Transferring A Photo Onto Wood: A Tutorial

I’d heard of transferring photos to canvas, but never to wood. So when I came across this pin, the other day, I just HAD to try it out! This project was so much fun! Honestly, I did NOT think that it would work as well as it did. My sister and I were just in awe, repeating “oh my goodness, no wayyyy, this is too cool!” as I cleaned the wood off to reveal my photo. It may seem really intimidating, but it’s super, super easy! I practiced (and failed) a few different ways, so I know what to do, and what NOT to do. I’ve got so many ideas for this method!!!

So, first of all, here’s what you’ll need… A MIRROR IMAGED (unless there’s no words) photo (on plain paper, people! I’ve learned the hard way that it won’t work on photo paper!), a piece of wood, gloss gel medium (I got a 4.06fl oz tube by Artist’s Loft from Michaels for less than $4, and used a coupon!), a paintbrush, and some Mod Podge.

 

Start by squeezing some gel medium onto the wood, and spread it out evenly using your paintbrush. Place your picture where you want on the wood, and push any air bubbles out using a flat object. Let this dry for at least a few hours!

 

**Okay, so now you’ll notice that I have a different picture, and a different piece of wood. Well, this is when I found out that a regular old picture will not work, so I tried again, and since the process is the same, I didn’t waste my time taking more pictures (especially since this was the third time that I had tried, and messed up! lol).**

So now that you’re gel medium is completely dry, get a towel and a bowl of water. Soak the picture until it’s completely drenched. Then, start rubbing the paper away. This is when you get really excited seeing your picture (even if you didn’t realize that the words will be the wrong way haha, another lesson learned!)

 

Even after you get all the paper, there will be tiny little pieces stuck. DON’T LEAVE THIS!! It will dry, and become white, and look awful. Simply rub it away in a circular motion with your finger. You may need to rub kinda hard!

 

Finally, (and I would wait until the water had completely evaporated, so you know there are no more little pieces of paper left) paint some Mod Podge over it.

 

After it dried, I painted around the edges.

 

A few spots came off in the process of peeling the paper away, but I think it kind of adds to the look, so I didn’t mind it. Just be very careful while rubbing, and don’t peel to try to peek on the image after you place it on the wood. Just let it dry!!! You can even do it before going to bed so it dries for a while. I don’t know what I’ll actually do with it, but it was SO cool to do, and I plan on doing so much more with it!

**Have a project you made using one of my tutorials? Show it off! I, along with all my followers, would love to see it! 🙂 I’ve started a new page on my blog called “Your Pictures!”, located right next to the “About This Blog!” link at the top of my blog. Check it out for more information, and to see other fan pics!**

Until tomorrow!!