We made this vintage-style splashback by decorating a piece of glass with printed waterslide decal paper.
You will need
• beautiful photos or pictures
• piece of glass or tiles
• waterslide decal paper
• sponge or soft cloth
• scissors
To make
1 Use a laser printer and make sure it’s set to handle thick paper. Print your photos or pictures on the smooth side of your paper (with the plastic coating) and cut out neatly. Try to fit in as many as possible on a single sheet. TIP Ensure that the machine doesn’t overheat, otherwise the plastic coating could melt, causing the paper to get stuck.
2 Place the glass or tiles on your work surface – making sure everything is completely clean and dry – along with a bowl of lukewarm water, big enough to hold the largest print you’ll be working with. TIP Wash the glass or tiles with lukewarm water and vinegar to ensure that no fatty residue is
left behind.
3 Soak the first print in the water for a few minutes. Gently smooth it out if it curls up. When the glue between the paper and the plastic coating starts softening, lift the print out of the water and transfer it onto the glass or tile, gently sliding it across with your hands. Work carefully and systematically from one side to the other, and smooth out any bubbles with a sponge or soft cloth.
4 Gently pat dry the print, then leave to stand until completely dry. NOTE This method also works well on glazed ceramics, but the item will then no longer be dishwasher-safe, so you’ll have to wash it by hand in future.
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