Packing Tape Transfer

Steps for making a Packing Tape Transfer

You can use a printout from a laser printer or any toner based print out. Please note! Only the white areas remain sticky!

  1. Print your desired image (for colour: save it in your U: home drive and I'll print it for you) and put it in a powerpoint. (it's easier to manipulate the image in Powerpoint)
  2. Trim it. (leave approx. 2 cm of tape around your image)
  3. Apply packing tape to your trimmed image.
  4. Burnish it (rub it with the popsicle stick or tongue depressor, etc.) (image on the right)
  5. Soak in water
  6. Rub off loose paper
  7. Let it dry
  8. Stick to desired surface.


Uses for Packing Tape Transfers

  • Decorate a coffee mug; water bottle, personalize electronic gear.
  • Personalize dishes
  • Put it on a window
  • You can do both opaque and translucent images
  • Label books
  • Draw your own image
  • Label cooking or containers for ingredients for cooking

Things You Will Need

  • Heavy duty packing tape (Regular will do, but heavy duty is better)
  • Water; warm is better (spray bottle, water faucet, or container with water)
  • Scissors
  • Burnisher (popsicle stick, tongue depressor, etc.)
  • image of choice (toner based print out)
  • vessels that you want your transfer put on

Student Work Samples