Acetone Image Transfer on Tea Towels

Acetone image transfer is easy and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces. Did you know that you can use nail polish remover for printing tea towels? It is a simple process that you will be using on all sorts of surfaces after you get the hang of it. I saw where this was done on wood and I also tried it on glass but I decided to try some tea towels as well. After all, I love trying new things when it comes to crafting.

Acetone Image Transfer

The most important thing you need for this process is a toner based print. This means you will need to print your image on a copy machine or some other printer that uses toner. An easy way to do this is to print your image at an office supply store. I have more notes below for tips on printing that you don’t want to skip. Then gather the rest of your supplies to start.

Supplies needed for printing tea towels:

• Professional strength nail polish remover (I would recommend getting 100% acetone for this project.)
• Print that is mirrored and toner based (see notes above on how to get these easily)
• Tea towels (here is my favorite brand!)
• Cotton balls
• Copy paper
• Spatula or old credit card

Notes on Image and Printing

I used a graphic from the Graphics Fairy. Added the “H” and mirrored the image. I used a copier and darkened the copy twice — I would highly recommend not skipping this step. Toner is basically powdered ink, so it transfers more easily. You will want to find somewhere that you can make a toner based copy. You may also want to make several copies and practice a few times before diving into your tea towel.

How to Transfer an Image with Nail Polish Remover

Now that you have everything you need, it is time to do the acetone image transfer. Just follow the instructions below to transfer your image onto your surface.

1. Put your image face down where you want it. You can tape in place if desired.
2. Rub the nail polish remover on to the paper with a cotton ball.
3. Starting at the center of the image, swipe the cotton ball that is saturated with finger nail polish remover across the paper from the center outward.
4. Go over the paper several times to make sure it is saturated.
5. The acetone will reactivate the ink on the paper and it will transfer to your surface. In this case it transfers like magic to your tea towel — I am tellin’ ya.
6. Rub the image with a spatula or credit card to burnish it some and make sure everything transfers.
7. Peel up your paper and make sure the image has transferred before completely removing.
8. Remove any paper stuck to your surface while still wet.

I love it! I am just waiting to transfer more images using this method! Grab your supplies and start printing tea towels today!

So, be sure to stock up on nail polish remover and copies of your favorite image from a toner based machine. You are sure to be hooked on this easy and inexpensive craft idea. Acetone image transfer is a great way to make gifts and things for your own home as well.

Love this easy craft idea and want more? Try the links below as well!

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You can also print the instructions for image transfer using acetone below!

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Acetone Image Transfer on Tea Towels

Make tea towels by using nail polish remover to transfer a toner based image.

Print Project Pin Project Rate Project

Supplies

• Professional strength nail polish remover I would recommend getting 100% acetone for this project.
• Print that is mirrored and toner based (see notes above on how to get these easily)
• Tea towels
• Cotton balls
• Copy paper
• Spatula or old credit card

Instructions

• Put your image face down where you want it. You can tape in place if desired.
• Rub the nail polish remover on to the paper with a cotton ball. Starting at the center of the image, swipe the cotton ball that is saturated with finger nail polish remover across the paper from the center outward. Go over the paper several times to make sure it is saturated. The acetone will reactivate the ink on the paper and it will transfer to your surface. In this case it transfers like magic to your tea towel — I am tellin' ya.
• Rub the image with a spatula or credit card to burnish it some and make sure everything transfers.
• Peel up your paper and make sure the image has transferred before completely removing. Remove any paper stuck to your surface while still wet.

Notes

I used a graphic from the Graphics Fairy. Added the “H” and mirrored the image. I used a copier and darkened the copy twice — I would highly recommend not skipping this step. Toner is basically powdered ink, so it transfers more easily. You will want to find somewhere that you can make a toner based copy. You may also want to make several copies and practice a few times before diving into your tea towel.

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!