22 Easy Image Transfer Methods (Photo Transfers)
This is a comprehensive post about Image Transfer Methods and Photo Transfer Techniques! Some of these can be done with Inkjet Printers, some with Laser Printers and some only work with old fashioned toner from a photocopier or copy machines. We covered so many different ways to create this nearly magical process, and we’ve covered all sorts of surfaces, like Furniture, Fabric, Paper, Clay, Wood, Glass and more. While we mainly use graphics for these projects, as we are a graphics site, many of these methods will work with photos too. Time and time again, the question that I get asked most frequently by my readers, is “How can I transfer your images on to _____”. There are numerous Transfer Methods on this blog, and this post attempts to consolidate it all in one place so that you can easily find the method that you want to use for your particular project. Below you will find links to 23 different ways to Transfer onto pretty much any type of material. We are always trying out new products and new techniques on this site, so I have updated this post to include the new ones. I hope you find it helpful!
How to Transfer Onto Furniture
How to Transfer Typography onto Furniture : This is a two part written Tutorial showing how to blow up your image really big, using a free program, and an easy cheap transfer method, so that you can paint your image on large or small pieces of Furniture, Walls or Signs. Great for painted wood pieces or natural wood.
How to Transfer an Image onto Furniture Video Instructions : This is the Video version of the original Furniture Transfer Tutorial that I created several years ago. My friend Candice is great on Video and she kindly put this Tutorial together! The Video will show you instructions for how to blow up your image really big, using a free program, and an easy cheap transfer method, so that you can paint your image on large or small pieces of Furniture, Walls or Signs. Great for painted wood pieces or natural wood. Works best with simple designs like many of theFrench Typography Printables that I offer here on my blog.
Transferring onto Fabric
The Citra Solv Method : This method uses a cleaning product called Citra Solv. This one works well with Fabric projects, like Towels, Pillows, Chair Seats and Lampshades. This method will give you a slightly faded, slightly imperfect, transfer for an old world look.
The Iron On Method: In this Tutorial I show you how to do an Iron on Transfer, using my favorite Transfer Paper. I consider this brand to be the “Holy Grail” of Transfer Papers, as it completely blows away the other stuff out there. If you’ve tried doing Iron Ons in the past, with crappy results, you will love this stuff! Great for any Fabric Projects. Great for Image transfers or Photo transfers.
Printable Fabric Sheets Learn how to use precut Printable Fabric Sheets that are made specifically to be used in your Home Ink jet Printer. (Printable Canvas Sheets are another alternative) Fun and easy!
Printing on Fabric: This technique shows you how to cut out the middle man, and print directly onto fabric, with your home printer! For those of you that sew (or don’t mind gluing your projects) this is a really fun method!
The Iron On Method: In this Tutorial I show you how to do an Iron on Transfer, using my favorite Transfer Paper. I consider this brand to be the “Holy Grail” of Transfer Papers, as it completely blows away the other stuff out there. If you’ve tried doing Iron Ons in the past, with crappy results, you will love this stuff! Great for any Fabric Projects.
How to Transfer onto Paper
Transfer an Image to Paper Perfect for Junk Journal artists, collage artists and mixed media artists. You’ll learn how to lay an image directly onto paper, cardboard or bold books, to create gorgeous effects with this fun method.
Acrylic Paint Technique If you are a crafter you probably already have the supplies for this one in your craft room! Rebecca walks us through these simple steps for acrylic transfers, to add pictures to paper. She demonstrates on some cute paper gift tags.
Printing on Paper Bags Did you know that you could print on paper bags with your home inkjet printer? Learn how to make some cute custom bags, that are perfect for Holiday party favors and more.
Transferring onto Glass
DIY Packing Tape Transfers: This is a superfast and fun Technique! This works great with Glass, and although, we haven’t tried it, some of readers have mentioned that it’s good for shiny Ceramic pieces too! The effect is similar to a decal, so best used on Decorative pieces only, like Votives and Vases etc.
Clear Contact Method: Learn how to use Clear Contact Paper to transfer Color Images onto Glass!Similar to the Packing Tape method, only you can do larger pieces since the Contact Paper is so much bigger! Easy and fun!
Transferring onto Wood
Using Water Slide Decals Make some adorable Bee themed wood Coasters with Diana, as she walks you through the steps of using water slide decals. Such a cute idea! Use the Free printable provided or just follow the instructions to transfer photos onto wood that you took yourself, to make your own unique creations. You can purchase decals for inkjet image transfers or laserjet ones, just make sure that you buy the appropriate product for your home printer.
