| How to Print on Fabric Using Freezer Paper Posted: 27 Jun 2020 01:00 AM PDT Printing on fabric allows you to take your crafts projects to a different level! If you don't want to spend money on fabric transfer paper, you can do it yourself with freezer paper, fabric, and an iron. Freezer paper is thick and has plastic or wax coating on one side. Start by cutting it into a sheet by in size and make sure you use an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers use ink and are commonly sold as home printers while laser printers, which won't work for this project, use toner and are typically used in office settings. With all the right tools, you can be making things like custom pillowcases, tapestries, and quilt squares in no time! [Edit]Selecting an Image and Cutting the Fabric - Choose an image. If your printer prints color, choose a colorful graphic. Otherwise, stick with black-and-white designs. Keep in mind that photos may change resolution and size during the transfer process, so you might want to avoid trying to enlarge and print a small, colorful graphic with lots of little details because it will turn out looking pixelated. [1]
- Adjust your printer's settings. The printer settings will change the result, so experiment with the scale, paper type, and quality settings. Play with the printer's quality settings and do a few test prints to figure out which settings give the sharpest image. For instance, the photo setting will give you the most detailed image while the regular or quick setting will result in a fuzzy, distorted image (which can be great for a rustic look!).
- If you want the graphic to cover 1/4 or 1/2 of the fabric, go to your printer's advanced settings and adjust the scale to 25% or 50%. Set the scale to 100% to fill the entire sheet.
- Experiment by changing your printer paper settings to "matte photo," "glossy photo," or "semi-glossy photo" to find out which setting looks best with your graphic and the look you're trying to achieve.
- Cut a piece of fabric to by . Use sharp fabric scissors to cut a piece of fabric into the same size as your printer paper. It may help to place a piece of printer paper onto the fabric beforehand to use as a cutting guide.[2]
- Consider using fabric that is 100% cotton, like a 200 count muslin for the best transfer results (and more vibrant colors).
- If your design has colors, use white fabric (or as close to white as possible) to make sure the colors stay true to the design.
- For black and white designs, feel free to use whatever color fabric you like so long as it's not so dark that the ink won't show up (i.e., black or dark navy ink won't show up well on black or dark blue fabric).
- Make sure you trim rough or frayed fabric edges so they don't get caught in your printer. Not only could this ruin your project, loose thread inside your printer could also damage its internal parts.
- Cut a sheet of freezer paper to by . Use scissors or a crafting mandolin to cut the freezer paper to by . You will be "marrying" the freezer paper and fabric together so they need to be the same size.[3]
- When purchasing freezer paper, make sure it says "freezer" on the box—don't confuse wax paper with freezer paper.
- If you're using a craft mandolin and plan to transfer several prints, stack a few sheets at a time to cut down on time.
[Edit]Ironing the Fabric to the Freezer Paper - Set your iron to the dry and high setting. Preheat the iron so it's ready to go once you've lined up the fabric to the freezer paper. The high heat will heat the shiny wax on the freezer paper, which will act as a kind of glue.[4]
- Make sure the iron is on a safe, heat-proof surface and away from flammable materials like cleaning products, aerosol cans, and other items.
- Lay the fabric on top of the freezer paper and iron them together. Press the piece of fabric onto the shiny side of the freezer paper, aligning each corner closely as possible. Then, gently press down on the iron as you smooth it over the fabric. Be sure you run the iron over each edge to ensure each side is joined together.[5]
- This will join the freezer paper and fabric together, allowing both to pass through your printer.
- Iron on a smooth, flat surface for best results. If your ironing board has bumps, consider using a thin towel placed on a heat resistant countertop as a makeshift ironing board.
- Use sharp fabric scissors to trim off any fringe or rough edges. The ironing process may have produced more fringe or rough edges, so be sure to cut those off so they don't jam up your printer. Check each edge and corner to make sure the 2 sheets are fully bonded.[6]
- If the conjoined sheets aren't bonded in certain places like the sides or corners, go over those areas again with the iron.
[Edit]Printing on the Fabric - Place the ironed sheet into your printer's tray so it prints on the fabric. Be sure to place the fabric either face-down or face-up depending on how your printer feeds the paper from the tray to the printing area. You want the ink to go directly onto the fabric. If you're not sure how your printer feeds paper through, do a test run by printing onto regular printer paper.[7]
- Only inkjet printers can print onto fabric, so double-check that your printer isn't a laser printer.
