How To Make - Shrink Art for Inkjet Printers

Learn how to print, bake, and decorate your own shrink art with inkjet shrink plastic—perfect for custom ornaments, keepsakes, jewelry, and more!

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🧵 Also Known As Shrink Art, Shrink Plastic, Poly Shrink or Plastic Shrink

Before using your Inkjet Shrink Sheets, print your design on regular paper and cut it out to test scale. Shrink plastic typically reduces to about 40% of its original size.

Lightening your images often results in better color saturation after shrinking. Use your printer settings to "Adjust Brightness" or "Enhance Color" before printing directly onto shrink sheets.

Always check image placement, brightness, color, and clarity before committing to your shrink sheet. Once satisfied, feed the sheet one at a time into your printer. Print on either side—both surfaces are inkjet-coated.

Don’t like the result? Wash off the printed image, let the sheet dry, and try again.

After printing, let the sheet dry flat overnight. Do not stack. Handle only by the edges to prevent smudging.

🔥 How to Bake Inkjet Shrink Art

1. Cut out your printed designs with scissors.
2. If a hole is needed, punch it before baking (a 1/8" hole works best).
3. Place the cutouts on a flat, nonstick surface—like a cookie sheet or matte board.
4. Preheat oven to 300°F and bake for 4 minutes.
5. Watch as the pieces curl, then flatten and shrink.
6. Remove when the piece is flat—use oven mitts.
7. Press with a hardcover book to fix any curling while still warm.

If the piece hasn't fully shrunk, place it back in the oven. Be careful not to overbake—this can dull the colors or warp the edges.

🎨 Decorating and Embellishing

While warm, you can shape your piece using pencils or household objects. Add flair using:

• ✨ Dimensional paint, sequins, glitter glue, charms
• 🖍️ Permanent markers or craft foam
• 🎀 Ribbon, buttons, feathers, or beads

To attach embellishments, use a dab of glue or super glue. Add holes at the bottom for hanging charms or decorations.

📌 Shrink Art Tips & Tricks

• Never use shrink sheets in a microwave.
• Works with gas, electric, toaster, or shrink ovens.
• Shrink rate may vary slightly between brands and directions.
• Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature.
• Bake items individually for best results.

Shrink plastic is unpredictable—but that’s part of the fun! If your design distorts, press it flat immediately after baking while still pliable.

📏 Large Object Shrink Tips

Larger shapes (more than 1/2 sheet) may curl or stick. To prevent this, use an aluminum foil envelope:

1. Cut foil large enough to fold over your object.
2. Lightly dust the inside with baby powder (just a trace).
3. Place your printed shrink sheet (print side down) onto the dusted foil side.
4. Bake directly on the oven rack for 4–5 minutes.
5. Once partially shrunk, move to a baking tray to finish flat.

This technique helps minimize stuck corners and improves even shrinking across large pieces.

💧 Waterproofing & Preservation

Inkjet inks are not waterproof. For long-lasting keepsakes, apply a clear waterproof coating:

• 🖌️ Use 3 light coats of waterproof sealant or spray varnish
• 💨 Allow full drying between coats
• 💎 Use glossy, matte, or glitter finishes depending on your style

🎁 Final Thoughts

Inkjet shrink art is both science and magic—expect some variation, and embrace the imperfections! With practice, you'll learn how to adjust your designs for consistent, vibrant results every time.

Whether you're making holiday ornaments, jewelry, classroom projects, or memory keepsakes, these printable shrink plastic sheets let you turn any idea into something unique and lasting.