DIY Photo Transfer to Wood

-
I have always wanted to try to transfer a photo to wood, so I figured what better photo to use than my all time favorite picture of my kiddos. It was fun and surprisingly easy to do. It is also a cheep way to add a unique look to your decor.

To begin with, know that you can not use an image that comes from your ink jet printer at home. The ink will smear and you’ll be disappointed. Know that you also can not use an actual photo print as they have a plastic/vinyl coating and the image will not transfer.

You must use a photocopied image. I went to my local Staples to use the copier - just take the actual photo and copy it on plan white paper - you can either use color or black and white. (It cost me around $2.55 for a 16 x 20 black and white copy.)

Supplies needed to transfer a photo to wood: 
Unfinished Wood - sanded smooth (I bought a 24 x 24" sanded board at Menards for around $5.00 and had my hubby cut it down to the size) 
Photocopied Image
Liquitex Professional Matte Gel (medium gel) 
Mod Podge 


Step 1: Apply a generous amount of the Gel Medium to the image. You need a thick layer.

Step 2: Press the image, photo side down, onto the wood panel. Rub firmly to smooth out the image and remove air bubbles. Make sure to put it on straight. Let it dry completely. (Overnight drying is recommended.)

Step 3: 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. Remove the top layer first, let it dry slightly, and then repeat the process as needed to remove the fuzzy paper that was left behind. (I found the fist layer of paper came off better while wet, with a sponge. However, for the last fuzzy paper, I found it came off better if it was a bit more dry and I used my fingers to rub it off.)


Step 4: Once you are satisfied with the image, sand the edges lightly. Seal the photo to the wood by brushing on a layer of Mod Podge.


Step 5: Let dry completely.

What makes this process different from decoupage is that it looks as if the image is part of the piece, not glued on top of it. If you decide to try this, I'd love to see photo's of your finished project! Have fun!


Note: This is the first time I have done this.... you can see some mistakes in my finished product, but overall, I liked the way it came out.

Comments

Post a Comment

I'd love to hear your comments:

Popular posts from this blog

Shaklee Basic H - 1001 uses

-
Image
A List of Uses for Shaklee Basic-H  Since there are over 1,001 uses it has been difficult to compile a complete list. So, here are a few to start! First, how should Basic-H generally be used? The genius of Basic-H is that it makes water, the “universal solvent,” penetrate dirt and grime more quickly while then rinsing away easily and leaving no toxic residue. Intensely concentrated, Basic-H’s cleaning power is unleashed when it is diluted in water to the strength required for the cleaning job at hand (spot-test first). GENERAL USES FOR BASIC-H2 and Basic H the Classic  CLEANING JOBS: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon to a quart of warm water WINDOWS, MIRRORS: 2 to 4 drops to a pint of water FLOORS: 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water BASIC-G AND BASIC-H CONCENTRATE: 3 Cups H to 1 Cup G (this mix will be diluted in water as needed) OTHER USES FOR BASIC-H Some of these uses are not approved by Shaklee. You can see their official ways to use Basic-H and
Read more

Crochet Pattern for Christmas Tree Skirt

-
Image
Materials:  (1) 16 oz Yarn (color of your choice) *You can use different colors of yarn. I wanted mine to match my Christmas stockings so I made it all soft white. Crochet Hook (I used size H) *You can use any type of yarn or any size hook.... (The smaller the hook, the tighter the stitches. The bigger the hook, the more yarn you will need.) Glossery: (ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, st = stitch)                                Directions: Row 1: Ch 22, dc in fourth ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn. Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in each st across to last st, dc in last st, turn.  Row 3: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in each st across to last st, dc in last st, turn.  Row 5 - 6: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. Row 7: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) across, turn.  Row 8 - 10: Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. Row 11: Ch 3, (2 dc in next st,
Read more

Shaklee Basic H for Agriculture Use

-
Image
Agriculture Use of Shaklee Basic H Classic Nature has put everything in your soil that is necessary to grow abundant healthy plants. The most economic way to manage your soil is to add an igniter to the soil and thus begin inner action never before possible. This is where Basic H classic, a Shaklee product, comes in. Basic H is not a plant food as such, but helps get action in the soil that builds soil health. Basic H can improve water infiltration, or penetration, up to 300%. Many farmers who uses Basic H have experienced how Basic H makes “water wetter than wet.” Holding water at the root level longer will help your plants in drought or extreme conditions. Advantages of Using Basic H as a Soil Conditioner  Increases water penetration  Reduces some forms of water repellency  Reduces rain run-off and loss by evaporation Aids in eliminating standing water  Promotes uniform water penetration Advantages of Using Basic H as a Surfactant  Cuts the cost of
Read more