This is how I get a holo sheen on my perler projects! I'm going to start from beading, going to how to iron, then finally the film. Tiktok loves gate keeping cool ideas so I figured it out myself and I want to share how I do it!!
Step 1
Make your piece. Smaller pieces are typically easier to start with and work your way up to bigger ones.
Step 2
I use the tape method to iron. This method is used to be able to easily iron both sides of a piece to give greater strength to the piece for keychains or if they're going to be handled and to protect your pegboards from heat. With repeated exposure to heat perler pegboards will warp. First tape your piece with masking tape, then poke holes in the tape. The holes are to let out trapped air during ironing. Perler beads specifically are known to get bubbles or "potholes" if air gets trapped in the holes while ironing causing uneven holes in your finished piece.
Step 3
Once it's taped and the holes are poked flip the piece off the pegboard and onto a heat resistant surface. I'm using a silicone baking sheet.
Step 4
Now get your ironing sheets ready. I'm using a piece of parchment paper for the backside and then a heat resistant acetate sheet for the front. Different sheets give different textures, parchment is cheap and easy but it leaves a rough bumpy surface, acetate is more expensive and less reusable but it leaves a smooth glossy surface on the beads which we need for the film to stick to. CAUTION: Make sure the sheets you're using are heat resistant or they will melt and ruin your piece and your iron! Link to the sheets I used but any brand works: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C13M3B66?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&;th=1
Step 5
Iron the backside LIGHTLY just until the beads start to fuse together but still have holes, shown in the next step (to let the air out for the front side!) My iron is small and each one is different but I use medium high to high heat.
Step 6
The backside should look like this after ironing.
Step 7
Flip to the front side and peel off the tape. Now iron the front using the acetate sheet until the beads are fully fused or until your preference. This will probably take a little longer than the parchment paper, the heat takes a bit longer to make it through these sheets. NOTE: Once you're happy with the ironing make sure to peel off the sheet in one motion or a line will be left across the surface where you stopped peeling. This can also be avoided by letting the piece cool just a little before peeling (not too much though or it will curl).
Step 8
Front side after ironing.
Step 9
While the piece is still hot put it under something flat and heavy to cool to prevent the piece from curling. (He's peeking :3) NOTE: Make sure the piece isn't too hot or else it will take on the texture of the heavy thing or the surface under it.
Step 10
While you wait for it to cool get your holo film ready. The film I'm using is self adhesive laminate film which is used for scrapbooking or the like. It's basically just a big sticker, most craft stores will have something like this in the paper craft section.
Step 11
Once the piece is cool, peel and place your holo film onto the glossy side of the piece. For bigger pieces I recommend starting at one side and slowly apply with a credit card or something to avoid air bubbles.
Step 12
Place the front side down on a cutting mat and carefully carve around the beads with an exactoknife to cut off the excess film.
Step 13
Tada!! Holo Perler beads!! :D (My cutting was rushed here but go slow and you can get perfect results) NOTE: This is perfect for art pieces or things that won't be handled much. The film sticks firm but could eventually peel due to handling.
Step 14
If you want to make pieces that are going to be handled then the film needs to be secured. The best way is to use either 2-part epoxy or UV resin between the film and the beads so that the glossy finish is maintained. Please follow the safety protocols and instructions of your chosen resin. (Not all glues will stick to perler beads or cure clear so be careful if you want to use glue instead of resin)
Thanks for looking and good luck!! ^_^ Happy beading!