Using Transfer Artist Paper (TAP) with Encaustics = WOW!

This post has been provided by Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch. Read more about her and her work at the end of the post!

In 2009, I happened upon TAP at a trade show. I’d never seen it before, and as I stood outside the demonstrator’s booth, transfixed by the ease of use and beauty of the end result of this image transfer paper, I knew I had to incorporate it into my encaustic work!

Thus, you could find me soon thereafter hunched over the ink jet printer, then studio table, testing and experimenting and proving my suspicions true—TAP is the next great thing to image transfer in encaustic!

Whereas the traditional process is a water transfer—a beautiful yet nonetheless chance-process in the wax—TAP revolutionized my image transfers in encaustic on two levels; first, by allowing me to use my ink jet printer, therefore streamlining the creative process, and by allowing for the much-desired “checking” of my work.

TAP calls for a simple burnishing, and no water burnishing. I am able to peel back the carrier paper, check my work for consistency and satisfactorily transfer and re-lay it to continue if necessary. TAP quite simply has become my “so geeked” new material in encaustic image transferring!

I encourage you, if you are an encaustic artist, to take the leap and try this product. While directions are not yet available on the packaging—under C&T’s guidance, I am bringing those about soon!—here is a great little youtube demonstration about my process to get you going using the technique.

If you are new to encaustic, and maybe to TAP as well, even more encouragement is thrown your way! Give TAP a try, and of course, give encaustic a try!

It is the most dynamic, all-inclusive medium out there! Hands down the best and most satisfying process and product that allows free-flowing creativity in the mixed media studio. Jump in—it’s that good!

Patricia is the author or Encaustic Workshop (North Light Press, 2009) and Encaustic Mixed Media (North Light Press, 2011). She is the dauntless creator of EncaustiKits and EncaustiCamp, two business ventures begun with the purpose to reach more, teach more, inspire more. Join her in her latest endeavors—or simply the encaustic!—at www.pbsartist.com