Ingredients
- 1 stretched cotton canvas, 8 by 10 inches, 3/4 inch deep
- 1 laser-printed photograph, 8 by 10 inches or smaller, printed on plain copy paper
- 6 fluid ounces matte decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge Matte
- 1 foam brush, 1 inch wide
- 1 small soft-bristle paintbrush, 1/2 inch wide
- 1 plastic bowl containing 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 clean sponge, about 4 inches wide
- 1 microfiber cloth, 12 by 12 inches
- 1 sheet of 120 grit sandpaper, cut to 2 by 4 inches
- 1 sheet of 220 grit sandpaper, cut to 2 by 4 inches
- 6 fluid ounces water-based matte clear sealer, optional for extra protection
- 1 disposable table covering, at least 24 by 36 inches
- 1 pair nitrile or household cleaning gloves, optional but helpful
- 4 pieces painter's tape, each 6 inches long
- 1 pair scissors, for trimming the printed image
Instructions
- Cover your table with the disposable covering before you open the medium. Taping the corners down saves you from chasing the paper while you work.
- Choose a photograph with clear shapes and good contrast. Reverse the image before printing if it contains words or a recognizable side-to-side direction.
- Trim the photograph with scissors so it fits the canvas, leaving no more than 1/8 inch of extra paper around the edges.
- Lightly smooth the canvas with the 120 grit sandpaper, then follow with the 220 grit. Wipe away the dust with the microfiber cloth.
- Brush a thin, even coat of the matte decoupage medium across the front of the canvas, where the image will sit.
- Place the photograph face down onto the wet canvas, starting at one edge and pressing outward with fingers or the back of a spoon to work bubbles toward the sides.
- Leave the image flat and untouched for 24 hours.
- Remove the tape and wet the back of the paper with the sponge and lukewarm water. Let the water sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the paper feels soft.
- Rub gently with your fingertips in small circles to roll the paper fibers away.
- Pause when the image looks clear and the surface feels mostly smooth. If a pale haze remains, let the canvas dry for 20 minutes and inspect it again.
- Let the transferred image dry for another 24 hours.
- Optionally, use the soft-bristle brush to add a thin coat of water-based matte clear sealer for extra protection.
- Clean the foam brush and paintbrush with warm water while the medium remains wet. Let the finished canvas cure for 48 hours before placing it against another surface.
Notes
Keep the scissors pointed away from your hand and cut on a stable surface. Children around age 8 and older can help with supervision, but an adult should handle trimming and any sealer. Use water-based products with ordinary room airflow.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
