Did you know you can transfer INKJET printed images onto wood? Yes . . . this inkjet photo transfer to wood is easy with Mod Podge and regular school glue.
Skills Required: Intermediate Beginner. You should have prior crafting experience before attempting this craft; preferably with Mod Podge. It’s not necessarily hard, but it can get tricky so it’s best if you have experience with the materials.
Yep, you heard right! You can do an inkjet photo transfer to wood with just Mod Podge. I love transferring images to wood – they make these personalized rustic little pieces that are perfect to just sprinkle around the house or to give as a small personalized gift.
You don’t need a laser printer or photo transfer medium either for this tutorial. It’s different from the Mod Podge photo transfer medium in that it gives your image a clear background.
Transfer Inkjet to Wood
You might be wondering how the image goes from the inkjet printer/whatever you print out, and onto the wood. It’s magic! It’s actually not magic though.
The basic process is that you will print an image onto a stencil sheet (not photo paper) that has dried glue on top. You will apply Mod Podge to wood, then place the photo/stencil sheet face down into the Podge. 24 hours later, you’ll peel the stencil sheet from the wood and the photo will be left behind!
And this is how you transfer inkjet images to wood using Mod Podge.
Mod Podge Formula to Use
There are several Mod Podge formulas you can use – I recommend sticking with the basic formulas of Gloss, Matte, or Satin. It really doesn’t matter which, it’s all about the finish you like.
Stay away from the Outdoor and Fabric formulas, or any Mod Podge that’s a bit thicker. You want regular consistency medium for this project.
In addition, don’t get confused by the photo transfer formula. It’s not the same thing at all. That uses laserjet images, and that Mod Podge version isn’t used for decoupage. That’s a specific formula with a specific use, and this just uses original Mod Podge.
Are you interested to see how I did this wood craft? I know you’ll use this technique for transferring photos all the time after I teach you. So read on!
Inkjet Transfer to Wood
Supplies:
- Plastic stencil sheet
- PVA Glue (normal school glue)
- Mod Podge Matte or Gloss
- Sponge brush
- Ink Jet Printer
- Wood block
- Wood stain
- Sandpaper
Step 1. Sand the wood block – you want the surface to be as smooth as possible for better photo transfer to wood. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth or wet cloth.
Step 2. Paint two thin layers of glue onto the shiny side of your stencil sheet. You can use transparency films as well if that is what you have on hand.
Once fully dry, print your image onto the glue covered stencil sheet with your printer. Black and white photos work well, but so do color. I’ll leave that up to you.
Note: you’ll need to reverse the image if you want it to show up the way it is on screen OR if there’s text.
Step 3. Allow the printed image to FULLY DRY before proceeding onto this step – paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the wood block and carefully lay your image on top.
Using the stencil sheet will allow you to align it much easier with the wood edges. Smooth slightly with your hands.
Step 4. Wait until the Mod Podge is dry on your photo transfer to wood (I let mine dry overnight – 24 hours is the recommended dry time).
Lightly run the tip of a craft knife onto the sides of the wood before peeling to separate the image from the rest of the glue that dried. Peel carefully, again making sure your image is fully dry or it won’t transfer perfectly.
Step 5. Stain the sides and the back of the wood block. Let dry.
This simple tutorial photo transfer to wood does take time, but it gives fantastic image transfer results without the hassle of wetting the image and rubbing the paper off. The stencil sheet can also be used again!
What image would you transfer? Have fun crafting and don’t forget to follow me on social media or my blog for more ideas, freebies and tutorials!
Inkjet Photo Transfer to Wood
This inkjet photo transfer to wood is easy with Mod Podge and regular school glue. Do it in five simple steps!
Materials
- Plastic stencil sheet
- PVA glue (normal school glue)
- Mod Podge Matte or Gloss
- Wood block
- Wood stain
Tools
- Sponge brush
- Printer
- Sandpaper
Instructions
- Sand the wood block - you want the surface to be as smooth as possible for better image transfer.
- Paint two thin layers of glue onto the shiny side of the stencil sheet. You can use transparency films as well, if that is what you have on hand. Once fully dry, print the image onto the glue covered stencil sheet with the printer. Allow the printed image to FULLY DRY before proceeding to the next step.
- Paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the wood block and carefully lay the image on top. Using the stencil sheet will allow you to align it much easier with the wood edges. Smooth slightly with your hands.
- Wait until the Mod Podge is dry on the inkjet transfer to wood (I let mine dry overnight - 24 hours is recommended). Lightly run the tip of a craft knife onto the sides of the wood before peeling to separate the image from the rest of the glue that dried. Peel carefully, again making sure the image is fully dry or it won't transfer perfectly.
- Stain the sides and the back of the wood block and let that dry to finish.
This inkjet transfer project was inspired by another inkjet photo transfer we spotted at Photojojo! If you enjoyed this craft idea, please check out these other photo crafts:
Ryan
Sunday 21st of January 2024
Question about the printer - does putting through the transfer sheet w glue mess up your printer? I have an expensive inkjet that I don't want to ruin. I realize this is an old post but hopefully you get this. Thanks
Shelley
Sunday 19th of November 2023
Hi I have finished this project and it worked really well on clear plastic projector paper with a thin layer of pva glue. Then once dried transferred onto wood with a layer of watered down pva glue. Once dried I peeled the clear plastic film off. I am wondering if I need to spray a clear sealer over the top to protect it now?
Steve
Wednesday 16th of August 2023
After transferring your pictures and let dry, can you use a glossy coat over the front of your wood (and pictures) if you want a glossy look to your work or would it smear the picture?
Terry W
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
Hello. I tried this method, but when I went to separate the stencil sheet and the wood, the glue/print layer stuck more to the stencil than to the wood, and some did not stick to either. What I wound up with was mostly a separated layer that was sticking to neither. What was i doing wrong. I used 6 mil stencil sheets with 2 layers of Elmer’s School glue that had dried for 24 hours after the last application. I printed onto this (it look like a good print) and let dry for 24 hours. I coated my wood (sanded 150 grit poplar) liberally with the regular mod pudge and also let sit for over 24 hours.
What did I do wrong?
Evlena
Tuesday 6th of December 2022
Hi there! I have this:
Uinkit Inkjet Transparency Film 20 Sheets 8.5x11 OHP Overhead Projector Film for DIY Crafting 20 Pack For Inkjet Printer Clear https://a.co/d/3arvWwH
I attempted the project following your instructions, but part of the kids glue stayed intact and part of it peeled off. On some of the parts that did peel off, some of the ink stayed and some didn't.
I'm wondering if I can print directly on the transparency film (without the glue) and just put that on the wet Mod Podge so just the ink transfers as I don't like the shiny look of the kids glue?