How to Print Photos on Wood with an Inkjet Printer

When we talk about printing on wood, we are not thinking about shoving a block of wood into the printer feed tray! So, don’t worry. Your printer is safe. There are other ways to print photos on wood using an inkjet printer. It involves wax paper and gives you terrific results too! You’ll get some lovely, rustic photos on wooden surfaces to make great décor pieces for the home. They can even be DIY gifts that people will love.

Think of all the things you could do by getting pictures onto wooden surfaces.

• Boxes for sorting and organizing household and garden items, all neatly labeled.
• In the kitchen any wooden jars and storage receptacles can also labeled: spices, condiments and so on.
• For the drawing room or the bedroom, you can mount your favorite family photos onto wood. Then you’ll have exclusive and professional looking décor accents!
• You could also print out landscapes or still life drawings that you are particularly fond of, for your patio or porch.
• How about some inspirational quotes or pictures of people you admire for your home office?

What You Will Need for Printing Photos On Wood

Image from Ehow.com

• Wooden planks (ensure that the surface is smooth; if not use some sand paper to ensure that you have an even, clean surface to work with
• Wax paper (you can also use parchment paper)
• Your inkjet printer with adequate ink in the cartridges (a laser printer will not work because it uses dry toner as against fluid ink)
• Cutting implements
• Your fave photos, landscapes, or quotes of whatever it is you plan to print, reversed (ensure that the image of sufficient resolution to translate well into printed pictures. Add any filters or borders you need to, enhance contract etc; consider monochrome images or sepia tints too)

How to Create Your DIY Photos Printed on Wood

The image you plan to print has to be reversed (flipped). Since you will be printing out a mirror image which will then be transferred. This is important for photos but particularly important for text, quotes or some patterns. Giving a print command from your mobile phone? Use apps such as this Photo Editor app from iTunes for Apple devices. For Android devices, use the Mirror Photo app on Google Play.

If you’re using a Windows PC, open the image with Paint. Then on the Home Tab, click the ROTATE drop down menu. Next, click FLIP HORIZONTAL button to get a mirror image of your photo.

Once your picture is ready to print, insert a sheet of wax paper into the printer. If you’re using parchment paper, use the shiny side (which will hold the ink but not absorb it). Give the print command. As the printed page emerges, ensure that the image doesn’t come into contact with your fingers or any other surface. This will prevent smudging.

Now quickly place your image, wet side down on the wooden surface you’ve chosen to use. Smooth it down using a spatula or a credit card. When the ink has had time to transfer to the wood, carefully peel away the wax paper or parchment. Let the wooden surface dry and set and you’re done!

Special July Coupon Code to Save on Ink Cartridges

And just in case you’re worrying about the extra expense of ink cartridges, you need not! Not only do we have the best deals in ink and toner cartridges, our special discount all this month is sure to bring a smile to your face. Use the coupon code 5JULY during checkout to get $5 off each order value of $55 and up. Plus, you’ll get a Free 4th Of July Tote Bag & Free Shipping along with all orders placed before 07/31/2015 midnight (PST).