Supplies:
- Laser printer copy paper.
- Infusible ink markers/pens
- A heat press or other heat source. For best results it should be able to get to at least 385 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use an iron or lower heat setting, then the colors will be more muted/not as bright.
- Heat resistance tape
- A plastic lid or other type of plastic that a marker would not soak into.
- Wood or other surface to put your design on to. Any sublimation blank should work. The wood I am using came from Dollar Tree.
- A cup of water. The temperature does not matter.
- Optional: Cricut machine or other similar machines infusible markers can work in. (If you do not have a machine, then you can draw or trace your own design or print out mine and trace it.
Steps:
- Upload or select a design you would like to use. If you would like help on how to upload a design then click here or how to unzip a folder so you can upload it then click here.
- Change the design from cut to pen by selecting the operation drop down tab at the top left.
3. Check out the YouTube video above to learn some was to modify a design and change the colors of different sections of the design.
4. Do not forget to mirror your image, especially if you have any words in your design. I used copy paper 20 lb. as my setting. Since we are only using the markers and not cutting anything (you can if you want to) then the settings are not as important.
5. Once your machine is finished drawling your design, flip your mat over and carefully pull it up to remove your paper. This will help to keep your paper from curling.
6. Take your infusible ink marker and scribble on a piece of plastic (something that the ink will not soak into).
7. Get your paint brush wet, then move it around the marker scribble to pick up some of the ink. Then start painting your design.
-
- You can use any color of infusible ink marker that you would like to do this.
- You can make the water color darker or lighter depending on how much water and ink you pick up. So, play around with this and have fun.
- Remember this is just paper and too much water can make it start to dissolve.
- As the watercolor dries it will get a little lighter.
- You can stop and come back to this if needed. You do not have to finish it in a certain time frame. You can also add water to the marker scribble after it has dried on the plastic and use that ink again.
8. Once you are finished with your design, it is time to heat set it into your piece. First lay your wood down. Then place your design on top of the wood with the design/color touching the wood. Apply heat resistance tape to help hold your design onto the wood. Next, place a piece of butcher paper on top. The butcher paper will absorb any of the color, so it does not ruin your heat source. I like to place two pieces of butcher paper as an extra protection.
9. Apply heat for 40 seconds at 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel off the layers to reveal your design when it has cooled to the touch. If you peel while it is still hot not all of the design will be fully transferred, and you could also make the design have a ghosting effect. So, be patient and wait for it to fully cool for the best results.
The faded flowers around the outside of my wood are where I used a small household iron that does not get as hot as the heat press. I did this to show how you really need a device that can get up to the 385 degrees Fahrenheit to make infusible ink colors really show. The faded look from the household iron could be a nice affect depending on the project and look you want though. I also did this same watercolor with infusible ink markers technique on a canvas. If you have not seen that then click here to check it out. Let me know if you have tried this technique.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