The Wax Paper Method: I have yet to try this method, but it looks amazing! The only supplies you need are your Printer and a piece of Wax Paper and the super simple Tutorial from Angela at Unexpected Elegance! I’ve seen this one used on Painted and Natural Wood and Painted Metal.
The Projector Method: Marian from Miss Mustard Seed shares her Sign Making secrets, using an Overhead Projector to transfer images onto wood! This method can be used for Painted or Natural Wood.
Transfers onto Clay
Transfer onto Clay Pots Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage came up with this simple and innovative way to transfer an image onto a Clay Flower pot.
Easy Clay Image Transfer: You’ll find this one over on my pal Johnnie’s blog! She’ll walk you through the steps of Image and Photo Transfers onto Polymer Clay so that you can make the cutest Vintage Image Jewelry ever!
Multi Surface Image Transfer Methods
The Omni Gel Method: In this Tutorial I explain how to use a liquid substance called Omni Gel, to transfer images onto Tumbled Marble Tiles for Coasters. I’ve also used this on Painted Wood.
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium: In this Tutorial I test out a new product by Mod Podge made specifically for image or Photo Transfers. There’s also a Printable and a fun DIY Project for making your own customized Furniture Knobs! This Medium works great for Small Wood Projects or Light or Dark Fabric Projects.
Image Transfer Product Comparison: In this post Rebecca compares 3 popular products used for this technique. Lots of great info here and you’ll be able to see all of the results! The comparison includes Matte Medium, Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium and a product by Deco Art.
How to Make Gel Medium Transfer Skins Rebecca teaches us how to make Skins from Gel Medium that can be applied to a variety of surfaces.
Unique Methods
Gold Leaf Technique Combine Transfers with Gold Leaf for stunning results! Heather will walk you through this process to create a gorgeous Antique Typography Sign.
More Info on Transfers
How to Mirror Image: Learn how to easily Mirror Images in Paint! You probably already have this free program installed on your PC.
Top Tip for Transfers: This is a great post to read before you get started! This tip will save you some headaches and frustration!
Favorite Transfer Products: These are my favorite all time Transfer Products rounded up into one place.
Well hopefully that will clear things up and you will find lots of inspiration for your projects. Feel free to grab my Transfer Printablesto use in your DIY projects. Have fun working with Image Transfers and Photo Transfers!
Be sure and check out our Premium Membership site HERE, for loads of PNG images, with transparent backgrounds, these types of images are perfect for Transfer Projects!
And if you really want to dive in and do professional looking transfers, check out our amazing Online Image Transfer Workshop with Heather Tracy HERE!
Marsha Greene says
I decoupaged a color print onto a Americana Decor Chalk painted desk top. The color image transferred really nice but the white of the paper background adhered to much to the desk and is also leaving a halo affect around the color image. Does the chalk paint have to be sealed first? Is there any way to remove the white background completely. It just won’t rub off no matter how wet I get it?
RedHotGirlinTexas says
I realize this is too late to be of much help to the original poster, but there are a few ways to avoid the ‘halo’ sometimes left by the background; 1 – some printers have an option that will allow you to choose to ‘turn off’ background graphics (usually in advanced printer settings), 2 – use an exacto knife to cut out only the desired portion of whatever you printed for use (not a good method to use with the wax paper method – takes too long and ink dries/soaks into paper and runs before transferring), 3 – use a photo editing software program or app to ‘erase’ unwanted parts of image, and 4 – (my personal favorite) after base coat is painted/stained and piece is ready to receive transfer, print a plain copy on regular paper to figure out your exact placement, then apply very thin layer of vaseline to anywhere that you do not want to transfer ink to and after transferring image and letting ink dry – vaseline wipes right off and you can continue as normal
graphicsfairy says
Wow, thanks so much Jen! Great suggestions, thanks for sharing 🙂
sidney says
Hi Karen,
How can I transfer a large graphic onto fabric (say 24’x15′ onto a cotton)? Would I need to have a printer (kinko) print it out for me and then citasolv it with a paintbrush, or can i have a printer’s print it right onto the fabric? I realize this is not quite DIY – but would be if I could laser large prints!!
Thanks
Karen Watson says
Hi Sidney, click on Method number 1, we have all that info right on the post. Have fun transferring!
Trudy Musgrove says
Karen,Came across your web site yesterday.Amazing I Iike the idea how you personally connect with each person.Rarely do see that.Some of us are just learning Your willingness to help is so appreciated.I’m sure i speak for all who are just learning.’THANK YOU’. I’m sure i will be a regular.
