Tattoo T-Shirts

Tattoo T-Shirts

Picture this: a technique for transferring your favorite images onto colorful cotton t-shirts. We’ve got the easy way to do it right in your own home!

Supplies:
100% cotton medium-hue t-shirt (such as brown, green, or blue)
Scrap piece of cardboard (larger than the image to be transferred)
Image laser-copied/printed, trimmed to no larger than 5x7”
Wax paper
“Picture This” opaque transfer medium for use on colored fabric, by Plaid
Paper towel
Foam paintbrush
Optional: Sandpaper


Steps:
1. Wash and dry the t-shirt to remove any sizing.

2. Place the cardboard between the front and back of the t-shirt to prevent any bleeding.

3. Cut out the image. Place the laser-copied image face-up on a piece of wax paper you’re your image includes text, be certain that you print and then copy the mirror image of the file. Apply a thick (at least 1/16”) coat of “Picture This” opaque transfer medium to the top of the image, using a foam brush.

4. Peel up the image and place coated side down on the front of the t-shirt. Use the medium bottle to lightly roll over the image. Cover the image with a paper towel, if desired.

5. Remove the paper towel and press the edges of the image down. Blot any excess medium from the sides of the image.

6. Allow to dry 24-48 hours.

7. Wet a sponge or washcloth and use it to saturate the image. Rub with the sponge or cloth to remove paper from the image. Wait 30 minutes and rub with the sponge again until all paper is removed. Air dry 72 hours. Wash the t-shirt in a washing machine.

9. To achieve a vintage look, sand the collar and hems to make the shirt appear rough and used.