Turn your Perler into a holographic masterpiece using diffraction film! This technique takes a little patience with ironing, but the finished effect is so worth it. The film catches the light and creates a rainbow effect that looks especially cool in the sun or under a flashlight. @KittersAndCo method! If you feel like a video would be more helpful for you, I've posted this tutorial on my TikTok.
Step 1
Make your Perler design as usual. For this tutorial, you’ll also need a diffraction grating sheet/film, parchment paper, an iron, and scissors.
Step 2
Cut a piece of diffraction film slightly larger than your Perler design. Place the dull side of the film DOWN and the shiny side FACING YOU. Tip: The direction of the film matters. In my original video I accidentally used the wrong side at first, so make sure the shiny side is facing you when you iron!
Step 3
Place parchment paper over the film and iron to your desired melt level. I prefer a ‘flat melt,’ where all the holes are closed and the design is completely fused. Iron in circles, and occasionally lift the parchment to view the perler underneath the film.
Step 4
Place a flat, heavy object over the Perler between ironing intervals. This helps keep the Perler flat while it cools so it doesn’t warp.
Step 5
Carefully flip the Perler over and repeat the ironing process on the other side, again using 2–3 intervals of about 30 seconds.
Step 6
Once the Perler is mostly cool, carefully peel the diffraction film away.
Step 7
If the holographic effect transferred properly, you’re done! The diffraction film should leave your Perler with a rainbow, holographic effect when it catches the light.
And that’s it! Take it outside into the sun or shine a flashlight on it to see the holographic effect. If you feel like a video would be more helpful for you, I've posted this tutorial on my TikTok.