Image Transfer to Wood

No fuss method for transferring an image onto wood using minimal supplies! I have tried several other methods with mixed results, but THIS WORKS!

Step 1: Supplies

You will need:
1. A piece of raw (unfinished) wood - lighter woods work better
2. Coarse grit (60 or 80 G) sandpaper
3. Paper cutter, or scissors and a ruler
4. Freezer paper (much more "printer friendly" than wax paper)
5. Printable mirror image of what you want to transfer
6. Inkjet printer (DO NOT TRY THIS WITH A LASER PRINTER)
7. Clear coat (Lacquer has been used for this project)

(and not pictured, a credit card or something similar to use for smoothing the paper onto the wood)

And...you will want your phone, because immediately after you make this, you will want to take a picture to text to your mom, your sister...and especially that super-crafty friend.

Step 2: Choose a Piece of Wood

Ideally, a lighter wood, as the ink will show up better. Mine measures 5 1/2" wide x 11" tall. The size of yours is up to you!

Step 3: Sand the Surface

Using 60 or 80 grit sandpaper, rough up the surface of the wood. Go with the grain. Don't skip this step, or the ink won't absorb into the wood!

Step 4: Cut Freezer Paper to 8 1/2 X 11 In.

Using your paper cutter (or scissors and ruler), cut a piece of freezer paper to 8 1/2 x 11 inches (or to any size that your printer recognizes). Crooked cuts often lead to paper jams so try to be very accurate here!

Updated: Several have commented having also had success using transparency paper (it is already the correct size, more easily feeds through the printer and can be wiped clean and reused) as well as the leftover paper that address labels are stuck to.

Step 5: Choose an Image and Reverse It

Design your image (or choose from a free printables site). Using a program such as "Paint," reverse the image so that you have a mirror image. Feel free to use our image! :)

Step 6: Print the Image Onto Freezer Paper

Feed the freezer paper into your printer so that the image prints on the shiny side. Print. The paper holds your ink in place but will not absorb it. The slick surface is the trick to making this method work.

(I tried at least a dozen times with wax paper on 3 different printers and paper jam every time. So, try wax paper at your own risk! If you are still getting printer jams with this, try taping or glueing the freezer paper to a standard sheet of paper.)

Step 7: Place the Paper Ink Side Down Onto the Wood

Careful here - it is a one shot deal! Lay the freezer paper ink side down onto the wood. Do not re-position once placed. Using a card (and holding the paper in place with the other hand), smooth the card over the entire surface of the paper, taking care not to move the paper.

Step 8: Remove the Paper

Pull off the paper - the image will remain on the wood!

Don't like how it looks? The ink is superficially absorbed into the surface - just sand it off and give it another go!

Step 9: Apply a Clearcoat

Once ink is dry to touch, apply a clearcoat (spray is recommended to reduce smudging/bleeding) and let dry. If surface remains rough once dry, rub down with a brown paper bag (this smooths the surface without lifting the clearcoat) and apply an additional clearcoat. I applied black paint to the edges prior to clearcoat.

Step 10: The Possibilities Are Endless!

Broom parking is my original design - feel free to use it! Trick or Treat is available at graphicsfairy.com for free!

Comments

[HurryNowww]

Will this work for an outdoor wood sign that needs to be both waterproof and weatherproof? If not, what can I do or use to transfer an image for a wood sign that will be outdoors? More specifically front porch welcome sign with clip art transferred

[nburman]

Just make sure you use a lacquer meant for exterior use. As the instructions mention, spray is better to prevent smudging. Varathane Diamond Spar would do the trick. Best of luck :)

[deanastarnes72]

Is their away I can learn to engrave my poem on wood plaque

[Raf828]

I used wax paper taped (blue painters tape) to a piece of regular printer paper. I taped the top and bottom edges - folded over the edge. Worked like a charm! Will post image when I finish.

[Raf828]

I'd like to add at least one coat of stain over the image. Any recommendations on how to go about that?

[dkramsey99]

After trying carbon paper, artist transfer paper (very expensive!) and freehand drawing(very poor:() your method worked like a charm, thanks!

[brucenadams1]

Instead of freezer paper, I use the carrier sheet from a page of sticky-back address labels. It was designed to go through printers and the shinny side holds the ink until you can transfer the image to the wood surface.

[dbcheco]

What printer setting you used for this? Glossy or plain paper?

[natandpaul2012]

It says not to use Laser Printer. That is what I have. Can I use it at all?

[BrianB382]

I just saw a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7FKdW5ndLw) where he used a very similar technique and used a laser printer. While I haven't tried it, I think it should work. I will be trying it out this week.

[gopros]

I have a Ink Jet printed picture which is printed on 120gsm thick paper. How can I transfer that onto wood?

[MichaelB1317]

Modge podge

[ChristaS19]

Where csn i buy this paprr

[AnnaH135]

I need a transfer larger than 8-1/2 x 11 and onto a chalk painter surface. I'm thinking it can be done but am somewhat unsure how to piece together the image accurately. Any ideas?

[CharlesC269]

Ugh, I know this is really late, but you could use Rasterbator. It will print an image onto a grid of papers.

[cavitarbo]

Since paper finish needs to be glossy, would glossy photo paper work for this type project?

[steffu]

Will this rub off nicly on light painted wood, have good color?

[Egret03]

i cant wait to use this to put a dragon on a wooden box for my partner

[GKindred]

Do you know if this would work on a rough painted surface?

[RonE44]

What setting do you have the printer on? My Epson I set to glossy inkjet, because of the shiny finish on the paper and the solid colour came out with a 'crackle' finish. When I placed it on the wood the finished item had the pale wood 'crackle' all over the solid black.