Last week we shared with you our tutorial for transferring large graphics onto furniture, and today we want to show you one way we transfer small graphics onto craft projects.
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To make these French wall plaques, we first painted the wood plaques with Annie Sloan “Old White” chalk paint.
We found the three graphics we used at the Free Vintage Digital Stamps website. (Links to the Paris Dress Form, Eiffel Tower, and Dress Form images).
We wanted the image to completely cover the front of the plaque, side to side and top to bottom. When we sized the graphic to fit side to side, it still wasn’t long enough to go top to bottom. To avoid having a blank gap at the top and bottom of the image, we decided to use a script stamp under the image.
We used this StazOn ink* to stamp the script onto the wood. Once dry, it’s permanent and will not smudge when you transfer your image.
Print your image onto regular copy paper. You’ll want to print it in mirror image so it’s backwards on the paper. On my computer, in the printer options, under Layout, I can choose “flip horizontally” and that prints in mirror image. Everyone’s computer is different though. Cut out your image and have it ready to go before you do the next step. My image has background graphics, but if I were transferring just the dress form, I would cut very closely all around the dress form.
Once the ink is dry from your stamp, put a medium layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface. Too thin and your image won’t transfer. Too thick and the paper will smear all over the place and tear. This part takes a little trial and error to figure out the right thickness, but a little too much is better than not enough. We used a foam brush to apply the Mod Podge.
Immediately place the image face down onto the Mod Podge. Take care to get it centered and exactly where you want it because you won’t have much time to make adjustments. Use your fingers to firmly rub all over the back of the image and get any air bubbles out, then leave it to dry completely (or overnight).
Once the Mod Podge is completely dry, you’re going to use water to remove the paper. Depending on the surface we’re transferring the image to, we either put it under running water or use a wet rag to gently rub the paper away. Take your time with this part. The paper will come off leaving the image. Don’t scrub aggressively. Once the paper has a minute to absorb the water it will pull right off.
When you’re done removing the paper you’ll be left with this:
This next step is not mandatory, but for the wood plaques we sealed it with a coat of Annie Sloan’s clear wax. We’ve done transfers on other objects like flower pots and don’t seal it. The wax just gave the plaques a glossy, smooth finish. If you don’t have clear wax but feel it needs to be sealed with something, put another coat of mod podge over the entire surface.
You could even use this process to transfer large graphics using a website such as blockposters.com to blow up your image to the size you need.
Have you used Mod Podge to transfer a graphic? If so, I’d love for you to share with the group any tips for success you have.
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If you like this post you may also enjoy our tips for painting graphics on furniture
Love these…they are too adorable! I’ve not tried any transfers this way yet but really want to give it a try. I’ve got to get over the sting from my other projects first though…LOL
Hi Benita! It’s a really simple technique. Although I messed it up the first time I tried it by not using enough Mod Podge. Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a neat trick. I’ve never seen anything done like this before. You do such a fantastic job at whatever you do 🙂
Thank you, sweet friend!!
How clever! I can’t wait to try this- thanks! 😉
Thanks so much, Lynn!
You’ve done it again! We love this project and can’t wait for everyone to see it! Super creative and your directions are easy to follow! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Thank you so much, ladies!!
I absolutely love this transfer how to with mod podge. Thank you for going through the steps and explaining the must do steps. I can’t wait to give this a try.
Thanks, Tracy!! I messed up my first attempt (didn’t use enough Mod Podge), but once you get the hang of it it’s really simple. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, these are so pretty Amy! I especially love the writing as the background! Another great job!
Thank you, Kendra!!
Amy, I love to make signs for my wreaths and this is something a little different to try. Iim looking forward to using this method on some of my summertime projects. I really enjoy seeing the things that you and your mother do. Looking forward to what’s coming next. Have a great week.
Hi Donna! I bet this would be perfect for creating signs for wreaths. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Ii had no idea how to do this. Great directions
I’m glad you found it helpful, Mary! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
These are amazing and what a creative trick. They came out beautiful. Pinned!
Thanks so much, Kim!
You give such great tutorials! These are just lovely and with your directions, I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
These came out beautifully. I’ve done some Mod Podge transfers but it never occurred to me to do the rubber stamp background. That’s genius!
Thanks so much, David!! I’m so happy to have stumbled upon your blog today and so glad you stopped by ours. Looking forward to following you :).
Amy, I love the way your plaques turned out with the images overlaying the script. I’ve been meaning to try using mod podge to transfer images forever. Melissa
Thanks, Melissa! Mod Podge transfers are super easy. The hardest part is waiting for it to dry :).
Whoa this is brilliant! I actually had no idea you could use mod podge like that. Your plaques turned out so chic and gorgeous! I’ll definitely have to try this technique 🙂
This could not have come at a better time! was looking for something new in My Bathroom..Thanks for the inspiration! stopped by from Talented Tuesdays. Cindy
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Cindy! I’d love to see what you end up making. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Amy I LOVE all your tutorials.. you make everything look so easy! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Talented Tuesdays last week; you were our most popular link! I hope you can join us again later this morning.
This is AWESOME, Amy!! I didn’t know you could even do this!! I love the writing stamp underneath, too. Totally pinning this so I can use it in the future! 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! 🙂
Are there any tricks for using this method to transfer an image to a dark stained piece of wood? My first attempt was a failure because the photo transfer medium tried white, not clear. Any tips you have are greatly appreciated!
Hi Renee! I think it would be hard to transfer an image onto dark stained wood this way without having some of the white from the transfer medium and/or paper show through. If it were me I’d probably use an overhead projector and hand paint the image. I’ve also seen some pre-made image transfers on Amazon that have a clear background. One of those might work too.