How to Use Photo Solvent

Photo solvents free photographs from the frame.

A picture might say a thousand words, but it usually must say it from the confines of a frame or an album. Artists and craftspeople use photo solvent to free photographs from these restraints. With photo solvent, you can transfer the mirror image of a photograph onto just about any medium. Whether you want your puppy on a mouse pad or a favorite relative's portrait on a child's place mat, photo solvent will help you get the job done.

Things You'll Need

• Photo solvent
• Paint brush
• Artist's tape
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Coat the photograph with a photo solvent, such as xylene, wintergreen oil, or nail polish remover. Apply the solvent with a paint brush in a thin and even layer. Coat only the side where the photograph is printed.

2. Press the photo, image side down, to your medium. The medium is the thing you want to adorn with the photograph. Secure the photograph at the corners with artist's tape. It's important that the photograph not slide against the medium as you work.

3. Rub the photograph in a circular motion with the back of a spoon. Start at the top left corner of the photograph and work across the top in tight circles. Move to just below where you started and rub another row in the same circular motion. Continue until you have rubbed the entire surface of the photograph.

4. Peel back the tape on one corner of the photograph and lift the corner to see the transferred image. Tape the corner back down and rub the entire photograph again if you want a darker image. Repeat this process until the transfer is to your liking. Release all of the corners and remove the photograph when you are happy with the color saturation of the image.

5. Dry the transferred image overnight before you touch it.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different rubbing techniques, such as rubbing the spoon in lines straight up and down the photo, for different effects.

• Experiment with different solvents to find the color saturation that suits you.

• Use the same process to transfer images from newspapers, magazines and other printed materials.

• Photo solvents and artist's tape are available at art and craft stores.

• Always wear rubber gloves when you work with solvents.

• Always use photo solvents on unfinished and nonporous surfaces. They will damage finishes and seep into anything porous.

• Never use photo solvents in unventilated areas. The fumes are toxic.

Resources

• Cameron Kaseberg: The Art of Solvent Transfer