Some of you may remember, a little while back I posted a tutorial for DIY waterslide decals.
Among other things, I mentioned how awesome they are for creating custom embellishments without the need for any fancy-pants equipment. Yep, waterslide decal paper is a truly fab product, though as great as it is, there is one drawback – although it’s somewhat tough it’s not especially durable. So, whilst it’s perfect for ornamental purposes, it’s not ideal for more practical applications…until now that is!
Magic decal coating paper is a product designed to be used in conjunction with standard decal paper to make the finished transfers super durable – yes, even dishwasher resistant!
If you’re already familiar with magic decal coating paper then please excuse my tardy excitement, though for everyone else who is just getting to the party now too, feel free to start throwing the streamers!
My recently acquired assortment of SLOM jars from IKEA were awaiting some DIY craftiness and seemed the perfect candidates for my first magic decal experiment.
As there may be several brands of magic decal coating paper out there, each with slightly differing application requirements, for clarity in this tutorial I will specifically pertain to the particular product I used which I attained from here. The paper seems a little pricey though you can create several decals from one sheet so in reality the individual decals are actually quite inexpensive.
The paper I received came with three sheets of waterslide decal paper (distinguished by a blue watermark on the back) which you print your image onto, and three accompanying sheets of the magic coating paper (distinguished by attached translucent protective paper).
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
1 Image to transfer.
Use anything you like. I made up my canister labels in Photoshop though a standard publishing program would be fine too. I wanted them to be a bit different and quite typographic so decided to style them based on dictionary definitions (my artwork is attached as a free printable if you would like to use them – see the ‘At a Glance’ section at the end of the post to view and download!).
2 Printer.
You can use either a laser or an inkjet printer. The decal paper comes in two varieties, designed specifically for the type of printer you plan to use. Just make sure to purchase the right paper for you. I used an inkjet printer.
3 Decal paper (blue watermark on back).
Decal paper comes in clear or white. I’m using the clear paper because I want a transparent background around my image.
4 Magic paper (attached translucent protective paper).
5 Laminator.
Basic laminators can be bought for around $15 from most office supply and department stores.
6 Scissors.
7 Water.
8 Soft cloth.
9 Item to embellish.
As already mentioned, I’m using my plain SLOM jars from IKEA.
10 Microwave, oven or hairdryer.
THE PROCESS
1 Print your image onto the glossy side of your decal paper (DO NOT mirror your image). Allow to dry thoroughly. I created my canister labels in Photoshop and have attached them below as a free printable (see the ‘At a Glance’ section at the end of the post to view and download!).
2 Separate the translucent protective paper from the magic paper. Do not throw the translucent paper away.
3 Place the magic paper gloss side up on your table. Lay the decal paper printed side down on top of the magic paper. Place the translucent protective paper gloss side down on top of the decal paper (the translucent paper is designed to act as a protective barrier of sorts between the decal paper and laminator heat).
Note: As my image took up the entire sheet of decal paper I did not need to trim around it first. If you are working with a smaller image you may wish to cut roughly around it with scissors.
4 Laminate your stack of three papers on low speed and at low temperature.
Note: Laminating pouches are not needed. Laminating is performed to fuse the decal paper and magic coating together. Basic laminators can be bought for around $15 from most office supply and department stores.
5 Discard the translucent paper. Your decal paper and magic paper should now be fused together. Trim closely around your image – you can see it quite easily through the paper if you hold it up to the light.
Note: By nature, waterslide decals have a very fine, slightly translucent carrier film. On close inspection this will be visible on completed transfers. As my image is text alone with no border I experimented with techniques and found the neatest finish to be a nice even box (trying to mimic the outline of the text just looked messy). If your image has a distinct border then trim approximately 2mm all the way around it (leaving a small buffer ensures you get a good seal).
6 Dampen the back of the decal paper (watermarked side) with a cloth until it becomes translucent. Wait around 15 seconds then gently peel the paper away completely.
Important: Ensure you remove the watermarked decal paper only at this stage.
7 Immerse the decal in a shallow dish of water to dampen the other side then position it, image side down, on your item, smoothing it down with your fingers and a slightly damp cloth to remove excess water.
8 Carefully slide off the backing paper and manipulate the decal into its exact position then continue to smooth it until it is water and air bubble free.
9 Finally, set the decal by either:
Baking in an electric oven for 8 minutes at 150 degrees celsius.
Cooking in a microwave for 5 minutes on low.
Blowing with a hairdryer for 5 – 10 minutes.
