Dry Transfer Application Instructions

Applying your Field Notes dry-transfer lettering is simple with the straightforward directions included with the kit. But if you’re a perfectionist and want to center and space your type perfectly, here are some detailed instructions to help you get your “Dry Transfer” Edition notebooks just right.

Download our FN-11B alignment template and watch the video above to make the process easier.

1. Write your headline on scrap paper and estimate how it will fit in the given space, considering letter spacing, line spacing, word length, and alignment. If you’re really looking for perfection, you may want to arrange the type in appropriately-spaced 36-point Futura Bold on the computer and print it out for reference.
2. Draw light pencil lines for each row of text about 7.5pt below the intended baseline. You’ll use the lines printed under the letters on the transfer sheet to accurately align the text.
3. If centering the headline, draw a vertical line through the center of the notebook. Estimate the optical center of the word or phrase. Note that different letters have varying widths (“I” vs. “W”). For left- or right-aligned text, draw an appropriate margin guideline.
4. Starting in the middle of the word/phrase (if centered) or along the margin (if so aligned), place the first letter. Note that rounded letters don’t sit exactly on the baseline, so you’ll want to align the printed guideline below each letter with the line you've drawn.
5. Holding the carrier sheet firmly in place, use a dull pencil or ballpoint pen to “rub down” the letter until it fuses to the paper. Some force is required, but excessive force may buckle the carrier sheet and make future applications difficult. You‘ll see the letter start to “fade” as it separates from the carrier sheet. Be careful to avoid rubbing down the alignment guidelines or neighboring letters.
6. Still holding the carrier sheet in place, gradually lift a corner away to ensure the letter has been fully transferred to the paper. If not, lower it back in place and burnish the remaining areas.
7. Continue the process with remaining letters. Careful kerning is essential. The space between letters should be determined visually, not mathematically, as different pairs of letters require different amounts of kerning to look best. Our “FIELD NOTES” logo features generous spacing that can be used as a reference, but feel free to arrange the letters however you like.
8. Carefully remove any misaligned letters or errant bits of transfer (either with masking tape or by gently scraping with a very sharp craft knife) before proceeding to step 09.
9. Every few letters, take a moment to use the enclosed wooden stick and the vellum backing sheet to re-burnish the letters. This will further adhere them to the paper, making them less prone to scratching or peeling.
10. Even with this extra burnishing, the finished product may be prone to scratching, peeling, and wear with use. You may wish to apply fixative spray or clear coat to further protect the letters. Test the fixative in an inconspicuous area or on similar paper to make sure it doesn’t affect the color or texture of the paper or interfere with the adhesive on the dry-transfer lettering.

Transfer lettering dries out over time, making it harder to apply properly. Always keep your transfer sheet sealed in its bag with the backing sheet behind it when not in use.