Furniture transfers are a popular and easy way to give an old piece of furniture a new look. They can add a touch of elegance to any room or a fun pop of color that will make a statement. The process is simple enough that anyone can do it, and with a little practice, the results will be amazing. There is a constant stream of makeovers on social media that show people breathing new life into furniture using this technique.
A furniture transfer is a pre-printed design that comes on a paper sheet. It is applied to a piece of wood or another material by removing the backing and then rubbing it onto the surface. The designs are available in a wide variety of styles and can be applied to almost any type of piece of furniture. They are very affordable and a great alternative to waterlide decals. They also work well on textured surfaces.
Before applying a transfer, it is important to clean the piece of furniture thoroughly. The surface should be dry and free of dirt, grease or any other residue. It is a good idea to prime the surface and then paint it before you apply the transfer. This will help the paint to adhere better and will prevent the transfer from peeling or flaking.
When a transfer is first applied, it may take a while to fully adhere. During this time, it is best to avoid touching the transfer. Once the transfer is fully rubbed down, a good topcoat can be used to seal it in place and prevent future damage. There are a number of options that are available for topcoats, including spray paint, wax, polyurethane and others. Using a high quality finish will ensure that the furniture transfer lasts for years to come.
Some people like to distress their furniture after applying the transfer. This will help to give it a more vintage and shabby chic appearance. To do this, simply use a piece of sandpaper to lightly rub over the transfer and painted surface. This will reveal some of the original painting underneath and create a weathered look.
Once a furniture transfer is completely finished, it will need to be sealed in order to preserve it. There are a number of options for sealing, but most professionals recommend using a water-based topcoat. This will protect the transfer from scratching or damaging the surface of the furniture and allow it to stay looking beautiful for a long time.
When applying a furniture transfer, it is a good idea to experiment with positioning before committing to the final placement. If possible, a small piece of frog tape can be used to hold the transfer in place while you decide how to position it. It is also a good idea to take a piece of frog tape and carefully place the transfer on the surface of the furniture to see how it looks before making any permanent decisions.
