Simple Transfer Method 1 Gel Decoupage
I found a little stool at the thrift shop of course. I have no idea what it was used for originally because it’s so small. But I knew I would figure out a way to give it new life again. Then it hit me! I decided to use my simple transfer method using my 1 gel decoupage glue. This stuff is amazing! Not only can you use it to decoupage but you can also use it for simple transfer projects. (This post contains affiliate links please see disclosure policy)
Supplies Needed For This Project
- Heirloom Traditions Paint Peach Patina/White Lace
- Print out copy of photo. If you are using words make sure you reverse it before you print it out or it will read backwards.
- 1Gel decoupage and transfer
- Foam brush
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Soft cotton cloth
- Heirloom Traditions Paint Dark Patina
- You can use a graphic from the Graphics Fairy
- Water based top coat
Before we get started on our simple transfer method project make sure your piece is cleaned well. Get off any grease or dirt that’s on you piece. Paint 2 coats of paint making sure it’s completely dry before painting the next coat. I painted the top using Peach Patina and the legs using White Lace. I wanted a distressed look on the legs so I only applied one coat.When the paint is totally dry you are ready for your transfer.
This graphic is from the Graphics Fairy. She has lots of graphics to choose from and they are free! I chose this old farm scene. Print out your photo off of your computer. Don’t worry if you don’t have a laser printer. With this method it doesn’t matter.
Since I wanted this graphic to look tattered and old, instead of cutting the excess paper off I ripped the edges off. Then I applied my 1Gel to the front of my transfer.
Next, I placed my image upside down and rubbed the transfer onto my piece making sure not to have any bubbles. Then I let it completely dry. This part is so important. If you don’t let it completely dry your image will not transfer well. I let this dry overnight. If you are like me this will be a hard thing to do. I am not patient. But I promise it will be worth the wait.
When it’s completely dry lightly spray your transfer with water. Don’t over saturate it.Then very gently in a circular motion using a soft cloth, start removing the paper. But be very gentle so you don’t take the image off.
I wanted to age this a little more so I took out my dark patina and carefully applied it onto the stop of my stool including the graphic. I did this using a white cotton t-shirt and applied a little then wiped it off. After I applied to the top I decided to add a little to the legs as well.
Make sure you wear gloves or this will stain your hands. See that little amount I am using? Here is what it looks like after it’s completely covered.
Finally I sealed it with a few coats of Heirloom Traditions aqua clear that’s it! So if you’re looking to freshen up your home vintage style this fall season but you are tired of the pumpkins and leaves and all of that. Why not find a piece in your home that you can try this simple transfer method and give new life with a color that can work with fall or any decor, like Peach Patina. Find a piece you can add a graphic to or a stencil and make it a special gift for someone.
Anne, I feel exactly the same way about fall. Not a fan. I love the crisp air and the colors of the trees, but I know winter is just around the corner. I always feel nostalgic for summer at this time of year. Your stool turned out great!
Oh I am glad I am not alone in my feelings of Fall Jann. If we could just skip over the cold winter, I would enjoy fall 🙂 Thanks so much, have a great weekend!
Your stool is lovely,thanks Anne for this post. I have a little stool i would like to make up for my granddaughter and this is the perfect idea. Have a great weekend.
Thanks so much Marlene! Wouldn’t this be darling in a little girls room 🙂 . Have a great weekend!
To me the holes where image brushed off make it look older and more authentic, love how it looks. The color is so pretty also. Great post and tutorial with the image. Have never tried that transfer method, have been afraid to as am not patient either.
I do love Fall tho.Don’t decorate for Hallween, just Fall, the colors, etc. Had to wait til later in Sept. this year as hubs had decreed not too early and not too much. Pretty much all i used were things I had and made. Love that and managed to weed out what I did put out, still have lots in box. Our house is small so don’t need too much. Hubs seemed to be happy with what I’ve done. sigh. Have great Fall and enjoy it if you can.
Yes I agree JaneEllen, it worked out after all 🙂 I am looking forward to downsizing. Your home sounds lovely!I agree simpler is the best. Hope your having a wonderful weekend!
I am a summer girl too and I love fall colors but not what comes next.
Summer is way too short around here Angela, I need to enjoy every second :-). I’m happy to hear you feel the same way.
Hi Anne – your little stool turned out sweet. I’m wondering if a person could use a photograph of their family or a special pet, etc. You get the idea…could a photograph be used? If so, how do we do that? We’d probably have to print it out on some type of special paper first…guessing. I don’t think we’d use the actual original. Especially if it’s an older one.
Yes absolutely Charlene you can totally do that. Just use a printer to print it out. So basically you would do the same thing except you would use a photograph that you copy on a copy machine, print it and apply it the same way 🙂
Here I am again since 2015, loving your little stool even more than last year. Hope can find same graphic you used, will be perfect with my cottage look. Usually love only chickens but am leaning to the cow idea here and there. Probably printed your transfer tutorial out last year but not going to waste time looking for it, will reprint. Your stool is so doggoned cute, love how rough edges made it look old, awesome gal.
Finally got part of portable kitchen island painted,, The minute I got set up to start painting blasted wind came up. Out here we seldom get gentle breezes kinda wind, it’s blow your skirt off kind of wind. Before I went out on back deck was still.
This a.m. we went to AARP safe driving class which lasted 4 hrs. but at least was in town just few miles east of us, not all way to Grand Junction. Then we got quick lunch at Burger King. Got home to get on computer, was so slow I got disgusted so went out to paint island.
At least one coat is on, will need more paint tho. Is gorgeous day, little cooler today but pretty clear out.
Have wonderful rest of week