How to Transfer Images Onto Tape

Hand holding a finished clear tape transfer featuring a teddy bear design. — Once the paper backing is fully removed and the tape has dried, the design becomes a clear, ready‑to‑use transfer.

For this Classic Bear Baby Shower, I needed the wine bottles for our Mom‑osa bar to match the rest of the décor — and ordering custom labels wasn’t even an option. Learning how to transfer images onto tape became the perfect workaround, giving me a simple, affordable way to create matching labels using nothing more than printed designs and clear shipping tape.

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Video: How to Transfer Images Onto Tape

If you prefer to watch the process, this quick video shows exactly how I create the tape transfers—from printing the images to applying them onto the bottle. It’s a simple method you can follow in real time.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Print your image on regular paper

Hands holding printed sheets of teddy bear illustrations for Step 1 of the tape image transfer process. — Print your images on regular paper before starting the tape transfer process. Simple designs like these teddy bear illustrations work especially well for creating clear, theme‑matching labels.

Print your designs on regular printer paper using either an inkjet or laser printer. If you’re using an inkjet, be sure the ink is completely dry before applying the tape — fresh ink can smudge or transfer unevenly. You can print at home or at a local print shop like FedEx Office or Staples if you need higher-quality prints or don’t have a printer available.

2. Cut out the image you want to transfer

Hands cutting out a printed teddy bear illustration with scissors as part of the tape image transfer process. — Trimming one of the teddy bear designs before starting the tape transfer. Cutting around the shape helps the final label look neat and polished.

Rough‑cut around each design, leaving a small border of paper. You don’t need to cut precisely at this stage — you just want to separate the images so they’re easier to work with. Make sure to leave enough extra paper around the edges so you can make a cleaner, final cut after the tape is applied.

3. Cover the printed image with clear shipping tape

Hands holding a cut‑out teddy bear illustration covered with clear tape during the tape transfer craft process. — The teddy bear design is fully covered with clear tape before moving on to the burnishing and soaking steps.

Place a strip of tape over the printed side and smooth it down. If the image is wider than the tape, overlap two pieces slightly to create one continuous sheet.

4. Cut around the taped image again

Hands cutting around a taped teddy bear design with scissors after the tape has been applied. — Trim closely around the taped design to remove excess paper before moving on to the soaking step.

Trim the edges so the tape sits cleanly around your design. This helps the transfer look neat and reduces extra adhesive around the sides.

5. Burnish the tape to help the image transfer

Hand using a spoon to burnish clear tape over a teddy bear image to help the design adhere before soaking. — Use the back of a spoon to firmly burnish the tape over the printed design so it bonds well before soaking.

Rub the tape firmly using a spoon, credit card, gift card, or your fingernail. Steady pressure helps the ink bond to the adhesive.

6. Soak the taped image in warm water

Hand placing a taped teddy bear image into a bowl of water during the tape transfer process. — The taped design is soaked in warm water to soften the paper backing before it’s rubbed away.

Place the taped designs into a bowl of warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This softens the paper backing so it can be rubbed away easily in the next step.

7. Gently rub away the paper backing

Hands rubbing the paper backing off a taped teddy bear image after soaking it in water. — Gently rub away the softened paper backing until the printed design shows through the tape.

Once the tape has soaked, gently rub the paper backing with your fingers until it starts to roll off and the design shows through. Use light pressure — pressing too hard can tear or lift parts of the image. (I actually lost two bear heads by rubbing too aggressively, so go slow and let the water do most of the work.)

8. Let the tape dry completely

Clear tape transfers with teddy bear and rocking horse designs drying on a plastic sheet after the paper backing has been removed. — Lay the finished transfers on a smooth surface and let them dry completely so the adhesive becomes tacky again.

Lay your finished transfers on a smooth surface and let them dry sticky‑side up until the adhesive becomes tacky again. This step is important — the tape won’t grip your surface if any moisture remains. If you notice cloudy spots or a thin layer of paper still clinging to the back, simply soak the tape again and gently rub away the remaining fibers. The adhesive won’t fully reactivate unless the tape is completely clean and dry.

9. Apply your tape label to whatever you’re decorating

Once your tape design is fully dry, place it onto whatever surface you’re decorating. Start by pressing firmly in the center, then smooth outward toward the edges. This pushes out any air bubbles or wrinkles and helps the design wrap cleanly around curved surfaces like wine bottles, jars, or vases. Take your time with this step — a slow, even press gives you the crisp, seamless look you want.

Applying teddy bear image transfers onto a painted bottle during the decorating process. — Adding the printed transfers to the painted bottle brings the design to life and sets up the final look before sealing.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to transfer images onto tape is an easy way to create custom labels without special tools. It works on wine bottles, jars, vases, candle holders, and other smooth surfaces. This simple method helps you match your theme, personalize your décor, and add small details that feel intentional. It’s quick, affordable, and perfect for party projects — including the wine bottles I’ll be sharing in an upcoming post.

Want to decorate a wine bottle as a gift or for an upcoming event? Check out my full blog here to see just how easy it is!

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How to Transfer Images Onto Tape

Video: How to Transfer Images Onto Tape