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This method is effective for any image which is not printed on an Inkjet printer. Method 2: Transfer of Non-Inkjet Images to Wood
#DARK WOODS LAYOUT HOW TO#
And voilà, your image transfer is complete!įor a great video that shows you exactly how to complete this process, check out the following video: Spray evenly across the image surface and allow to dry. Once you are happy with the image, it is time to apply to clear coat of lacquer to preserve the image. Allow the ink to dry before moving on to step 7. If the ink smudged at all or a part of the image did not turn out as you desired, you can use sandpaper to remove that portion and touch it up by hand or try transferring again. The image has now been transferred to the wood! Remove the paper and admire your new image. Hold the paper in place while you do this to prevent the ink from smearing. Use the side of your ruler or other hard piece of plastic (such as a credit card) to smooth out the image onto the wood, starting at the top and moving from side to side. It cannot be re-positioned once you have laid it down or the ink will smear, so make sure it is lined up how you would like it. Now, your printed image is essentially a rub-on decal. Once you have printed the image onto the freezer paper, you are ready to begin transferring! Step 5: Transfer image to wood It is almost as if you are printing a temporary tattoo- you must digitally make a “mirror image” of your picture and print this mirror image, so that once you transfer it to the wood, it will be oriented properly once more. The most important thing to remember in this step this that the image must be printed in reverse, in order for it to transfer correctly. *Note: wax paper may be used but may not ensure as clean of a transfer and may jam in your printer. Measure 8 ½ x 11” of the freezer paper and place into the printer’s paper feed tray, so that the image will print on the slick side of the freezer paper. In order to get a transferable image, the image must be printed directly into the freezer paper. This can save you some money and allow you to practice without worrying about messing up an expensive piece of wood. Some stores may also have a bargain bin that you can choose from.
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You can pick up smooth pine wood from any local big box store. It’s much easier to complete the transfer.
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I recommend using very smooth wood as you are learning this process. If you are transferring your image onto a piece of furniture that has stain or finish, additional sanding may be required to remove this extra layer. Sand with the grain of the wood in order to create a roughened surface for the ink to stick to. If using an isolated piece of wood (to create a sign or wall art), lighter colored wood is the best so the image shows up with the most clarity possible. Since the ink from the image is what will be transferred, laser printed images cannot be used (they will not transfer in this manner, but can be used in Method 2 instead!) Step 2: Prep your transfer surface It is important to use freezer paper rather than wax paper in order to ensure the best transfer of your image.
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