Karen Watson says
Thank you Trudy. I wish I could connect with every person, but unfortunately it’s really tough to find the time anymore! I hope you will enjoy yourself here and visit often though!
Terry says
Hi Karen, I tried to use Block Poster last night and it’s a great tool but it only accepts jpg files and your files print in pdf format. Has anyone else had this problem?
Karen Watson says
Hi Terry, Instead of saving the PDF file, just click on the picture of the transfer in the post. You can save that picture and use it instead, as it’s in JPG format. I hope that helps!
Sally says
Hi Karen,I know this isn’t technically on the subject, but I downloaded some bird graphics. Block Poster is fantastic. I found some fonts, downloaded to write Faith, Hope, Love, but I can’t figure out how to use them. Do I need to download something else before I can write with the fonts?
You do a great job!
Thank you,
Sally
Karen Watson says
Hi Sally, Most all of the font sites have a help section, go ahead and consult that, they’ll be able to walk you through it. The process can vary depending on what type of set up you have on your computer. 🙂
Maggi says
Hi, Karen!
I just found your website and it’s amazing. I just have one question, do you need a laser printer or a regular inkjet printer for transfering?. I’ve tried the ModPodge method and for that you need a laser printer. And last night ,i tried your method on freezer paper and the ink looks quite fresh ,almost runny and didn’t transfer as well as yours.
Thanks
Maggi
Karen Watson says
Hi Maggi, It just depends on the transfer method. Each method should have full instructions and should tell you which kind of printer to use. I hope that helps!
Sue says
Maggi, I tried the Mod Podge method yesterday and used a laser printer – it worked just fine – I’m ectatic about it!!!
Karen Watson says
Yay! That’s great Sue!!
Stacy says
I love your tutorials on transfer methods for furniture. I am curious why graphite transfer paper can’t be used? or even old fashioned carbon paper to “copy” an image onto painted furniture? Thanks
Karoline says
Dear Karen,
only a few days ago I found your site by chance. Such a lot of amazing things you have collected! It makes me want to start at once with lots and lots of projects!
I´d like to add another form of transferring prints on fabric. Did you ever hear of lavender oil as transfer medium?
You print your pattern with a laser printer, fix the paper face down on fabric with tape and soak it with lavender oil (you find it in drugstores for aromatherapy or things like that) then you rub the print with the back of a spoon or any other round, hard tool. It takes some pressure and about 15-20 min to get the colour on to the fabric. You can look once and again, whether it is sufficiently transferred. After removing the paper let it dry a day, then you can fix the colour by ironing as hot as the fabric allowes. So you can even wash it.
best wishes from Bavaria
Karoline
Karen Watson says
Thank you so much Karoline! I’ve never heard of that method before! I think it would be lovely to work with too, since the fragrance would be so nice!
Heather says
Hi Karoline – I love using essential oils for laser print transfers! I carry an item with me every day that I decorated this way and it still has a lovely fragrance, even after over a year…I’ve used lavender essential oil and patchouli oil both with success. I used to use the Blending Pen method, but I’ve converted – less toxic, less expensive, more fun. Thanks for mentioning using it on fabric – I haven’t tried that yet, but will have to, now!
Karen Watson says
Great tips Heather! Thanks!
Niki says
Hi Heather,
I’m wondering how you use Lavender Oil to transfer an image? Would you be able to write back and tell me briefly step by step?
Thanks so much!
Niki
Siena says
wow!!!!! The “How to Transfer Typography onto Furniture” has really helped me a lot making a birthday present for my grandad. thank god you were here to help. you have saved my day !
Hannah says
Once I click on the image I want, how do I mirror image it (my printer won’t do this) and shrink the size to fit what I am working on.
Genevieve says
Thank you so much. I would love to learn to do this and I need all the help I can get. I really appreciate it.
Izabela says
Hi, Karen. I can’t speak English ver well, but i’m hope You Understand me. I’m writing from Poland. I love Your blog and everything You do. You inspiring me:) Thanks. I find Your Transfer Methods. May be You will be interesting my method of transfer (haw does CarPlan work).
I invite You to my blog,
Greeting to You
Iszart from deco-szuflada.blogspot.com
jackie says
The book looks so cute
Anna says
Thanks, You are the best!!!!
Dianne Gibson says
With the risk of sounding stupid, I have a question. I printed out the mirror image with the taps paper but when I ironed it down, it reads backwards. What am I doing wrong?