that some inks transfer better with acetone and some with MEK.  The difference is the drying time.
DMR