Photo to Wood Transfer in 6 Easy Steps!

Courtney
by Courtney
6 Materials
$10
30 Minutes
Easy

If you are looking for an easy project that involves your precious photos, you are in the right place! Transferring a photo to wood is incredibly simple.

Although I love a good picture frame to hang on the wall or display on a shelf, this project allows you to display your photos in a fun, unique way.



Supplies needed for project:

Unfinished piece of wood (I used pine and birch.)

Mod Podge (I used matte finish.)

Photo copied image on regular copy paper (Not from an ink jet printer!)

Paint brush

Paint/stain and shellac spray



Step 1: Print your photo on regular copy paper, and cut it out to the desired size for your wood. (Tip: When you transfer your photo, it will be the reverse image.)

Step 2: Apply the Mod Podge to the front of the photo. Be sure it is completely covered!

Step 3: Press the paper, photo side down, onto the wood. Be sure to smooth out the paper to get rid of the air bubbles. Let it dry.

Step 4: Use a damp towel to rub the photo. I did one small section at a time. You will need to remove all of the white paper to expose the image underneath. Be sure not to rub too hard, as you can rub the image off. If you want the photo to look more ‘rough’ you can remove some of the edges so it isn’t a perfect square. 

Once you think you have all of the white paper removed, you may have to do it again to get the white 'fuzzies' off.

Step 5: Paint or stain the wood. I used a stain for this photo.

Step 6: Seal the photo to the wood. I used a shellac spray.

I love how they turned out! I was able to put one in a white frame to display on a shelf or the wall.  

The best part about this project is that the image doesn’t appear on top of the wood, it actually appears as a part of the wood. Mine have imperfections (such as where I did not smooth out all of the air bubbles). But that's why I love it so much. I'm embracing my creativity!

What photo will you transfer first?





For more information and similar projects, check out the blog post, here.

Suggested materials:
  • Wood   (lowes)
  • Mod Podge   (Hobby Lobby)
  • Photo copied image
See all materials
Courtney
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Oodelally1 Oodelally1 on Jan 04, 2019

    Interesting! Looks great! Did you use the Ctual photo on photo paper or a copy on copy paper? Thank you!

Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
Next