- You may also want to do a test print of the image so the sizing, color, and orientation settings are correct. If not, you may need to adjust your printer settings.
- Double-check your printer settings and print. Before you press the print button, make sure that you've selected your desired print settings. For instance, you might want to select the highest quality settings possible or change the size of the print.[8]
- If your printer has a high-quality photo setting, select that one because it will give you the clearest image.
- Place the print onto a flat surface and let it dry for 24 hours. Place the printed product onto a dry, flat surface and let it dry for at least 1 day. Even if it feels dry to the touch, it's better to wait to peel it off just in case.[9]
- It may be tempting to peel some of it back right away to get a peek, but doing so could cause the ink to run and, as a result, distort and smudge the image.
- Wedge your fingernail into a corner and peel the fabric and freezer paper apart. Once the ink is dry, wedge your fingernail into one of the corners between the two sheets and carefully peel them apart. Go slowly and be careful not to stretch or pull on the fabric.[10]
- It may help to place the bonded sheets near the edge of a flat surface and bend one of the corners back.
[Edit]Setting and Caring for Your Printed Fabric - Treat the printed fabric with a fabric-setting spray to keep it from fading. Purchase a fabric setting or finishing spray from any craft store. Hold the canister about to away from the fabric and coat the entire surface with an even layer. This will ensure the ink doesn't rub off or wash away.[11]
- Some home-printing fabrics come pre-treated to help retain color better. These don't require any setting sprays or sealants.
- Some fabric-setting sprays should be used while the ink is still wet—refer to the instructions on the bottle.
- Soak the printed fabric in hot water and fabric guard for 20 minutes. Fill a tray large enough to hold the printed fabric with about of hot water and stir in the recommended amount of fabric guard. Stir it around until it's well incorporated and then place the printed fabric into the solution for 20 minutes. Rinse it with cold water and let it dry for 24 hours.[12]
- Refer to the directions on the back of the bottle to determine how much you should use.
- Fabric guard acts as a protective shield on each fiber of the fabric. It will keep your graphic looking vibrant and protect the cloth from stains.
- This ink-setting method works best with pigment-based inks which are commonly used in printers geared toward high-quality photography prints. You can use it with dye-based inks as well, but note that a little of the dye may seek out of the fabric while it's soaking.
- Spray the printed fabric with an upholstery protector. Hold the upholstery protector to away from the dried fabric and spray a layer onto the entire surface. Use a steady stream and work in lines instead of spraying it in a random fashion.[13]
- You may want to place the printed fabric onto a sheet of newspaper before spraying it to protect your floors or other surfaces.
- If you plan to regularly wash the fabric, it's best to avoid upholstery protector and use a setting spray or solution.
- Wash the printed fabric in cold water, if necessary. If you used the printed fabric on something that's going to require washing like clothing or a pillowcase, make sure to use cold water. You can use your regular detergent so long as it doesn't contain bleach.[14]
- Avoid putting your printed fabric in the dryer because it might shrink the fabric and distort the image—especially if it's mostly cotton. If you must use the dryer, choose a no-heat or low-heat setting.
- If you'd rather use pre-treated fabric sheets that you can print on at home, you can buy them at most office supply stores or craft stores.
- Don't confuse freezer paper with parchment or wax paper. Parchment paper has no coating and wax paper has a coating on both sides.
- You can also print on fabric with a stencil, acetate and masking tape.
[Edit]Warnings - Finishing sprays and upholstery protectors should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Selecting an Image and Cutting the Fabric - Freezer paper
- Fabric
- Fabric scissors
[Edit]Ironing the Fabric to the Freezer Paper - Iron
- Heat-resistant surface
[Edit]Printing on the Fabric [Edit]Setting and Caring for Your Printed Fabric - Fabric-setting spray
- Water-soluble fabric guard (best for pigment-based ink)
- Upholstery Protector (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Iced Coffee Posted: 26 Jun 2020 05:00 PM PDT If you need a little pick me up but it's too hot for coffee, drink it on ice! To make the best tasting iced coffee, start by steeping coffee grounds in cold water. Strain this concentrated coffee and then pour it over ice. Stir in cold water or milk and enjoy it right away. You can also play around with flavors and textures. For example, try making an iced coffee with vanilla or an iced coffee frappe. [Edit]Ingredients - 1/3 cup (30 g) of coarsely ground coffee
- of cold water, preferably filtered
- Milk or half-and-half, to serve
- Ice
Makes 1 drink [Edit]Creating Iced Coffee at Home - Make a cup of coffee. Get out a French press and put 1/3 cup (30 g) of coarsely ground coffee into the bottom. Pour in of cold water and use a spoon to stir it gently. [1]Don't plunge the French press yet since the coffee grounds need a lot of time to come into contact with the water.
