Image to Wood Transfer. Full Scale.

If you are a regular reader of SaltTree, you may recall a recent trial project I did involving transferring a laser jet print onto wood.  It was a good thing I did that trial... it taught me a few things.  I decided to go full scale with it... eek!

Like the trial run, (read it if you are going to try this!  There are make or break tips in there!)  I sent an image to Staples to be printed via laser jet.  I believe the image ended up around 18x20 inches, printed on regular draft type paper, like the quality you would use in your home printer.  Originally I was going to use a different photo, but this one of Foster just spoke out...and it only cost a little over $1.00.

I found the cheapest plank of pine at the hardware store and purchased a couple brackets.  Cut the wood down and attached them together with the brackets to create a larger wood 'canvas' of sorts.  I also beat up the sides of the wood so they weren't so straight and perfect looking.  Actually, I bashed it against the brick exterior of our house.  Doesn't everyone have a wee bit of stress to get out?

I followed the same method as before, applied the medium and let it sit overnight.  Peeled off the paper the next morning, wiped it down and then waxed and buffed it with furniture wax (I used MinWax).   There were a few fuzzy bits left on the surface, which if I worked at it might have come off, but I didn't mind them.  It makes it feel a little weathered.... which seems to work well with this image of Foster blowing away in the wind!

I love the knot at the bottom ....

And the lovely sheen the wax gave.  Don't skip this part.  If you want it to last, seal your work!

I might try using a colour image next time... the possibilities are endless!