Ideas for DIY Rub-Ons

Today I’m playing with Rub-Onz, a printable transfer film made by Grafix. I’ll show you how to design your own rub-on’s, as well as a variety of projects you can use them on.

Tips:

First you need to prepare your document. I’ll show you how to do this in Microsoft Word.

1
You’ll need to create a text box so we can reverse the text later. Change the size and style of your font as desired.

2
If you don’t see an option for “print mirror image” in your printer settings, you’ll need to reverse the text box instead. Select the text box and click format > shape > 3D rotation. Change the X number to 180 and click ok. Now your text should be backwards.

3
You will need to reverse all text when making Rub-Onz. When you’re ready to print, change your media settings to “photo paper.”

4
There are two parts to Rub-Onz. The first is the film you print on. The second is the adhesive film, set that aside for now.

How to:
made with
Rub-Onz Transfer Film
printer
scissors

1
Feed the printing film into your printer so that the ink will be printed on the matte side.

2
Cut the excess off both film pieces. Carefully peel the white backing from the adhesive film. I like to lay the adhesive film sticky-side up on the table, then slowly layer the printed film on top, with the inked side touching the adhesive.

3
Rub with the included stick to fully adhere both films, then cut closely around the individual shapes.

Wood Frame

For this first project, I’m painting a thrifted wood frame with acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Now carefully peel the CLEAR FILM from the cut-out shape. Sometimes the matte film wants to come off instead, but right now you need to only remove the clear film.

Place the Rub-Onz shape to the frame, the rub the film on top lightly with the stick. Remove the film. I like to rub again lightly with my finger, as I’ve found this eliminates any tiny wrinkles.

Plastic Bins

Let’s test these out on plastic. I have tons of plastic storage containers in my craft room, so I’d like to add labels to some.

Repeat the previous steps to adhere to the plastic bin.

Paper Cards

I love using Rub-Onz for paper crafting… it’s like being able to create a stamp of anything you want! Print a whole page of sentiments, and you can make cards quickly. These are also great for crops… no need to pack your stamps, ink pads, and stamping blocks!

Metal Pails

I store all of my buttons in little metal pails, sorted by color. I did try sticker labels on these, but they were always peeling off. So I’m trying Rub-Onz instead. I think these will work much better!

Rocks

Finally, I’m trying something a little unusual… rocks from my yard.  Wash and dry very well.

The Rub-Onz worked surprisingly well on this uneven surface. I really love the way these look, but I think they’d look even nicer with a coat of glossy Mod Podge. Add with a foam brush.

These rocks would look beautiful as table scatter at an outdoor wedding!

What other projects would you add Rub-Onz to?

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5 thoughts on “Ideas for DIY Rub-Ons”

  1. msliza says

    Can you use the rub-ons on duct tape? Also do you have to use words will pictures come work?

    Reply
    • says

      Hi! Yes, you can use pictures. I made a rub-on of my bird logo and added it to my sewing machine, it turned out great. I think it would work fine on duct tape. What are you thinking of making?

  2. msliza814 says

    Can you use the rub-ons on duct tape? Also do you have to use words will pictures come work?

    Reply
    • says

      Hi! Yes, you can use pictures. I made a rub-on of my bird logo and added it to my sewing machine, it turned out great. I think it would work fine on duct tape. What are you thinking of making?

  3. Ollie says

    Please keep thnoiwrg these posts up they help tons.

    Reply

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