- Refrigerate the French press overnight. Since you probably won't be able to fit the French press with the lid in your refrigerator, cover the top of the press with plastic wrap or beeswax. Put the press in the refrigerator and leave it to steep for at least 12 hours or overnight.[2]
- For stronger iced coffee, steep it for up to 24 hours.
- Plunge the French press. Remove the French press from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap or beeswax. Set the French press lid on top and slowly press down to push the grounds to the bottom.[3]
- Pour the coffee through a filter to remove natural oils. For the cleanest-tasting coffee, set a coffee filter into a fine mesh strainer and place it over a measuring jug. Slowly pour the cold coffee through the filter and discard or compost the grounds that are left in the French press.[4]
- If you made the coffee in a container or jar, you'll definitely need to filter it to remove coffee sediment.
- If you don't mind the natural oils from the coffee, skip pouring the coffee through a filter.
- Pour cold coffee over ice and stir in milk or water. Fill a tall serving glass with ice cubes and pour enough cold coffee to come halfway up the glass. Then fill the rest of the glass with cold water or milk. Stir the drink gently to combine the coffee and drink it before the ice begins to melt.
- Store leftover coffee concentrate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
[Edit]Trying Variations - Refrigerate hot coffee instead of cold-brewing it. If you don't have the time to make cold-brewed coffee, make a cup or pot of hot coffee. Use your preferred brewing method and then put the coffee into the refrigerator until it's cold. Then pour the cold coffee into an ice-filled glass and enjoy it.[5]
- Dissolve instant coffee powder and pour it over ice for a fast drink. This is another quick way to make iced coffee. Stir 1 tablespoon (6 g) of instant coffee with of hot water in a tall glass. Then fill the glass with ice and pour of cold water over it. Stir the iced coffee with a long spoon and drink it before the ice melts.[6]
- For a creamy iced coffee, use cold milk instead of water.
- Use coffee ice cubes. To prevent your iced coffee from becoming diluted as the ice melts, make coffee ice cubes before you make the drink. Just pour cold coffee into an empty ice cube tray and freeze it until the cubes are solid.[7]
- This is a great way to use leftover coffee instead of throwing it away.
- Stir in your favorite syrups to add flavor. Purchase or make caramel, vanilla, or chocolate syrup. For plain sweetness, use a simple syrup. Then stir in as much as you like. Play around with combining flavors, such as a chocolate caramel to make unique iced coffee drinks.[8] of water in a saucepan. Stir and heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool and then stir in of vanilla extract.}}
- Refrigerate homemade syrups in an airtight container for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
- Mix cold coffee with ice cream for a creamy treat. Pour of cold coffee and of milk into a tall glass. Fill the glass with ice and then top the drink with 1 large scoop of vanilla ice cream.[9]
- If you prefer, leave out the ice cubes and add extra ice cream.
- Blend the iced coffee to make a frappe. Pour of cold coffee into a blender and add 3 cups (420 g) of ice cubes along with 2 tablespoons (25 g) of sugar. Put the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients until they're smooth. Then pour the frappe into a glass and top it with whipped cream before serving.[10]
- If you like, add of syrup, such as caramel of vanilla.
- For an adult iced coffee, stir of Irish cream, brandy, or rum into the drink.
