Today, I’m excited to share with you a surprisingly simple way to transfer images from paper to your project using an easy laser printer transfer method. This straightforward technique has completely changed my approach to image transfers, allowing me to create stunning projects like vintage Christmas breadboards and charming French country clay pots.
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For the longest time, I shied away from image transfers, thinking they required specialized transfer paper and a complicated process. Then, I discovered this easy laser printer image transfer method, and it was a game-changer!
In this project, I chose to transfer vintage-inspired Christmas images onto breadboards. These breadboards, adorned with holiday image transfers, were on my crafting agenda and are a perfect addition to my holiday vintage booth.
Why You’ll Love This Image Transfer Project
- No Iron or Heat Needed: Unlike some image transfer methods that require heat or ironing, this technique doesn’t involve any complicated equipment or potential hazards.
- Home Printer and Regular Paper: You can create stunning image transfers using your regular home laser copier and standard copy paper. No need for special equipment or materials.
- Quick and Easy: This image transfer method is refreshingly quick and hassle-free. You can achieve impressive results with a few simple steps, without spending hours on the process.
- Beginner-Friendly: Whether you’re a crafting novice or an experienced DIY enthusiast, this technique is accessible and suitable for all skill levels.
- Versatile Surfaces: This method works on a variety of surfaces, from breadboards to wooden trays and beyond, allowing you to explore different projects with ease.
- Minimal Supplies: With just a few basic supplies like Mod Podge, a laser printer, and some copy paper, you can dive right into this project.
- No Need for Fancy Transfer Paper: You don’t have to hunt for or invest in special transfer paper; the beauty of this method lies in its simplicity.
- Cost-Effective: This technique doesn’t require expensive materials or tools, making it a budget-friendly way to enhance your home decor.
About Mod Podge
Let me tell you about Mod Podge! Mod Podge is a crafting essential that serves as both an adhesive and a sealer. It’s a type of decoupage medium that’s commonly used in DIY projects. Mod Podge is known for its ability to stick paper, fabric, and other materials onto various surfaces, creating a durable bond. There are several Mod Podge formulas and finishes, such as matte, glossy, and satin, allowing you to achieve different looks and textures. Mod Podge is often used for activities like collage, decoupage, and image transfer, and it’s a popular choice among crafters due to its ease of use and protective qualities. It’s super versatile and makes crafting feel like magic!
Supplies Needed for this Project
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- Breadboard (Similar)
- Laser printer (This is the model I have)
- Copy paper (regular paper)
- Free black and white graphic (see resources below)
- Mod Podge (also available at your local craft store)
- Krylon sealer (optional)
- Kitchen sponge
- Paintbrush or foam brush
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Discovering Budget-Friendly Breadboards
I stumbled upon these breadboards at a local surplus store, and they came at a fantastic price. Crafted from wood, these boards were already cut, sanded, and had a poly finish. After drilling a hole in the handle using a 3/8″ drill bit, they were ready for my creative touch. With three different styles available, I decided to get two of each, offering a variety of six options in my booth.
Selecting Images
To find suitable images, a quick Google search for “Free black and white vintage Santa image” provided plenty of options. I wanted an old look for each board so I did the same for Christmas trees and wreaths. I also recommend checking out Karen at The Graphics Fairy for fabulous free images. Etsy is another excellent source for beautiful paid images. You can even explore Pinterest for more inspiration.
Tip: Look for images that are black and white and have very clear lines. These seem to transfer best.
Printing with a Laser Printer
For this method, I used my trusty laser printer and general copy paper. What’s fantastic about this technique is that you don’t need special paper or trips to a copy center; you can do it right from home. One crucial step to remember is that if your image contains text (like the wreath image I used), you must reverse it. Failing to do so would result in backward text on the breadboard. Here’s an article on creating mirror images. I find it quite easy to achieve on my iPhone.
Note: I had originally read that this application only works with a laser printer, however, I have since learned you may use an inkjet printer as well.
Preparing the Images
Once your photocopied image is printed, carefully trim the excess paper around the entire image using scissors.
Applying the Image to the Breadboard
With a regular Mod Podge and a paintbrush (or sponge brush), coat the image. Next, flip the image face and center it on the breadboard, using your fingers (or a credit card works well!) flatten the print and remove any bubbles. The goal is to ensure full contact between the image and the board’s surface. Afterward, let the Mod Podge-covered image dry on the breadboard overnight.
Removing the Paper
Next, we want to remove the paper leaving just the image on the boards. Removing the paper is simpler than you might think. Start by wetting a kitchen sponge and pressing it against the back of the image to soak it. As you soak, the image becomes clearer.
After the image is soaked, the next step is to flip your sponge to the scrub side and lightly and I mean LIGHTLY run the sponge over the paper in a circular motion. You will find that the paper comes off in tiny rolls while the image stays. Be very careful to not push too hard or the image may lift with the paper. You can also use a dry paper towel or just your fingers to roll the paper off.
You can repeat the wet sponge and rub process again if need be.
Adding a Finishing Touch
To complete these decorative breadboards, I attached various ribbons to the handles. By slipping the ribbon through the hole and tying a slip knot, I achieved a rather charming finishing touch!
Sealing the Transfer (optional)
For added protection, you can seal the image transfer using Krylon spray Sealer in clear. Give it a quick sweep, wait for it to dry (approximately 30 minutes), then applied a second coat. Since the can doesn’t indicate its food grade/food safe, I marked these breadboards as “For decorative purposes only – not food safe.”
Ideas for Decorating with Breadboards
There are endless creative ways to display your charming breadboards, each offering a unique and captivating way to showcase their rustic allure in your living space.
- Place them against the backsplash of your kitchen counter.
- Stack a collection of breadboards against your backsplash.
- Style kitchen shelves with breadboards.
- Use them as risers to hold vases or plants.
- Display them on a wall for a beautiful decor statement.
- Hang them from hooks, as shown below on the end of my kitchen island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Easy Laser Printer Image Transfer Method
No, while a laser printer is commonly used, you can also use an ink jet printer for this process.
No, regular printer paper works perfectly fine for this technique. More than likely you have the right materials in your home!
While the method is most effective with black and white images, you can experiment with colored images as well.
If your image contains text or needs to appear in the correct orientation, it’s important to reverse it before transferring, if there’s no special orientation you can just lay the paper image side down.
You can repeat the wetting and rubbing process until the paper residue is fully removed.
Absolutely! This versatile technique can be applied to various hard surfaces, including wood, ceramics, glass, and more. See this image transfer on some chalk-painted clay pots below.
Absolutely! For best results use a special formula called Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium, specially designed for transfer photocopies of special photos to various surfaces.
For those who follow me on Instagram, you might recognize this process, as I used it to transfer French-inspired prints onto chalk-painted clay pots. The transferred image on this paint finish gives these pots a vintage feel! You can watch the process here.
I hope you’ve found this easy laser printer image transfer guide helpful and easy to follow, it’s one of my favorite projects. With a few simple steps you can create your own timeless artwork. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore my White and Green Christmas home tour for more holiday inspiration and for more craft projects visit my Crafts page.
