Q&A for How to Mod Podge Pictures onto Wood

You only need to sand the wood if the surface isn't already smooth. Sand rough wood until it feels smooth, then dust off the wood dust so it doesn't get stuck in the mod podge.

Both actually! Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the wood and press down the photo on top. Once it's dry, apply another thin layer on top of the photo.

Elmer’s Glue by itself will probably be too thick. You can create a decoupage glue by mixing 3 parts Elmer’s with 1 part water.

If you’re decoupaging the photos directly, the best type depends on the finish you want. Mod Podge comes in glossy, satin, or matte finishes. You can also get Dimensional Magic for a more resin-like finish.

Yes, you can apply Mod Podge over a regular photo print. However, if you're going to do a transfer, you'll need printer paper.

If you use an ink jet printer, the Modge-Podge will soak into the picture and the ink, making the ink bleed into other colors. A laser jet printer will not do this because the ink is literally lasered into the paper.

Any wood will work. Just make sure the surface is smooth. Cracks and voids will be cracks and voids on the image.

Yes. Waiting longer is not a problem. Just don't shorten the process, the mod podge needs time to dry and cure.

The bottle you buy will say mod podge. It will be a white or yellow bottle with the words “mod podge” in orange and pink.

Yes, but be sure to lightly sand the wood first with fine sandpaper. You do run the risk of the image washing off in bits, so test a scrap piece and work on your technique.

Yes, you can. The type you use makes it opaque (photo medium) or translucent (matte).

It has to be on regular printer paper, remember that you are going to have to rub it off of the wood, it would be more difficult to rub photo paper off because of its thickness.

You can use water-based and oil-based poly for final coats. Just make sure the transfer has had plenty of time to dry first. Trapped moisture under oil finishes can make the picture appear milky.

You can very lightly wipe the excess mod podge off with a damp cloth. Be care, because you can remove the image this way.

Wet thick, double-sided scrapbook paper on both sides, with a misting spray bottle. Then immediately pat the paper dry with a towel. Next, apply a layer of glue down on the wood surface. Set the thick paper over the glue and use a transparent page protector to lay over the paper and press the paper down well. Be sure not to move the plastic while you press out all of the air bubbles, starting in the center of the paper and moving outwards, towards the edge. Immediately apply a coat of your decoupage glue. And repeat several more coats, letting it dry in between coats.

Yes. You can use a black and white photo to do this. Just make sure the wood is smooth and sanded.

No because it is too glossy and thick. It would be to hard to rub off the back.

This has worked for me. This is the paper I use all the time, because copy paper is the thinnest and it is easier to rub off on the transfer.

You can transfer the picture directly from the magazine.

Yes, you can mod podge on just about any surface, including painted wood.

Yes! Make sure the mod podge is completely dry and lint/dust free. Apply the resin epoxy as usual.

No, It has to be ink to transfer. If it's colored pencils, your best bet is to scan the image and then print it.