Q&A for How to Transfer Pictures Onto Wood

It will work best if you use paper with a waxy finish, like freezer paper or wax paper.

Yes—however, for this to really work well, you’ll need to use a picture that’s printed on iron-on transfer paper. While this type of paper is designed to work on fabric, it will also work on wood and other porous surfaces.

Yes, Elmer’s will work for this. The process is similar to using Mod Podge—you’ll need to coat the picture with glue and let it sit on the wood overnight, then soak it off with cool water the next day.

If it’s a drawing or illustration, transfer paper is a super simple way to get your design onto wood. Put the design on top of a piece of transfer paper and trace over it. When you lift the paper away, there will be a light image of your design on the wood.

You can use regular paper, but photo paper may work as well. The oil on photo paper is what stops it from transferring completely, so depending on what type of wood you are using, both are fine.

Yes, Modge Podge should work well for both the finish and the transfer compound.

It is not possible to be certain without knowing what your process is but maybe you are using too much glue (assuming you are using glue). If so, allow to dry before you attempt each glue step. Remove all the paper. And to get it right: 1. Make a print (print out the image you want to transfer). 2. Cover the print side of your image "all over" with white glue. 3. Allow the glue to completely dry. 4. Apply glue to wood and print. 5. Print side down/lay glued print onto glue-covered wood. 6. Let dry fully. 7. Wet the back of print (do not soak, just dampen). 8. Rub off the backside of paper, rolling your finger back and forth. And that should prevent white patches from forming.

Enlarge it on your device. Then separate out/grab parts that can print out at the maximum size your printer can print/or cutter can cut. After printing, piece them back together. Some printers have this tiling or splitting ability programmed in, and also check your software for options.

Use your fingers and feel it as you roll the back layer off. Take your time so as to not mess it up. Doing this is even fun!

You may have not let it sit long enough or the picture may not have had enough ink to transfer.

When you are ready to print out an image, look for a mirror image option on the print menu. This will give you a printout that will have the letters backwards. It will now transfer to a surface and have the words in the correct position.

Contact cement can be used but you need to be careful not to let it bleed over the edges. Rubber adhesives do not dry clear and may end up making the repair appear stained. There are good & inexpensive water based craft glues that dry clear and are waterproof when dry. They are available in any craft store. Use a minimum amount of glue to avoid wet warping of the surface.