How to Transfer a Photo with Mod Podge

Of all the crafting techniques I do, this is easily my favorite. I just love to transfer photos and images! I get a kick out of the vintage, weathered appearance a project takes on by simply transferring images to wood. This isn’t like decoupage….we’re not attaching the paper to a surface. This process involves keeping the pigment from the image and losing the paper, so it’s important to use the right materials for the technique to work correctly.

Supplies Used:

• Unfinished Wood Plaque
• Laser copier printed photo
• Mod Podge
• Towel
• Paint

Step one: Print the photo using a LASER copier. Do not use ink jet, as the ink will just smear and bleed. You must use a laser copier or use a photocopy machine. Trim the image to fit the plaque.

Step two: Paint the surface of the plaque with an even layer of Mod Podge.

Step three: Place the paper image side down on the Mod Podge. Press firmly to make sure there are no air bubbles. Let it dry completely.

Step four: Get a towel wet, then wring it out completely so it is damp but not dripping wet. Press the towel on a section of the paper to wet it. Once you can see some of the image through the wet paper, scrub the paper gently. It will peel away and reveal the ink left on the wood. Continue until the entire image has been revealed.

Step five: Paint over the transferred image with more Mod Podge to seal it.

Step six: Paint the edge of the plaque, and let it dry. I chose to distress the paint finish so it would have a rustic, old look to make the photo image.

Add a bit of twine or a photo hanger to the back of the plaque to display your art! Imagine all the beautiful decor you’ll be able to create with this technique. Have fun crafting and creating with laser printed image transfers!