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 for this tutorial. It’s different from the Mod Podge photo transfer medium in that it gives your image a clear background.
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 as regular Mod Podge at all. The transfer medium uses laserjet images and can’t be used decoupage.
Are you interested to see how I did this craft? I know you’ll use this technique for transferring photos all the time after I teach you. So read on!
Gather These Supplies
- Plastic stencil sheet
- PVA Glue (normal school glue)
- Mod Podge Matte or Gloss
- Sponge brush
- Ink Jet Printer
- Wood block
- Wood stain
- Sandpaper
This project 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!
Mod Podge Photo Transfer with Inkjet
Equipment
- Printer and paper
- Sandpaper
Materials
- Plastic stencil sheet
- PVA glue normal school glue
- Mod Podge Matte or Gloss
- Wood block(s)
- Wood stain
Video
Instructions
- Sand the wood block – you want the surface to be as smooth as possible for better image transfer. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth or wet cloth.
- 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.
Notes
This was inspired by another inkjet photo transfer we spotted at Photojojo! If you enjoyed this craft idea, let me know in the comments! Plus check out these other photo ideas here:
Breakfast in Bed Tray • Family Reunion Centerpiece • How to Transfer Photos to Wood • Modern Photo Blocks • Photo Keychain • Transfer Paper to Fabric • Transfer Photos to Fabric • Transfer to Canvas • Transfer to Furniture • Transfer to Glass • Transfer to Metal • Wooden Photo Blocks
Hi, I have a quick question- once the image has been transferred does it need to be sealed , or can it be sealed with mod podge?
No it doesn’t need to be sealed, and yes it can be sealed with Mod Podge! Let it dry 24 hours after the transfer though. And do a test in the corner before just swiping the Mod Podge over it. Just in case!
I wanted to ask, if when I transfer the picture (I’m doing a flower) to a wooden house, with the exception of the flower, will the glue on the non-printed area of the paper transfer to the wood as well? Also, they are 12×12 sheets, do we cut them down to letter size? Thank you!
Hi Margo! Yes every portion that has the glue will transfer . . . so you definitely want to cut down to the size of exactly what you want transferred.
@Amy,
Hi this is not related to Margo’s question but this is the only way I can comment. What can I use instead of Stencil paper? i really don’t feel like buying much for the project. I don’t care if I can’t use whatever it is again. Is it possible to use something like wax paper or parchment paper or plastic wrap?
Hi Lisa! I’d take a peek at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VF57Ni75mw
Looks like you can!
Will this work on reverse decoupage onto clear plate?
Hi Sheryl! I think I have seen this done on glass but I have not tried it personally. If you give it a try let me know!
Hi! Love this idea, thanks so much.
Quick question, when printing, what paper type setting should I use? Since my printer doesn’t have a “dried glue stencil” setting. 😆
Thanks so much!!
Amanda
Hahaha! Just the regular paper setting is what Aki used in the tutorial. You may need to play with the settings but that should work.
I’m a little confused on how to print the photo. Your instructions say to print onto the stencil once the glue has dried, but on Amazon through the link you gave says the stencil cannot be put through an ink jet printer. Am I misunderstanding that step? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Stephanie! The reason it says that on Amazon is because the ink wil smear if you just put the stencil in by itself. BUT you want the ink to be able to be released off of the stencil sheet! So if you were trying to print directly onto the sheet and wanted it to stick . . . it wouldn’t work. In this case we want to print onto the glue on the stencil sheet and have it come off. So honestly we’re using these in a way that they aren’t intended, but it works 🙂
Will clear acetate sheet (from Michaels) work?
🙏🏼
Thank you.
Hi M! I’m thinking it would work though I’m not for sure. But I don’t think the ink would stick to it and that’s the important part. What I would do is take one for the team and try it out. 😀 Thank you!
Some of my images didn’t wanna transfer. 6 out of 16 transferred. And I kinda don’t like the shiny finish of the pictures. Ugh but awesome idea. Wish it would’ve been a better outcome.
Sorry you had difficulty! I will say that it takes some practice. At least, it’s taken me time to perfect the technique.
I know this is from 4 years ago but hoping someone sees it. Am I putting the mod podge on the picture itself or the wood I’m transferring it too?
You’re putting it on the wood. Then, when transferred, you can seal it with Mod Podge!
I have printed on to transparency film and waited for it to dry, then placement it on to the wet mod pog glue, but the ink started to bleed.
What am I doing wrong?
Hello!
I’m just curious what the purpose of applying the layers of glue to the stencil sheet before printing? Could you explain why that’s necessary and what would happen if you eliminate that step?
Thanks!
Hi Dawn! You’re printing on the glue. Then you’re releasing the glue onto the other surface. If you eliminate that step and print directly on the stencil sheet, the ink would smear like crazy. The ink needs something to stick to.