[Edit]Warnings - If you're brewing hot coffee into a glass coffee pot, avoid putting it directly into the refrigerator with hot coffee in it. The extreme change in temperature may cause the glass to crack.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Measuring cups and spoons
- French press or coffee brewer of your choice
- Plastic wrap or beeswax
- Measuring jug
- Coffee filter
- Tall serving glass
- Spoon
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Take an Ice Bath Posted: 26 Jun 2020 09:00 AM PDT Stepping into icy cold water doesn't sound like much fun, but an ice bath might help you reach your goals. You can use ice baths to relieve soreness after a workout and reduce inflammation in your body, though doing so will likely reduce your muscle gains.[1] Additionally, you might use ice baths for a burst of energy to make you productive or to help with depression and anxiety.[2] While ice baths are mostly safe, it's important that you don't stay in the water longer than 5-10 minutes. [Edit]Soaking After a Workout - Take your ice bath within 30 minutes of exercise. Ice baths are only helpful if you take them right after a workout. Plan your bath for immediately after you finish a hard cardio or strength training workout or competition.[3]
- Don't take an ice bath before a workout or competition because it will cause muscle stiffness and may worsen your performance.
- Shower off before your ice bath to prevent skin conditions. During a workout, your body naturally sweats to cool itself down. Additionally, you will likely come into contact with equipment, flooring, or terrain that exposes you to bacteria and dirt. While it's rare, it's possible that bacteria or grime on your skin can lead to a skin condition if you get in an ice bath dirty. Before your bath, take a short, lukewarm shower to soap up so that you'll be clean when you get in the bath.[4]
- If you are sharing an ice bath with fellow athletes, it's especially important that you wash off beforehand. Sharing a bath without washing increases the risk of infection for everyone who uses it.
- Put on shorts and foot booties to protect sensitive areas. Cold water can damage sensitive skin, so you might decide to wear protective clothing over some parts of your body. Swimming trunks, shorts, or briefs can help keep your genital area warm. Similarly, toe warmers or booties made out of wetsuit material can keep your feet from freezing.[5]
- You can get booties at sports stores, surf shops, or online. If you can't get booties, try wearing socks.
- If you are only soaking the lower half of your body, you might even wear a sweatshirt in the bath so your upper body stays warm.
- Fill your tub halfway with cold water. Since the ice and your body will increase the water volume, don't worry about filling up the tub. Turn on the cold water and wait for the water level to rise about halfway up the side of the tub. Then, shut off the water faucet.[6]
- Use cold water because your ice may melt too quickly if your water is too warm.
- If you feel like your water level is too low, you can always turn on the cold water to raise the water level.
- If you don't have a bathtub, use a kiddie pool or large plastic tub for your ice bath. Use your garden hose to fill it up.
- Add three bags of ice to the water to chill it to . Use store-bought ice or ice from your freezer, depending on what's most convenient to you.[7] Pour the ice into your bath in small quantities to lower the temperature. Use a thermometer to check the water's temperature and stop adding ice when it reaches about .[8]
- If you don't have a thermometer, you can estimate the temperature by plunging your elbow beneath the surface. You'll feel some discomfort but it shouldn't burn your skin.
- At first, you might use slightly warmer water so you don't feel shocked by the temperature. Add just enough ice to lower your water temperature to around to get you used to an ice bath. Slowly decrease the temperature of your ice bath by 1-2 degrees each time you take an ice bath until you get down to about .
- Submerge your lower body under the ice water slowly. Getting into the cold water too quickly can shock your system and may make your heart race too fast. Give yourself time to adjust to the cold by slowly entering the water. As you get into the bath, take slow, deep breaths to stay calm.[9] Start with your feet, then ease the rest of your lower body into the water. [10]
- It's okay to sit on the side of the tub with just your feet in the water if the water is too uncomfortable. Take as much time as you need to adjust to the cold water.
- Dip your upper body into the water if desired when you're ready. When you feel like you've adjusted to the cold temperature, sink lower in the water to immerse your arms, shoulders, and chest. Stay under the water only if you feel like you can tolerate it. If you start to feel too cold or shaky, lift your body out of the water immediately.[11]
- Always do what feels comfortable to you, and don't push yourself. Cold water can be very shocking to your system, so take things slow.
- You may not want to soak your upper body if you're only trying to soothe your leg and hip muscles. Do what's right for you.
- Soak for 5-10 minutes to help you recover. Settle into the water and take deep breaths to help you relax. It may help to count your breaths, which can take your mind off the cold. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and try to stay in your bath until the timer goes off.[12]
- If you can't stand the cold, it's okay to get out of your bath early. Don't push your body past its limits.
