Creating images on metal surfaces is a great way to diversify your artistic projects. However, it's worth noting that the cost of professional metal printing can be quite high. You can print an image on metal yourself using an inkjet printer and special transfer paper. Just be sure to test this method beforehand to ensure its effectiveness and adjust your printer settings.
Preparing the Metal
Step 1. Ensure your printer is suitable for the job.
Check that you have a suitable inkjet printer. The wider its capabilities and the more flexible its feed mechanism, the better. If you encounter problems printing on cards or stickers, this printer likely won't be suitable.
Step 2. Make sure there are enough inks in the printer.
Step 3. Purchase a thin aluminum sheet.
Buy a flexible aluminum sheet. It should be thin enough. Cut a piece to the desired size using needle-nose pliers or large scissors.
- Ensure that the cut piece fits into the printer tray.
Step 4. Determine the side for printing.
Choose which side you will print on. Take the aluminum sheet outside and place it so that the printing side is facing up.
Step 5. Prepare the surface with a hand sander.
Sand the surface of the aluminum using a hand sander. Remove the top layer of coating. Use medium and fine sandpaper to thoroughly sand the entire area.
Step 6. Clean the metal with a bleaching agent.
Clean the aluminum using a bleaching agent, such as a cleaning sponge or a Mr. Clean solution. Once the waterproof layer is removed, you can proceed to printing.
Applying Primer
Step 1. Bring the sheet indoors.
Bring the aluminum sheet inside. Take a wide double-sided tape and stick it to the cleaned surface.
Step 2. Purchase primer suitable for inkjet printers.
Buy standard primer suitable for inkjet printers. It is necessary to evenly apply primer over the entire working surface before printing.
Step 3. Apply enough primer to the metal.
Pour the required amount of primer onto the metal surface. Then use a spatula to spread the paint evenly.
Step 4. Use a special primer spatula.
Use a primer spatula, which can be wooden or plastic; these tools are perfect for stencil printing.
Step 5. Spread the paint across the surface.
Place the spatula on the applied paint and evenly spread it over the surface. If you couldn't completely cover the metal, you likely used too little primer.
Step 6. Avoid touching the treated surface.
After applying the primer, avoid touching the treated surface. Carefully remove the tape, holding it by the edges.
Printing the Image
Step 1. Prepare the image.
Ensure that the image is ready for printing and is the correct size. Adjust the side guides of the paper tray for accurate printing.
Step 2. Stick double-sided tape on a paper sheet matching the size of the metal.
Adhere double-sided tape to a sheet of paper that matches the size of the aluminum. Place the metal on top of the paper so that the working side is facing up.
Step 3. Place the paper with the metal into the printer tray.
Place the paper with the adhered metal in the printer tray and hit "print." If the printer cannot perform the print, move on to the next step with transfer paper.
Step 4. Wait for the printing to finish.
Wait for the metal sheet to pass through the printer. After printing, leave it for a few seconds, then pick it up by the edges and set it aside to allow the paint to dry completely.
Step 5. Wait a few hours for the paint to dry.
Wait a few hours, and if desired, you can cover the image with a clear sealant for added protection.
Using Transfer Paper for Inkjet Printers
Step 1. If the previous method failed, try another approach.
If you couldn't print the image using the previous method, try using transfer paper for inkjet printers. For example, Lazertran products are suitable for printing on metal.
Step 2. Insert the transfer paper into the printer.
Place the transfer paper in the printer and follow the instructions to print the image.
Step 3. Prepare the metal surface with sandpaper and a bleaching agent.
Step 4. Carefully place the transfer paper onto the metal.
Gently press the transfer paper onto the metal. If needed, practice beforehand or ask for help to avoid wrinkles.
Step 5. Wait for the design to dry and, if recommended, cover it with sealant.
Wait for the design to dry, and if necessary, treat it with a clear sealant. Now you can frame the sheet with the image or hang it on the wall.
