Photo transfer to a mirror
Recently when the idea to try transferring images to a mirror hit me, I was quite surprised I didn’t come up with this wonderful idea long before.
When choosing an image to transfer it is best to choose a photo with plenty of white space so the mirror shows through.
Before beginning the transfer it is a good idea to prime the mirror with a glass & tile primer since it will increase transfer adhesion.
Next, cover a photocopy of your image (inkjet printout won’t work so well for this type of transfer) with a thin layer of mod podge or Gel Medium and place the photocopy face down onto the mirror. Make sure to smooth out any air bubbles between the transfer and the mirror.
Let the transfer take place and dry over night.
Spray the back of the photocopy with water and begin to gently rub off and remove the paper to reveal the actual transfer.
Repeat this step as many times as needed until all the access paper is completely gone.
And finally, make sure to protect your artwork with a clear protective finish.
By the way, just so you know, the scan of the mirror transfer here does not do justice to the actual piece. So don’t let it discourage you from trying this style of transfer 
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8 Responses to “Photo transfer to a mirror”
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Wow! That’s cool. How much does the mirror show through? And did you use a color photocopy or add some color after the transfer?
Also, have you tried printing the original photo on cheap typing paper instead of regular photo paper to use an inkjet transfer? Even a matte paper might have the right consistency to work on this transfer, allowing you to remove the photocopy step.
Ryan, the mirror shows through all the white areas in the picture. I used a color photocopy; this picture originally had nice muted colors.
I didn’t have much success in the past transferring from a photo paper but maybe I’ll try it again one of these days. Even thought its a bit of a hassle, the main reason to use a photocopy is that inkjet doesn’t have much durability or long life (it tends to fade after a while).
What a wonderful and creative idea. I’m definitely going to have to give this one a try.
Can you use the same procedure if trying to transfer an inspirational phrase or phrases that was printed from the computer on printer paper or should I try to copy it to another type of transfer paper?
This is a very interesting idea and a good method. Do you know of anywhere that can actually print onto mirrored glass or a mirrored surface?
is mod podge okay for the last protective coating or is there a special kind of coating to use when the transfer is done?
Yes, mod podge is fine or you can use a UV clear finish such as Krylon.