Transfer Images onto Wood
This week I have found a unique image transfer method that I would like to share with you. I have used Rapid Resizer to enlarge an image and then transfer it onto wood. This method is surprisingly easy and the possibilities are endless.
I really enjoyed this craft because I was able to showcase the enlarging aspect of Rapid Resizer. It allowed me to change the size of my photo to the exact dimensions of my wooden board so easily and the result was fantastic! Resizing images using this wood transfer method is a great way to display large photos and offers a more substantial alternative to printer paper.
This craft works much better with images printed with a LASER PRINTER vs an Inkjet. I have read that inkjet printed images still transfer onto wood, but not as well.
What you'll need:
- a piece of wood
- Mod Podge gel medium
- a brush
- your resized image
Step 1: Cut out your images and lay them out in proper order. Make sure that you lay your image tiles face down opposite on your piece of wood. I put each tile down in columns - so the top left piece went face down on the top RIGHT corner and I worked my way backwards vertically. You could number your tiles to avoid any confusion or mistakes.
Step 2: Completely coat each tile with a generous amount of Mod Podge. You want to make sure that you can't see the image underneath. If you can, add more of the gel medium.
Step 3: Place each tile face down on the wood. Starting from the middle of the tile press firmly and push away any air bubbles or creases. Make sure the tile is totally adhered. Continue this until all of the tiles are secures onto the wood. Make sure the pieces of paper are as close together as possible .
Step 4: Once you have pasted each tile to the wood, allow 24 hours for the medium to set on the wood.
Step 5: Once the paper has completely set for 24 hours, take a damp cloth and press it on the paper so that it becomes soft and damp.
Step 6: Gently start to wipe the paper away. You will start to see the image coming through underneath. Be very careful not to rub too hard because it will rub away the image on the wood.
Step 7: Continue to remove the paper from the wood using a damp cloth. I found it helpful the roll layers of the wet paper away with my fingers to avoid scraping parts of the photo away. Because my photo was so large this step took a long time. This process requires patience; you have to be very gentle to avoid removing the transferred photo. You can see areas in my project where I rubbed away little chunks of the image, but I think this adds a unique weathered look.