- Put a towel outside your tub on the ground so you don't slip when you get out of the water.[13]
[Edit]Using Ice Baths for Energy or Mental Health - Check with your doctor before using cold therapy to treat yourself. Ice baths may help you get a burst of energy or might help you improve your mood. However, they aren't appropriate for everyone, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Talk to your doctor about why you want to try cold therapy and if it's right for you.[14]
- For instance, taking ice baths can be dangerous if you have a heart condition. Your doctor can help you determine if you have any risks that might make it harmful to take an ice bath.
- Fill your tub halfway with cold water. Don't fill up your tub because the ice and your body will raise the volume of the water. Turn on the faucet that controls the cold water and wait for the water to rise about halfway up the tub. Then, switch off the water faucet.[15]
- Use cold water because warm water will melt your ice too quickly.
- Add ice to lower the temperature to about . Use store-bought ice or ice from your freezer, whichever is most convenient to you. Drop a few handfuls of ice in the tub, then check the temperature with a thermometer. Continue to add ice in small amounts until the water reaches about .[16]
- If you like, it's okay to lower your temperature so that it's colder. However, don't lower it below , which can harm your skin or your health.[17]
- Relax in the tub for about 5 minutes by taking slow, deep breaths. Sit back against the back of your tub and try to enjoy your soak. Breathe slowly in and out, drawing the air deep into your lungs. You might also count your breaths to help you relieve any tension in your body. Set a timer for 5 minutes and try to stay in the bath until it goes off.[18]
- Get out of the bath early if you feel too uncomfortable or feel like your heart is racing. Don't push your body further than it's ready to go.
- Take a 1-3 minute cold shower for an easier option. You can still get the benefits you want without soaking in a tub. Instead, stand under a cold shower for at least a minute. If you can stand it, stay under the water for a full 3 minutes.[19]
- For a daily energy boost, end your morning shower with a blast of cold water.
- Use cold therapy once or twice a day to improve your mood. Take your bath or shower early in the morning to improve your mood for that day. If you like, take another bath or shower later in the day. Continue using it as long as you feel like it's helping you have more energy or to cope with your anxiety or depression.[20]
- Cold therapy isn't a substitute for working with a therapist or taking medication for anxiety or depression. Don't stop any of your prescribed treatments unless your doctor says it's okay.
[Edit]Warming Yourself up After an Ice Bath - Towel off with a dry towel after your bath. Get out of the tub and immediately wrap a towel around yourself. Pat yourself down to remove all of the cold water from your skin.[21]
- If it's possible, use a towel that's straight out of the dryer so it's still warm.
- Put on sweats or cover yourself with a warm blanket to warm yourself. Once your skin is dry, pull on thick clothing to help raise your body temperature. Wear sweats or something similar, like a thick bathrobe. You might also cover yourself with a blanket.[22]
- If you're shivering, add more clothing to help you warm up faster.
- Increase your body temperature by sipping on a hot beverage. Hot coffee, tea, or broth will help you warm up faster. Brew your coffee or tea or heat up some broth. Then, take small sips of your beverage so you don't shock your body.[23]
- If you want energy, you might drink a caffeinated drink.
- If you're trying to calm down, stick to decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, or broth.
- Wait 2 hours before you take a warm bath or shower if possible. Taking a warm shower or bath too soon after an ice bath may reduce the effects of the cold therapy, no matter your goal. Unless you're having trouble warming yourself back up, wait at least 2 hours before you take a warm bath or shower.[24]
- Go ahead and take a warm bath or shower if you're still shivering and feeling cold after putting on thick clothing and drinking a warm beverage. The warm water should warm you up faster.
- Ice bathing is usually used after intense training or athletic performance because it will help limit soreness by flushing out the lactic acid in your muscles. Save it for days when you've trained hard or after a big event, such as running a marathon.[25]
- Some gyms, spas, and sports facilities have cold water baths. These are like hot tubs, except that they use cold water instead of hot.[26]
[Edit]Warnings - Do not take ice baths that are colder than . Hypothermia or muscle damage could result.[27]
- Do not stay in an ice bath longer than 20 minutes, as this can damage your muscles. If you start feeling too cold, uncomfortable, or in pain, get out of the bath.[28]
- Ice baths will not help you build muscle or improve your strength. In many cases, they can actually reduce gains. You should only use an ice bath if you need to reduce soreness.[29]
[Edit]References __ [Edit]Quick Summary |
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