Learn how to use Mod Podge to transfer a photo to wood. Turn your favorite images into beautiful pieces of home decor.
Transferring any image I want from paper to another surface is definitely one of my favorite crafting techniques. It is so much fun and surprisingly easy to do. I’ve transferred images to fabric and even on to painted surfaces. Give this a try, and you’ll find yourself looking for more ways to apply this technique to transfer a photo!
This transfer a photo to wood post first appeared at Crafts Unleashed, and even made the cover of Consumer Craft’s catalog! It was a HUGE honor and my proudest craft accomplishment to date! I received so many questions about the process that my wonderful editor at CU came up with a list of FAQs. You can find the complete list here.
To begin with, you CANNOT use an image that comes from your ink jet printer at home. The ink will smear and you’ll be disappointed. You need to use a photocopied image. I went to my local copy store to use the color copier.
Supplies:
- Unfinished Wood Painting Panel
- Photocopied Image (if there is text them make a mirror image)
- Transfer medium: Mod Podge or Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
- Paint
- Sanding tool
- Krylon Clear Glaze Spray
To make your own photo transfer to wood:
Step one: Paint the edges of the wood panel.
Step two: Apply a generous amount of the transfer solution to the image. It needs to be a thick layer.
Step three: Press the image, photo side down, onto the wood panel. Rub firmly to smooth out the image. It’s extremely important that you remove air bubbles! Let it dry completely. Drying time will vary based on the size of the project, but usually plan on 12-24 hours.
Step four: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wet one section of the paper at a time. Begin rubbing gently to remove the paper and expose the transferred image below. I like to first remove the top layer, let it dry slightly, and then repeat the process as needed to remove the “fuzzies” that were left behind.
Step five: Once you are satisfied with the image, you can sand the edges lightly. Seal the project with Mod Podge, varnish, furniture polish, or a finishing spray. Think of all the ways you could update your furniture or wardrobe with this technique! How will you transfer a photo to wood?
This is such a great project – and excellent tutorial! Can I make a suggestion though? After completing my first transfer – I wish that I would have asked for a “mirror” copy when I had my photo copied. I knew that my photo would be the opposite direction, but didn’t consider the wording on a t-shirt being backwards 🙂 Just thought you might want to add that note in your tutorial for other viewers! Thanks so much for sharing this!
That is a great point! I’ll be sure to add that note. Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the awesome instructions! My question is about the type of photo used. You said photocopied image… meaning on regular printer paper? Or can I use a photo that was printed from like a CVS photo shop? I want my results to not have any part of the image rubbed off.
Yes, regular printer paper. You are tranferring the ink from the paper to the adhesive on the wood’s surface. A CVS photo shop print uses a different process and the ink will not transfer.
Will this work if I use an ink jet printer?
It will BUT the ink usually smears and creates a watercolor type effect. That works with landscapes but can create unpleasant results on faces, like smeared lips.