And transfer technology, 1898:
The Cycle Age and Trade Review
Chicago
10 February 1898
SAFE RULES FOR FIXING TRANSFERS.
The Meyercord Co., of Chicago, have published a new revised catalogue showing the transfers made and kept in stock by this American establishment for the manufacture of Decalcomania transfers. The company makes it a rule never to turn down any order from responsible persons, no matter how small, and have found that hundreds of dealers and repairmen are glad to avail themselves of this chance to obtain original and tasteful ornamentation for the cycle goods which they handle or make. The proper handling of a transfer is a very plain and simple process, yet somehow the slightest deviation from the proper method will spoil the ornament, says the company, and states the chief requisites to the successful handling of a transfer ornament as follows: 1. A good transfer. 2. A proper sizing for transfering and a proper varnish for covering. 3. The proper degree of baking, if the article upon which the transfer is placed is to be baked. The simplest method of handling a transfer in its application as an ornament or name plate is as follows: Coat either the transfer or the article with a thin coat of quick drying tacky sizing. This sizing should be the very finest varnish, and should be very thin and flow readily. Mix with the varnish
as much turpentine as is necessary to secure this result. Be sure to get as thin as possible a coat of sizing on the transfer or the article. You need not be afraid of getting over the edge of the transfer with the varnish; be sure, however, not to get any spots of varnish on the back of the transfer. Place the transfer on the article and rub it so that the varnish will stick properly wherever there is any coloring. It is customary to take a slightly damp—not wet—sponge when rubbing, so as to make the paper pliable, and thereby make the transfer more liable to hold on all spots and places. Before applying the transfer the varnish must be tacky. If the transfer sticks to the finger so as to be readily lifted up it is in a fit condition to apply. After having rubbed the transfer thoroughly, take a soaked sponge (with warm water) and rub again lightly, be very careful in rubbing this time, that the transfer does not slip. Should any varnish accidently have gotten on the back of the paper, covering the transfer, peel it off by placing a little water on the paper and rubbing. This will peel off that spot of varnish very easily, and then simply soak that spot with water. Lift or peel off the paper, after the water is thoroughly soaked through, take a soft sponge soaked in water and clean off the fuzz and chemicals from off the transfer and around it. This will still leave the varnish all around the edges of the transfer. To cut that away, take a little gasoline, turpentine or benzine mixed with a little water, dampen a piece of cotton or soft sponge with either of these mixtures and again clean over the transfer; immediately after, go over with water, so as to prevent the cutting fluid eating away any of the transfer. After this you have a clean and neat appearing transfer free from all varnish, fuzz and dirt. Always use warm water. After the transfer is applied and thoroughly cleaned as above described, give it a coating of varnish to protect the surface of the transfer from rubbing or scratching. If the transfer is on enameled surface it is necessary to bake it. An important point to consider is that all transfers when just completed or when fresh are delicate, and the colors at times may not be thoroughly dry, in which event they naturally will be effected by the cleaning substance. For those who have much transfer work to do it is recommended to use a paper hanger's rubber seaming roller.
