Images can be printed onto metal.If you own a printer, you can use it to make pictures at home.You can still transfer images onto metal using a few simple tools if you don't own an inkjet printer.
Step 1: Buy a roll of flashing.
It is possible to feed through an inkjet printer that is designed for paper with Flashing.The thinner the aluminum flashing, the better.Try to find flashing that's less than a quarter of an inch thick.At your local hardware store, you can find aluminum flashing.
Step 2: The aluminum flashing can be cut with tin snips.
Determine how big your print should be.The piece of flashing cannot be larger than the feed on your printer.Measure and draw lines where you need to cut the flashing with measuring tape and a straightedge.Cut along the lines with the tin snips.
Step 3: The surface of the flashing should be sanded.
To remove the protective top coat, you need to sand the flashing.The ink from the printer will not stick.If you leave scratches on the flashing, use a sanding block or random orbital sander.You don't have to sand the side you're going to print on.The top coat should be removed by going over the surface of the flashing with the sander.If you can, sand your flashing outside to keep the dust out of your home.
Step 4: The flashing needs to be cleaned with a commercial cleaner.
Any kind of cleaner that removes grease will work.You want to make sure you get off the grease on the aluminum flashing before you send it to the printer.It's possible that your print won't come out correctly.You can use a sponge with detergent and water.
Step 5: The flashing should be covered with an inkjet precoat.
The ink can adhere to the aluminum flashing with the help of the pre-coat.Double-sided tape is used to tape the back of the flashing to the flat surface.Precoat a line across the top edge of the flashing.Use a straightedge or coating bar to slowly remove the coating from the flashing.There should be a smooth, even layer of inkjet precoat over the side of the flashing you are going to print on.At your local art supply store, you can find inkjet precoat.
Step 6: Attach the flashing to a piece of paper.
It will allow the flashing to travel through the printer feed just like a piece of paper would.Place the flashing flat on a piece of paper and tape the edges to the paper using masking tape.Curl the tape over the edges of the paper if the flashing is the same size.The side of the flashing you want to print on should be facing up.
Step 7: Use a computer to prepare your print job.
You can create a document with an image.If the piece of flashing you are using is smaller than your printer's feed, you'll need to position the image in the document so it can be printed onto the flashing.You need to move the image to the bottom right corner of the document on the computer if the flashing is attached to a piece of paper.
Step 8: The flashing needs to be loaded into the printer feed.
The flashing should be treated like a regular sheet of paper.The side the printer will print on should be sanded and precoated.If you don't know, run a test sheet of paper through the printer.
Step 9: The flashing has an image on it.
Make sure your printer has regular ink.The print button is on your computer.Remove the printer and let the ink dry.
Step 10: Use a pair of tin snips to cut out a piece of metal.
Any kind of sheet metal will work.If you want the print to be the same size, you need to cut the sheet metal.To mark the sheet metal, use measuring tape and a straightedge.You marked the lines with the tin snips.
Step 11: You can print out the design with a laser printer.
A black and white design can be used.If you want your design to be on the metal sheet, you need to print it.Make sure it is not bigger than the metal sheet.
Step 12: The surface of the metal needs to be sanded.
Sanding the surface of the metal will remove the protective coating and allow ink to adhere to it.You don't want to create scratches with the metal if you use a sanding block or random spinner.To remove the top coat, go over the sheet metal with a piece of paper.If you can, do your sanding outside.
Step 13: Attach your design to the metal sheet by cutting it out.
There should be no paper hanging over the edges of the metal when you lay your design over it.Cut off the excess with scissors if there is.
Step 14: The metal should be brushed over with a thin layer of foam.
The ink from your design will adhere to the metal.If you want to transfer your design onto the metal, use a small paintbrush.You can find it at your local hardware store.
Step 15: Put your design face on the wet piece of sheet metal.
You don't want to get air bubbles when you lay your design down.Work from the center to the edges.A rolling pin can be used to press your design onto the metal.
Step 16: For one hour, leave your design on the metal.
It should be dry after an hour.Leave your design on for another hour if it still feels wet.
Step 17: Rub the back of your design with a paper towel.
Rub the paper lightly.As you rub the soaked paper towel, you should be able to see your design on the sheet metal beneath it.Continue rubbing until all of the paper is gone and you have your design printed on the sheet metal.Rub the paper towel harder if it isn't coming off.