Gel Medium Photo Transfer Art

A laser-printed image on regular paper (must be laser, not inkjet)

Gel medium or Mod Podge

A wood panel, canvas board, or other smooth surface

A wide brush for applying gel medium

Sponge

Water

Choose or create an image and print it on a laser printer on regular paper. The image must be laser-printed — inkjet ink dissolves in water and will not transfer. Remember: the transferred image will be a mirror of the original.

Brush a thick, even layer of gel medium onto the surface of a wood panel or canvas. Cover the entire area where the image will go.

Place the printed image face-down onto the wet gel medium. The printed side touches the gel.

Smooth out all air bubbles by pressing firmly from the center outward with a credit card, ruler, or your hands. Every bubble will show as a gap in the transfer.

Let it dry completely — at least 8 hours. Overnight is safest. The gel must be bone dry.

Wet the paper backing with a damp sponge. Let it soak for a few minutes until the paper softens.

Gently rub the wet paper away with your fingertips. The paper pills and rolls off, but the ink stays behind, embedded in the gel layer. Work slowly and carefully.

Let it dry, then seal with a final thin coat of gel medium.

Laser printing is essential. Take a file to a copy shop if you do not have a laser printer at home.

The transferred image has a beautiful, slightly faded, vintage look. It is not a perfect copy — it has character and texture.

Try transferring family photos onto wood for meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Print the image in mirror mode if it contains text, so the text reads correctly after transfer.

This technique works on wood, canvas, fabric, and even glass. Experiment with different surfaces for different effects.