IOD (Iron Orchid Designs) Transfers; how to use them over chalk paint.
IOD Transfers are a little delicate, need a little extra care, but are so worth it! I like to call it “Instant Gratification! Today I want to share with you how to use IOD (Iron Orchid Designs) Transfers over chalk paint. Whether it be furniture or home decor, Transfers add that uniqueness that helps your projects stand out!
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PROPER CARE, BEFORE APPLYING IOD TRANSFERS OVER CHALK PAINT, IS MOST IMPORTANT TO HAVE SUCCESS!
Take proper care of your IOD transfer upon receipt. Here are a few tips:
- KEEP TRANSFER WITH THE PROTECTIVE BACKING UNTIL READY TO USE
- KEEP FREE OF DUST OR DEBRIS WHICH WILL INTERFERE WITH ADHESION
- DO NOT ALLOW ADHESIVE SIDE OF TRANSFER TO TOUCH ANYTHING PRIOR TO USING
- DO NOT STORE TRANSFERS IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES OR HUMIDITY
- DO NOT USE ON PROJECTS TO BE PLACED OUTDOORS
DISCLAIMER
Before going any further, I just want to mention that there are many great brands of chalk paints and topcoats designed for furniture and décor use; so it’s not possible to address all of them when it comes to IOD Transfer application. After reading this, if you still have any questions about the products you are using, please leave a comment or join MY FREE GROUP and submit any question there. A general rule of thumb when using Chalk Paint is to seal your project with a water based polycrylic prior to using a transfer. Once the polycrylic completely dries, you HERE!can then apply your transfer. Also, IOD transfers are intended to be used on projects that will be kept indoors.
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BUY WATER BASED POLYCRYLIC HERE!
APPLICATION OF IOD TRANSFERS OVER CHALK PAINT
Now that the transfer is in good condition, and your surface has been painted, sealed, and allowed to dry, you can apply the transfer.
- Select the transfers you want to use. If cutting pieces of the transfer out, be careful to keep the protective backing with the piece until ready to use.
- Carefully remove the transfer from its white backing. Slowly and carefully position the transfer piece onto your intended surface, making sure that it does not touch until the placement is where you want it.
- Using the provided plastic tool, start at one end of the transfer and rub firmly to adhere the image to the surface. Occasionally lift up the transfer to make sure it’s all adhering; if not, simply lower back down and rub that area again. Do this until the entire image is transferred.
SEALING IOD TRANSFERS OVER CHALK PAINT
- After Transfer has been applied, with a clean dry hand, gently pat around the image making sure all areas are flatly adhered. You can then burnish transfer to ensure maximum adhesion. Burnishing is really important and can be done by flipping the transfer sheet over ( onto its shiny side), and in circular motion, buff until the transfer is really adhered down well. This scares me a little unless I know, by feeling with my hand, if all little pieces are lying down flat!
- Seal. Ensure a long-lasting result by sealing with a quality sealer. IOD recommend sealing with a water based sealer (waxes created for chalk type paints also work well if they don’t contain harsh solvents). Generally, if you used a sealer prior to applying the transfer, you should use that same sealer to finish your project. When applying sealer coats, remember thin coats is preferable to thick coats. Avoid strong solvent-based topcoats, such as Dixie Bell Gator Hyde, which can adversely affect the bond. Top coats I’ve had success with are DIY Big Top and Paint Couture topcoats in Satin.
Do you prefer Video instructions? I’ve done many! Here’s a project I did with the new Whispering Willow transfer! It’s simple so I think it would be a good one watch! See video below!
By the way, I’m not the only one who liked this art piece. Here’s a FACEBOOK POST that got very positive engagement!
EXPANDED DETAILS… Below is an expanded detailed explanation of the steps above. You may find these tips helpful to ensure a good bond and maximize compatibility on your projects.
DRY TIME
Prior to IOD Décor Transfer application, IOD recommends a drying time of at least 24 hours, with a fan on low to create air movement and hasten any residual moisture and gas evaporation. You can also use a heat gun to speed up the drying process if using DIY chalk paint. I do not recommend using a heat gun on quality acrylic paints such as Paint Couture paints. Generally, the longer the drying time the better. I’ve ruined several transfers by not letting my surface properly dry, so I can’t stress this enough.
Dry time is the recommended length of time between coats of product, often called re-coat time. Different paint will have different drying times and is also affected by temperatures and humidity. The higher the temperature and humidity, the longer it takes to dry. You can tell if a water-based product is dry by touching it – if it is cool to the touch, it’s NOT dry. If you can sand a water-based topcoat to a powder, it IS dry. There are two ways to tell if it is an oil-based product is dry – if it is no longer tacky and it doesn’t smell, it is dry.
CURE TIME
Before using your finished project, i.e., placing items on top, make sure it has properly cured. The generally accepted average curing times for water-based products is 21 days. For oil-based products it’s 30 days . Both are based on a recommended 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) and 70% humidity. You can use your finished project lightly after about 7 days, but be cautious as the finish will still be curing for another 2 to 3 weeks.
HERE’S ANOTHER PROJECT USING THE WHISPERING WILLOW TRANSFER!
IT’S SO MUCH FUN TO REARRANGE THE PIECES TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THAT PROCESS, YOU CAN WATCH THIS FACEBOOK VIDEO!
THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITES!
LET ME KNOW IF YOU TRY IT. FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE…I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
Thanks so much for Reading! Until next time!
XOXO,
Joanie
