Yeah!! My images are back!!
I'm no painter...I lack the talent, skills and the abilities.
I've been wondering for ages how to transfer a printed picture on wood. I could ofcourse just cut out the image and paste it on with glue but I really wanted pictures to look like they were painted on wood.
I'm horrible in painting myself so why not cheat a little and just use some magic?
I stumbled upon something called 'Powerprint'. Although I haven't seen it used in miniature land till now I decided to give it a try. And finally I can say I'm getting the results I was hoping for.
What do you need to transfer an image/print on wood?
- Powerprint (laserjet printer medium)
- A picture (laser printed)
- Paintbrush
- Pressure roller
- Hairdryer
- Water
- Sponge
Some tips before you start:
Make sure the picture you want to transfer has colors that won´t run. I use laserjet prints because inkjet prints will do just that. You can use photographs or pictures out of a magazine as well.
Also remember that white isn´t a color that will transfer. The white color will look transparent after transferring. To keep the white colors transfer unto a white background.
If you want to print text on the surface don´t forget to print the text in mirror or else the letters will be in reverse after transferring and unreadable.
First cut out the picture you want to transfer.
Prepare the surface you want your picture to be transferred on, I've sanded a piece of wood, painted it white and sanded it again.
Use a paintbrush to apply the Powerprint. Make strokes horizontally and vertically to cover the whole surface
Do the same with the image you want to transfer, apply on the printed side, not the backside.
Place the image on the wood and make sure you press it firmly, use a roller to apply pressure evenly. I've used the handle of one of my tools as roller. If excess powerprint attaches to your roller clean with a damp cloth, powerprint is sticky stuff.
Dry the picture for 10 minutes with a hairdryer. Turn your work around from time to time to dry front and back. Be patient to allow the work to totally . The perfect time to have a cup of tea or coffee!
Let the picture cool off.
Moisten the sponge with water and carefully stroke upon the paper surface of the picture. You´ll notice the layers of paper will loosen. With the sponge and your fingertip carefully scrape away the layers of paper untill you see the picture again.
Let the work dry in between and you might see some white paper left. Continue the process until you have only the image left. At this stage be careful not to be to enthusiastic and scratch away the image itself.
The image on the left still has some layers of paper left, the image on the right is almost done.
As finishing touch I have applied some bronze coloured paint on the edges of the picture. When all was dry I've applied a coat of satin varnish.
