Simply Beautiful By Angela

creating simple beauty on a budget

Transfer Printed Image to Wood (The Easy Way!)

Hello and happy Monday!

When it comes to wall art I really like to make my own because (a) it’s cheap, and (b) it can be customized to look exactly how I want it to. 

I usually create my images on Canva.com and then transfer it by creating an indentation with a pen and fill it in with sharpie or paint like I did for my DIY Farmers Market Sign.

But some designs are way too intricate for this method.  When I made my art for our recent master bathroom makeover I ended up just printing it on some vellum paper and sticking in a floating frame.

 
Which don’t get me wrong, came out nicely!  But over the weekend I finally discovered a transfer method that literally takes 2 minutes and turns out completely flawless!
 
Supplies Used: (Affiliate links may be provided for convenience.  For more info, see my full disclosure here.) 

I began with a scrap  piece of 1×6.

I then printed out my design on some plain white computer paper and centered it before folding the edges to make it easier to place later.

 
I lightly sprayed tacky adhesive spray on the back and then placed it back on to the wood following my creases.
 

 
Next, I used my utility knife to remove the excess paper and quickly sanded the edges to clean up any frayed paper.
 
 
Using my chip brush I applied a coat of Mod Podge over the paper.
 
 
This was my first time using Mod Podge on paper and I was horrified to see small bubbles and ripples start to form.  I immediately thought that the whole thing was ruined.
 
I ran a credit card across the surface to try to get them out which worked for most of them, but not all. However I was pleasantly surprised to see that they disappeared after a few minutes of drying.  It was like magic you guys!!
 
(oh and see that printer ink smearing?  Don’t fret.  You will see that it’s not even noticeable in the end)
 
I painted some acrylic paint along the edges of the wood (this step could be done first if you prefer).
 
(see those lovely bubbles?  Totally flattened out after about 30 minutes!)
 
I finished it up by dry brushing some acrylic paint on. This was the key to making the image look like it was printed on wood.
 
 
I just love how it turned out!
 
 

Pictures seriously don’t do it justice and I still can’t believe how such an easy and quick trick can look so realistic.

I also think it would look cool with some stained 1x2s framing it.

I’ll be back on Thursday to share my most recent curbside flip for this month’s Thrift Store Décor Upcycle Challenge with some of my favorite talented bloggers.  See you then! 🙂

Linking up to these awesome parties.