Francis Myers Transfer Demonstration

Supplies

• a Xerox copy. Laser or inkjet prints will not work.

• 3M 66 or 77 Spray Adhesive

• Frosted mylar, about 1" larger than the image you'd like to transfer

• Tape

• Gum Arabic

• Sponge(s)

• Roller/brayer, size depends on image you want to transfer. It should slightly larger than the image you want to transfer

• Litho Ink

Francis Myers Transfer Demonstration
by Mark Mahaffey, Master Printer
MAHAFFEY FINE ART
2134 NW Hoyt Street, Portland, OR 97210 USA
503-295-6666 -- 503-295-2553 fax <mfaprints@aol.com>

Demonstrated at Barbara Mason's studio,
near Portland, Oregon -- November 14, 1999

Introduction

This transfer technique is fairly easy to do and for the most part is non-toxic, i.e. no use of lacquer thinner, oil of wintergreen, etc. However, you should work in a well ventilated area and wear a respirator when using the 3M spray adhesive.

The transfer works better with high contrast imagery. Results aren't 100% exact, you may get more information than you want, or you may get less, just depends on the image. Halftones probably won't work very well.

You may have to experiment with the Xerox copies that you use too. Some copier toners will transfer better than others. Just depends...

Preparation

Attach your xerox to the mylar with the 3M spray adhesive.

Tape this to a smooth, flat working surface.

Use a thin ink to roll out (make sure the ink is sticky/tacky)

Roll out your ink on an inking slab

Sponge gum arabic onto the Xerox

Sponge water onto the Xerox so it soaks into the paper. Be very gentle and rub lightly

Charge your roller/brayer

Roll forward and back without lifting.

Recharge your roller

Sponge with water

Roll out again, slowly, in the opposite direction. Repeat in three directions

Set this aside to dry slowly. This should not be allowed to completely dry and become crisp.

Transfer

Put the mylar/paper combo face down on the surface you'd like to transfer your image onto.

You can transfer onto just about anything that can be run through a press. Woodblock, litho stone, intaglio plate, plexiglass, 3/8" float glass for Vitreography

For an intaglio plate transfer, coat the plate with Future floor wax. Use paint thinner to break down the ink (similar to a sugar lift ground). Aquatint the plate and proceed to etch...