How to Mod Podge Photo Transfer – Tips and Tricks

One of the most popular things that Mod Podge makes is Photo Transfer. It is also one of the most challenging products to use. There are so many things that can go wrong. However, if you take your time, and follow these tips, you have a better chance of success.

1. Don’t use an inkjet printer – Most people who have significant issues form the start use an inkjet printer. Yes, you can use one to do photo transfer, but there are several more steps to make it turn out. These steps also introduce more fail points. Instead of using inkjet, use a dry toner image. You can do this by printing it on a laser printer or making a color copy.
2. Use regular paper – You don’t need any special paper to do photo transfer. Actually, if you do use photo paper, it will be much harder to remove the paper. Also, unless it was created with a dry toner printer/copier, don’t use it either. That means no scrapbook paper, real photos, or magazines. The process is designed for regular paper!!
3. Reverse your image – This is one step a lot of beginners don’t know or even think about. This is especially important if you have writing in your image. If you don’t reverse, it will be the mirror image. I do this with every image I do a photo transfer.
4. Don’t touch the project for 24 hours – This is super important. Do not touch or even try to remove the paper until 24 hours after. I usually let mine go 25 hours before I start to remove the paper.
5. Let the wet paper sit for 2 minutes – I know after 24 hours you want to dig right in and remove the paper. Thoroughly wet the paper with a sponge until the paper becomes translucent. Then let it sit for 2 minutes. After the 2 minutes, you can use the sponge to start removing the paper. I prefer to use my finger. I think it gives you way more control. Just barely touch the surface, and the paper will start to come off the image.
6. Don’t take off all the paper in 1 try – This is a slow process. Don’t try to remove all the paper on the first time. It’s a multi-step process. I start slow and remove the paper, and when you remove the majority of the paper, it will look like it’s all gone. It’s not! Walk away and let it dry. The image will get cloudy again. Wet your finger and repeat the process. Keep doing this until you are happy with the results. I say do it several times because if the transfer medium gets too wet, it will not adhere to the image transfer. You could have parts of the image come up in the middle or around the edges. While this can be a cool look for some projects, you may not want it for your project.
7. Seal the image – I personally prefer to seal the images to the surface after. If the piece isn’t going to handle a lot, you can leave it. However, I always like to give extra protection. I prefer an acrylic spray sealer rather than Mod Podge on the top.

I hope these tips will help you and your photo transfer projects. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me an email. I’m always glad to help!