ENSURING SUCCESS

We want you to have the best experience with Isla Transfers!

Read below for an overview of the image transfer on clay process and be sure to visit the pages below for even more information!

TRANSFER APPLICATION - a step by step look (with pictures!) at applying newsprint transfers
SLIP MIXING - everything you might be wondering about mixing our bagged slip and how to add your own colorants
VIDEO DEMOS - watch as Jason Bige Burnett demonstrates the entire process

For ideas and to keep up with new offerings follow us on Instagram: @isla_transfers

NEWSPRINT TRANSFER application success:

Newsprint transfers may look similar to tissue transfers but they are not the same! Newsprint transfers work only on leather hard clay (no bisque) and require a more precise transferring approach that relies on slip.

4 key things to keep in mind:

• Leather Hard Clay Only - The success of the transfer is dependent on how the clay object absorbs moisture for the image to release. If the clay is at a leather hard stage similar to a chocolate bar it will absorb slip and transfer imagery at a more desirable pace.

• A Moist Transfer - Spritz the back of the transfer with water until imagery has visibly shown that it's absorbed moisture (“wet t-shirt” look). Flip and repeat on front. Set transfer down face up until moisture level has gone from “soaked” to “moist”. Greater success happens when the image is moist, but there isn’t extra moisture to smear or spread the soft underglaze ink. An alternative is to brush slip over the image and wait until it looks like suede, then transfer (This process may trap air bubbles that are not seen by the eye). Keep in mind that your slip should have a “yogurt” consistency (not too wet, not too dry).

• Timing and Burnishing - Time varies between 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the piece you are working on and other variables. Once you've applied the transfer press down gently with fingers to get into place, let sit for 30 seconds to a minute (maybe more) then burnish with red Mud Tools rib. Wait another minute or two and burnish with yellow Mud Tools rib. If not releasing spritz again with water, let sit, burnish with yellow rib again. REMINDER, the level of the leather hard stage also depends on how quickly an image releases. The more water content that is in the clay the more time it takes to transfer — thirsty clay likes to absorb water and image transfer faster.

• Patience - These transfers are like temporary tattoos! Remember having to wait before peeling of the paper? The same goes for Isla Transfers. Be patient and let the clay materials do their own thing (i.e. work leather hard, allow moisture to absorb, don't rush the process). You'll be glad that you did! Work on several pieces at once so it’s not like waiting for a pot to boil!

TISSUE TRANSFER application success:

You can use tissue transfers on wet, leather hard and bone dry pieces and bisque ware too. No slip is necessary to transfer. Just use a moist sponge and dab gently from behind to release the ink. The key idea is not to rub so the ink is not smeared. 

We’re happy to include some small samples to play with in your orders! Just leave a comment when checking out.

HAPPY TRANSFERRING!