Although I was hesitant, I did find the courage to run these babies through the dishwasher (twice, just to be certain) and they didn’t show any signs of distress. I was honestly AMAZED! Of course, given I have only had them for a few days I can hardly vouch for their longevity so advise hand washing for frequent use.
As I mentioned, there is a very faint translucent background (which is the case with waterslide decals) though once the canisters are filled it’s barely noticeable. You could choose to use basic clear stickers in place of decals. Just be mindful they will not be as durable and their border and background will be more visible.
I am super stoked with how these turned out – absolutely love! Don’t forget to download your complimentary printable sheets of labels below!
If you’d prefer the labels without the work you can now buy them in easy ready-to-apply format from my little on-line store here.
And excitingly, along with the PDF file, you can also now download the free editable PSD version of my labels below!
Finally, the SLOM range of jars has since been discontinued. KORKEN is IKEA’S new alternative though similar clip-top jars can be found in lots of discount/dollar stores.
SOURCES
Jars (Ikea)
Decal Paper with Magic Coating Paper (Australia – eBay)
Decal Paper with Magic Coating Paper (USA – Robin’s Eggcetera)
Decal Paper with Magic Coating Paper (UK – Crafty Computer Paper)
Wooden Scoops (eBay)
CREDITS
Fonts: Courier New, Another Typewriter, Mrs Eaves Bold
FREE DOWNLOAD
Click here to view and download the printable PDF
Click here to download the editable PSD (for Photoshop users)
Republication, reproduction or redistribution in any form is forbidden.
My Search Angel must have whispered in your ear! I’ve been looking for labels just like these!! Thank you!!
Shai
hi, can i ask you a favor?
i’m trying to do my jar for rice, flour etc etc…
i want do it also for the bath, for soft soap
but i’m italian and on my dictionary i can’t find the same detail or pronunciation that you have put for the others.
can u give me these information, please?
thank you
elisa
Elisa
I’d be happy to help though I’m not entirely sure what you’re asking for.
Would you like me to provide you with a definition and the pronunciation for ‘soft soap’ in English?
Kristine
yes! exactly!
Elisa
No worries. Please contact me via my email address:
thepaintedhive@gmail.com
and I’ll reply with the information.
Kristine
This is a great tutorial. I actually never done any decals on my won. I guess it’s time to make one!
Annabella Merlin
Creative Photo Albums
These are gorgeous and so fun. I have been collecting a lot of jars for my upcoming wedding and have been looking for fun things to do with the jars after I enter into wedded bliss ;) This gives me an attractive way to corral all of the baking odds and ends that seem to collect in my baking cabinet while putting my jars to use. Your detailed tutorial is excellent and I can’t wait to try this project. Thanks for sharing.
This is a WONDERFUL idea! I’m definitely going to try this! I’ve already told my sisters and mom to check it out on here! Is there any way you would be willing to post the Photoshop file on here? Please let me know!
Thanks!
Landed here via Pinterest. Thanks for the printables! Awesome!
I just found your blog and LOVE it! Thanks for sharing such super cute ideas!
eat.henry.eat
So sorry, though I’m unable to post the PSD at this stage.
Kristine
This is a great tutorial, thanks for sharing! I am wanting to buy the supplies and went to the link you had, but I have a question… The magic photo transfer paper and clear decal paper come together, is this all you need for the project or do you need to buy the protective paper separately? Thanks!
FABOOSH..So going to try this…Cheers
Anon
Yep, the decal paper and magic paper come together with the protective paper. So if, for example, you bought three sheets of the Magic paper you would have all you need for the project.
Kristine
I can’t believe this. I scrolled over your site and I saw your DIY posts. Your brilliant! :D it’s insane all the cool stuff you do! Count me in as one of your followers!
much love from Belgium,
Saar
I can’t seem to find the magic paper. Do you have a link for where you got yours?
Thanks!
Anon
The link is embedded in the ‘Sounds Creative’ logo and also in the Resources section (at the end of the post).
Kristine
Looks awesome! Its a very functional, beautiful kitchen accessory :)
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to have to make one for my kitchen. :) Where did you get the wooden spoons from that’s sitting inside of your jars? FYI–I’m in the US.
Thanks so much for this post and free download template! :)
If anyone in the U.S. is looking to purchase some of the decal papers, I have extra. I bought too much from Sounds Creative and could sell/ship it to you…if that’s allowed? You can email me at: lisabates6@gmail.com
I made these canisters last week and they came out perfect! Thank you for sharing, Kristine!
Sofie_K
I found my timber scoops by chance one day at a clearance warehouse. Try Googling wooden kitchen scoops.
