Using Shrink Film

Do you love using your computer for creative additions to your paper-crafting projects? If so, we’ve found a super cool way to create unique titles, images and more!

Ink Jet Shrink Film is a blank transparent film that can be run through a laser or ink jet printer to create your own headlines, journaling, designs and photos to add to pages, tags, cards and more, all on acid-free plastic!

How does it work? It’s simple—just print, cut and bake!

First, pre-heat your oven or toaster oven to between 250° and 400°. For larger, longer pieces you’ll want to try heating at a lower temperature to slow the shrinking process. Lowering the temperature will slow the absorption of heat, resulting in the longer shrink time and reducing distortion.

Zoom In

Next, go to your computer and get the image or text you want ready for printing. Estimate the size you want your image or text to come out and size your image approximately 50 percent larger than you desire the final product to be. The image will shrink to between 1/3 and 1/2 the original size when baked. This 4” wide by 5” tall flower vase image shrank to approximately 2” wide by 2 1/2” tall after baking.

After you’ve set up the image, photo or text you want to print, you’ll simply put the Shrink Film right into your printer. To determine the correct printing side, slightly wet your fingers and test a corner of the Shrink Film. The sticky, dull side is the side to print on, the glossy side is the back. (If you print on the wrong side you can simply wipe the ink off with a paper towel and reuse the sheet.) Your printer settings can remain on normal, but you may choose to adjust the color intensity to a little over the minimum since the colors will intensify when shrinking. You can make this adjustment by simply going to your printer’s setup.

Print your image, then let it sit for a minute or two to prevent smearing. Cut out your printing as desired—you won’t be able to cut it after the Shrink Film has been baked. Also, punch holes for brads, eyelets or fibers if desired before baking. Then, place your image onto a piece of medium weight cardboard, Teflon sheet parchment paper or vellum—DO NOT bake on bare metal or stoneware. Place a piece of heavy weight vellum or parchment paper on top of the piece to minimize curling and sticking. Place in the oven and bake for 2 to 3 minutes.

After the time is up, turn the oven off, but do not remove from the oven until the piece is flat—it will curl and then flatten. If the piece is still slightly curled, you can flatten with a spatula or cardboard. Let cool or use gloves if handling when still hot. Add the shrink film art to your project with glue, eyelets or brads.

You can also try regular Shrink Film which is great for use with stamps, permanent markers, colored pencils and acrylic paints. It’s a cool way to create hot projects!