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How to make a photo transfer on wood

Daniela Schulz
June 29, 2017

Today Euromaxx DIY is looking at photographs. A picture can achieve a great look if it's printed on wood. That’s a lot easier than you might think. Euromaxx shows you how to do it yourself.

https://p.dw.com/p/2fYs3
DW Euromaxx-DIY DIY- Fototransfer 9
Image: DW/Franziska Kouidis

Euromaxx - DIY - TransferTechnik

You’ll need

  • a mirror-image printout of your favorite pic from a laser printer
  • a piece of wood cut to the size you want at the hardware store
  • photo transfer potch from a crafts shop or the internet
  • a paint brush
  • some water
  • a sponge
  • a small rolling pin would help, but it’s not absolutely necessary
  • some clear paint or lacquer

Instructions:

DW Euromaxx-DIY DIY- Fototransfer 2
Image: DW/Franziska Kouidis

Cut out your photo.

Same size as your piece of wood.

Best to measure it out beforehand.

Lay out some newspaper before spreading the glue onto the wood and the front of your photo. 

DW Euromaxx-DIY DIY-Fototransfer3
Image: DW/Franziska Kouidis

Don’t skimp! Use the brush to cover every millimeter all the way to the very edges.

Now put the PRINTED SIDE of your photo onto the wood.

Make sure it’s on there good and tight. Push all the air bubbles off the side.

The picture won’t transfer where there are bubbles.

If you’ve got one, use your rolling pin to make sure you’ve got all the bubbles out. You can also use a ruler. Let it dry overnight.

DW Euromaxx-DIY DIY- Fototransfer 7
Image: DW/Franziska Kouidis

Now use a sopping wet sponge to moisten the paper and begin rubbing it off.

Once the top layer is gone, it’s easier to use your fingers. Now you can already see your picture.

Let it dry for a couple of hours.

Finish the whole thing off with some clear lacquer to make the surface smooth and to protect the image.

There  you have it: A great picture you can give to family and friends or display in your own living room.

Tip:

  • It’s very important that you use a laser printer or copier. This technique won’t work with inkjet printers.
  • Drill a small hole into the back of your piece of wood, so you can hang it up easily. You may want to do this before transferring the image…just in case.