How to Transfer Paper to a Glass Window

Transfer paper to glass permanently or temporarily.

There are a number of ways to transfer paper to glass, depending on your needs. If you are permanently transferring a pattern or printed paper to a window, the paper can be affixed directly to the glass. Another permanent option is to print an image onto transfer paper, also called waterslide decal paper, which can then be transferred to the glass as a decal. If you would like to be able to remove the paper from the window, you can use liquid starch as a temporary fixative.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Paper
• Soft paintbrush
• White glue
• Water
• Petroleum jelly
• Bee's wax
• Spray fixative
• Transfer paper (also called waterslide decal paper)
• Methylated spirits (denatured alcohol)
• Liquid starch (found in the laundry aisle)

Instructions

Permanent Transfer of Paper to Glass

1. Use the masking tape to protect your window frame. Tape all sides and edges that might otherwise end up covered in glue.

2. Cut out paper patterns as you wish, or use whole pieces of paper.

3. Thin the white glue with tap water until it spreads easily on the glass.

4. Use your paintbrush to coat your window with the glue mixture. Place your paper as you wish onto the glass. Allow to dry for about 1 hour.

5. Paint on a top coat of the white glue mixture. Let everything dry thoroughly, for at least 24 hours.

6. Apply bee's wax, petroleum jelly, spray fixative or liquid starch to seal the paper onto the glass. Peel off masking tape. Any excess glue can be washed away.

Permanent Decal with Transfer Paper

1. Print your image on the transfer paper. Make sure to print on the treated side and set your printer to "normal" or "plain paper." You want to avoid too much ink on your paper, as it could run.

2. Let your image dry completely. This should take about 30 minutes.

3. Trim any excess transfer paper until your image is as you would like it.

4. Place the transfer paper in a dish of water. Leave it for about a minute. The transfer will release from the paper.

5. Apply a thin coat of methylated spirits to the surface on which you will be placing your transfer. This will help keep the edges of the transfer from curling as it dries. Make sure not to use too much, or it will simply dry out the transfer.

6. Place your transfer onto your glass window. Be careful to place it in the correct position, as you will not be able to move it.

Temporary Paper to Window with Liquid Starch

1. Use the masking tape to protect your window frame. Tape all sides and edges that might otherwise end up covered in liquid starch. Spray window with liquid starch.

2. Place your paper as desired on glass. Smooth with a paintbrush, being careful not to tear the paper. Re-moisten paper with liquid starch as you work, if necessary.

3. Spray over paper with liquid starch and allow to dry.

4. Remove masking tape. Any excess liquid starch on your window frame can be carefully washed away. The paper will stay on the glass as long as it remains dry.

5. Remove paper with soap and water when desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your window is clean before attempting to transfer paper to it.

• Dried glue will ruin the bristles of your paintbrush. Clean your brush thoroughly after application, or use an old brush.

References

• "FaveCrafts": Faux Stain Glass in a Patio Door
• "Glass Fusing Made Easy": Pattern Transfer on Glass
• "Vintage Image Craft": Images to Surfaces: Four Great Methods for the Crafter