The Medium?
Digital print, overpainted in acrylics or water-mixable oils.
The Problem?
I am using an inkjet print transferred to pre-stretched canvas as an under-painting over which I paint in acrylics or water-mixable oils. I have tried an iron-on transfer paper from Staples on both canvas board and pre-stretched. Sometimes it works well and other times some of the paper or residue is left behind adding unwanted texture to the canvas.
There is an option of a flat or glossy finish with this product. Since I am painting over it this doesn't matter except I wonder which surface will last longer under the paint. I realize these are rather technical questions not directly about painting but I thought with your vast array of knowledge you may happen to know!
Advice
- I am looking for the best method or product for transferring my colored, inkjet, digital art prints, to pre-stretched canvas.
Marion Boddy-Evans, Painting Guide, says:
Have you come across Golden's digital grounds? You paint this onto canvas, then print onto the canvas, then stretch it. If you have trouble getting the canvas through the printer, tape down the lead edge onto a piece of paper, and check if there's a setting for cardboard or thick paper.
Another option would be to print on thickish paper, paint on this and then mount it onto board (spray mount or some sort of glue that's not too wet, then varnishes it front and edges to seal it on).
I don't know anything about the longevity of iron-on transfer paper, but I can't see why a matte or glossy finish would make any difference. I've also had mixed results with transfer paper, sometimes it's perfect and other times not, though I think I'm doing it exactly the same each time I suspect I'm not letting the iron get fully hot on occasions. Different brands definitely work differently too, so it's worth trying a few.
