How to Make a 3D Layered Photograph With Epoxy

I to show you how to make this 3D layered photograph of my dog. It involves taking 1 image, cutting out the background and making a print from that and another print from the foreground image. In this example I'm making the frame from scratch but you could easily take an existing frame and do this as long as the depth is over 1/2". That will allow a reservoir for all the epoxy we're about to use.

Step 1: Photoshopping

I'll start off with this photo of my dog in Photoshop. I'll remove the background and export this version. Then I'll remove the foreground and clone in the empty space. You won't need to fill in the entire image like i did in the video as most of that won't be seen upon completion. You just need to clone around the border of the selection. I'll then export out this second image and send them both off to the photo lab for printing.

Step 2: Cut Strips

Now I'll cut 1.5" strips that'll be used as my frame.

Step 3: Cut Rabbet

Then I'll cut a rabbet that'll hold a 3/16" piece of plywood that'll be used for the back.

Step 4: Cit Miters

I'll cut all the miters using my miter sled.

Step 5: Glue-up Frame

Using nothing more that painters tape, I glue the four pieces together

Step 6: Back Panel

I'll then cut out the plywood for the back and glue it in place.

Step 7: Seal the Back

To keep the epoxy from seeping through, I'll put a few strips of tape on the back.

Step 8: Attach Background Photo

I'll apply a little bit of glue to hold the background photo in place. Spray adhesive would probably work best but I happen to be out.

Step 9: Apply First Coat of Epoxy

I'll then thoroughly mix equal parts of the epoxy and coat the background image. You'll want to mix enough resin to add about 1/4" inch on top of the photo. The more you add the greater the 3D effect.

Step 10: Raise Bubbles

By blowing on the surface you'll raise all the bubbles. You can speed up the process by using a heat gun or butane cooking torch

Step 11: Level and Dry

Now let it dry for at least a few hours and make sure it's level.

Step 12: Cut Foreground Photo

I'll then cut out the foreground image and place it right on top of the partially cured epoxy resin.

Step 13: 2nd Coat of Epoxy

Mix up another batch and pour it right on top.

Step 14: Level, Dry and Hardware

As before make sure it's level, bring the air bubbles to the surface and cover it protecting it from dust while it dries for at least 24 hours. Add some finish and some hanging hardware and you're all done!

If you like this project I have all kinds of fun tutorials on my website at drunkenwoodworker.com. As always, be safe and stay passionate.

Comments

[WFE1]

Nice one.
Well explained!

[skypilot1992]

I was also thinking that one could work with a Photoshop type app to creat two layers of the dog and have the head ever so slightly elevated above the body. Maybe even experimenting with a very slight curving of the face. But being careful not to exceed the depth of the frame.

[TanjaP5]

Hello could you tell me the exact steps in photoshop because i am a beginner in photoshop?

Thank you

[jelte1234]

Hi, what's the advantage over a pane of plexiglass in between the pictures? I'd imagine that to be way easier?

[Make Something TV]

It's definitely worth trying! There will be a slight air gap between the panes where the photo is so it might make the lower pane visible and could trap dust.