Kristine
I love these! I have about 50 SLOM jars, they live shelves all over the walls of my kitchen, but they have quite boring labels. I now have label envy!
Lindsay
Wow Krtisine, these are awesome. What a wonderful way to make storage jars, elegantly beautiful yet oh so practical! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for posting this! It is something that I never imagined I could do my self. :)
I am wanting to print out only 3 of the labels. Any way I can do that without printing out the full page? I didn’t want to waste the rest of my paper. Thanks.
-Melanie
Melanie
There are a few ways you could do it.
The best way is to edit the labels in an image manipulation program (you can get Gimp or Paint.net for free if you don’t have one).
Otherwise, you could open the labels in Word, copy and crop them (note this would probably alter the resolution though).
You could also copy and crop them in your photo editing software. Then you could paste them into Paint and arrange them how you want.
Kristine
Hi, Is there anyway that you can send or upload these labels in word? Because I am having a hard time with them.
Thank you,
Melissa
Missy
What are you trying to achieve?Contact me via email and I’ll see if I can help :-)
Kristine
thepaintedhive@gmail.com
love love love!!!thanks thanks thanks!!!!Appreciate for such post:)
Estupendo post. Me encanta. Esta misma tarde salgo a comprar el papel calcomania para poder hacerlo.
You did an amazing job! I love the way you displayed your jars~ Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for posting these instructions. I was telling my husband today that with all of the negativity and hatefulness that breeds on the internet, it is still heartwarming to see people providing help and information, free of charge and out of the goodness of their hearts. This is a sweet little project, and you are so very talented. Thank you again for sharing, and God bless.
Thank you so much for this great idea and the printable labels! I have had fun re-doing my pantry. If you ever find the time…. a label for snacks (ie. miscellaneous), chocolate chips, nuts, and maybe spices. I know that you have nothing better to do. ;) Really appreciate you sharing your talents with others.
~Christi
What a great idea! Look so beautiful!
I´m your newest reader! Please have a look at my blog!
xoxo
Just wanted to let you know that I finished the pantry. I also purchased some cute fabric baskets with label slots. I tried my best to make inserts to match the jar labels you made. I am so happy with how it turned out. I have been wanting to re-organize the pantry and you helped motivate me! Thanks again, Christi
Christi
Thanks so much for the comment. Would luv to see a pic if you have time :-)
Kristine
thepaintedhive@gmail.com
Kristine-
1) This is so clean and beautiful, I love it
2) I am a language nerd, so I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dictionary entries!
3)When I start organizing my pantry, if I find that I am in need of other labels, if I find the dictionary entries, would you find creating the labels for me? I am not very awesome with Photoshop.
Kristen B
Thanks for your comment.
Feel free to email me to discuss further.
Kristine
thepaintedhive@gmail.com
I found this on Pintrest and think it is a lovely idea. Well done. Thank you for sharing…
AWESOME!! Love the labels and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the wooden scoops, where did you get those? I have looked for them but can’t find them! Thanks :)
Dana
I was lucky to just stumble upon the scoops in a discount store one day. If you Google “wooden scoop” or “candy scoop” you might find some.
Kristine
I was wondering if you would be able to sell these? I’d rather purchase them printed and put them on my dishes. Do you or are you interested? Contact me at moetrigunn@yahoo.com
Thanks
Melissa
I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog!
I cant wait to try this out for myself!
Melissa
I tried to email you at the address you supplied though I got a delivery failure message.
Please email me at thepaintedhive@gmail.com.
Kristine
Super cute! I may have to swipe this idea!
Thanks so much! THis is an incredibly great idea. Hope you don’t mind me linking to your blog.
Rosie
Kristine, I love your style and hey thanks so much for sharing (step by step) your decals for jars! Since I am buying bulk now your labels make my cupboards nice and tidy and I enjoy looking at pretty things. You help make the world a beautiful place.
just found this and Love the idea…Tupperware used to have labels and I had them on the Tupperware for years…no I have new plastic containers and was wondering if this will also work with them?? what about the heat?? I know plastic an take the heat but will it work with the plastic like it does with the glass as you demonstrated??
Anon
Have you considered Avery clear stickers instead? They are thicker and less durable than the decals though for plastic they may be better suited.
Otherwise, you could certainly try the waterslide decals.
Kristine
Hi! I just wanted to say that I love this tutorial!
I found it at pincookie.com, this site is featuring some great stuff but they don’t site the sources =( I really wanted to pin your tutorial and include the source so I google the titled and found your blog.
http://www.pincookie.com/how-to-make-your-own-decals-for-any-jar-or-bottle/
Just to let you know… I love this idea and I think you should have full credit.