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Friday, June 11, 2010

Mod Podge Photo Tile Transfers

After reading several blogs about photo transfers with Mod Podge, I was committed. The only problem was I didn’t have any random wood or canvas, and I try my hardest to not buy anything unless I absolutely have to have it.DSCN3164
I did have some tile magnets on my fridge that could be much cuter, and there I had it! Want to make your own? Here’s how:
Supplies:
  • Mod Podge
  • Paint brush or sponge
  • Picture printed off a laser jet printer, or a photo copy of a picture, cut to size
  • Tile, or wood or canvas
  • Spray bottle or squirt gun, or something that can spray small amounts of water
  • Patience!!!!
In all honesty, I had to redo some of my tiles around 4 times each because it’s a learning process, but I love how they turned out, and I love having pictures of my family on my fridge! This is much easier on wood or canvas because they’re porous, but it can be done on tile!
1. Print out or get a photo copy of your picture. Cut to just larger than your tile or wood.DSCN3120 2. Coat the picture with Mod Podge and lay face down on the tile. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, make sure you get all of the air bubbles out.DSCN3121 3. Let dry; thoroughly. Learn from me, it’s worth it to wait even though you’re so excited to see how it will turn out. If it’s hot outside, set your tile in the sun and you’ll only have to wait an hour or two. Or, let it dry over night.
4. Spray the paper with little amounts of water and GENTLY start rubbing the paper off. This is a slow process, but you can’t rush it and you shouldn’t use your nails. Using the pads of your fingers rub the layers of paper away. DSCN3129
If the picture starts tearing, stop and let it dry. Mine was most likely to tear on the corners, so I worked from the center out. Even then, none of the corners stayed perfect. It gives it an aging look right? :)
Once dry, moisten your finger and start rubbing any remaining paper off. If you don’t get all the paper fibers off, your image will look ghostly.DSCN3163 5. If desired, once the paper is off and the image is dry, sand the edges a little.
6. Finally, seal your image with Mod Podge and let dry. DSCN3133 My tile of C has white fabric Mod Podged on first, then the image was Mod Podged on, and dried. If you choose this route, the image will be less fragile, and it still looks great if the fabric matches your tile. Follow steps 2-5 after the fabric has dried onto the tile.
DSCN3143DSCN3146
I also tried Mod Podging a picture straight onto the tile, picture side up. Though it looks cute, I like the transfers much better. This method is infinitely easier though!
DSCN3165
This magnet had paper already Mod Podged on it, and I just layered this picture on top for sake of time and sanity, which is why it has a terraced look. Yes, that’s one of our engagement pictures…isn’t my husband so handsome?!
I would love to hear what else photos can be transferred to with Mod Podge! Sometimes it takes someone else’s eyes to see the potential of ordinary things.
For more photo transfers with Mod Podge, check out Mod Podge Rocks, Still Alive, Sabby In Suburbia, and The Feminist Housewife. These wonderful ladies were my inspiration!

Decor Mamma
Simply Designing

14 comments:

  1. These are so cool! Great job! Thanks for the link. = )

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  2. These are awesome! You definitely did a great job. :D

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  3. what mod podge did you use....i love them and i want to try them but i dont know which bottle to get....:(

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  4. @Anonymous, I just used the regular Matte Mod Podge...you can see an image of my jar in this post: http://mealsdealsandsqueals.blogspot.com/2010/03/photo-cube-puzzle.html

    I would wait for a 40% off coupon for Hobby Lobby or Michaels, but even if you don't, it lasts forever and is well worth it :)

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  5. What kind of tile did you use? I tried it with a shiny ceramic tile and couldn't get it to work.

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  6. @Rachael, Shiny tile won't work because there is nothing for the Mod Podge/image to hold onto. The tiles I used were textured, and even then some of the images peeled a little more than wanted. I did find that if I Mod Podged a piece of fabric the same color as the tile onto the tile, that I could then Mod Podge the image and it worked wonderfully!
    Hope that helps.

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  7. I've used a similar method without success. Have you tried with an Inkjet printer--apparently this works if you let glue dry on Cardstock paper and print on that side. Then, you're supposed to *soak* the wood in water while peeling the paper off.

    I never have success with that method though. I have a laser printer at work I will have to try using.

    I guess the Mod Podge extracts the image from the paper and onto the wood?

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  8. @hunter, I have heard that regular ink printers don't work...I imagine because whatever binds the ink to the paper won't allow it to transfer to the Mod Podge.

    As for your last question, I would say the Mod Podge peels the image off of the paper and that is what the image is stuck to...the Mod Podge is stuck to the wood so it looks like the image is printed on the wood. Does that help?

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  9. When you print the picture do you use regular paper or printer paper? I am planning on putting the picture straight on face up.

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  10. Anonymous, I just printed it on regular copier paper.

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  11. love it can't wait to try it. Thanks

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  12. So cute and what a special gift to give with your favorite pictures inside family and pets is what I will make thanks.

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  13. I am confused with the transfer using material. Did you remove the material from the tile also? Or is the material attached to the tile?

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    Replies
    1. Michelle, the Mod Podge sticks to the tile, and the ink from the image sticks to the Mod Podge when you rub the wet paper away. Does that help?

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