Photo transfer to Mod Podge

What you need:

• Laser photocopy* (black & white or color)

* You can use an inkjet printout for this process but you will need to coat it with spray fixative first and let it completely dry before transferring.

• Mod Podge
• Water spray bottle
• UV-resistant gloss finish

1. Brush a layer of mod podge over your photocopy. Let it dry completely; the mod podge dries clear.
2. Brush a second layer of mod podge. Let dry again.
3. Turn the photocopy over and spray its back with water.
4. Rub off the paper backing with your fingers. Repeat this step as many times as needed until the paper is completely gone and your photo is transferred to the mod podge skin.
5.Spray the back of the transfer with a clear protective spray. It will add a nice shine to the final transfer and also to get rid of the paper residue.

15 Responses to “Photo transfer to Mod Podge”

1. Mod Podge Amy says:

   January 14, 2011 at 7:20 am

   Nitsa, I love this! I linked today on FB. You rock.
2. Jessica says:

   January 14, 2011 at 7:27 am

   omigosh i’ve wanted to do this! I tried with gel medium once but got discouraged. will try with modgepode asap thanks!
   and thanks to amy for posting for sure
3. Sherri Caramico says:

   January 14, 2011 at 7:30 am

   AWESOME!!! LOVE IT!! THANK YOU!! will it work with a copy from an INK JET printer? ALSO – can you use a heat gun on the Mod Podge to speed up the drying??
4. Nitsa says:

   January 14, 2011 at 12:29 pm

   yes to heat gun and yes and no to inkjet. You can use an inkjet printout but it tends to smear and also you will need to apply more layers of Mod Podge because the inkjet image is more delicate.
5. Jenean says:

   January 14, 2011 at 8:43 pm

   What a great & fun idea. My mind is racing with ideas on how to use this technique.
6. Sara says:

   February 17, 2011 at 10:01 am

   Nitsa-
   I love your articles they are so inspiring. I have been trying to do mod podge transfers with my pictures but I can’t seem to completely wash away the paper and am left with this white sort of crusty layer. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?
7. Nitsa says:

   February 17, 2011 at 3:13 pm

   You are not doing anything wrong. If after repeatedly rubbing off the paper there is still a ghost-like layer left, it will disappear when you spray the UV protector or brush on the sealer (you can use mod podge for this purpose)
8. June says:

   January 21, 2012 at 3:07 pm

   Thanks so much! But I feel like I am doing this wrong. Do you put the mod podge on the back of the picture or the side with the picture? Thanks!
9. Nitsa says:

   January 21, 2012 at 3:51 pm

   You need to put the mod podge of the side with the picture. good luck!
10. Faith says:

    February 6, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    I keep getting holes in mine it’s so frustrating do you know what I’m doing wrong help would be much appreciated as I am doing this for my final as exam piece which is due Friday thank you!
11. Nitsa says:

    February 6, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    Maybe try to add another layer or two of mod podge. Also make sure it is completely dry before you gently(!) rub off the paper backing.
12. Maria Little says:

    February 13, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    Does it matter which Mod Podge – matte or gloss?
13. Nitsa says:

    February 13, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    Not at all; both work just fine
14. Renay says:

    January 15, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    If you use your finished project and put on a t shirt, will it wash out when you wash the tshirt?
15. Renay says:

    January 15, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    Oh yea….this was awesome! Thanks so much for sharing!