What Are Image Transfers?
Image transfers are a way to transfer an image or artwork onto your DIY project. In this case, on to painted furniture projects. There are multiple ways to transfer images but I’d like to focus on what I think is the easiest way. These image transfers appear intimidating and difficult but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 
How do Image Transfers Work?
To apply these image transfers to wood, or to your surface of choice you simply follow a few easy steps:
- wipe your painted surface with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust
- measure and mark where you intend to place your image
- peel the protective backing off of the image
- gently place the image where you would like it to go
- tape the image down to prevent it from moving
- gently rub the image with the wooden stick provided or a use popsicle stick
- slowly peel up the clear plastic
- your image should remain on the surface that you transferred it to.
- Seal your surface as you would seal any painted furniture project
Still unsure? Let’s keep going.
Click here to Pin this post for later.
Examples of Image Transfers on Painted Furniture
Since I am a huge fan of adding an image transfer to projects here are some examples:
- The flat surface of a vintage buffet served as the perfect blank canvas to apply an image transfer.
French Image Transfer on Vintage Buffet
- This modern media console was transformed using the leftover portion of an image transfer. The great thing about these image transfers is that you can cut them and use portions for different makeovers. One transfer can be split into multiple projects.
Painted Media Console with French Image
- A toy box with a simple one-word image applied to create a unique look. This makeover post used only a portion of an image from the full transfer.
Painted Toy Box with French ‘Memoires’ Transfer
If you are a visual person and need to see the application in action, I have a video tutorial available in this post: Transfer Images like a Pro
Where to Find These Awesome Embellishments
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
Here are multiple unique image transfers available online, so you don’t even have to leave the house to find them. Bonus points for being a time saver, woot-woot! They are also in my Amazon shop along with all of my other favorite tools and DIY supplies. Check out all the goodies here: Amazon Shop
French ‘La Petite Boutique De Vin’ Image Transfer
French ‘Brigitte’s Patisserie’ Image Transfer
Pig with Charcuterie Image Transfer
Le Fleur Cherubs Image Transfer
You can also find these image transfers in my shop here: SHOP Images 
Go forth and be creative!
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More from my site
The Ultimate Guide for Stunning Painted Furniture Ideas
How to Refinish a Table with Metallic Paint and Fabulous Florals
How to Transfer Images to Furniture Like a Pro
How to Create an Amazing DIY Image Transfer Sign
Painted Media Console with Image Transfer
How to Apply an Image Transfer on a Painted Toy Box
Megan says
Love the collection of images! I’ve wanted to try an image transfer on furniture for a while now. #MerryMonday
Jane @SustainMyCraftHabit says
These are gorgeous! I had never really thought about where one would get these. Great to know they’re so accessible. Pinning for later! And your work is gorgeous.
Leanna says
These are absolutely gorgeous. Pinned to read at leisure over the weekend, because I have to look into this!! Gorgeous work.
CJ Clark says
Will these work on tea towels? Permanent when washed? Where do I find them?
kandice kullmann says
Im not sure to be honest. Ive linked to the transfers in the post. Id love to know if you try how it turns out 😉
BK Minnet says
Love, love, love the image transfers. Especially the vintage French ones. Do you always buy yours from Amazon, or other places? I’ve done some transfers with decopouge, (spelling?) but like the IOD ones better. Have had difficulty finding the IOD transfers.
kandice kullmann says
I actually only get mine from Amazon, but I do all of my shopping on Amazon 🙂
Diana says
What type of transfer paper are you using?
kandice kullmann says
its not transfer paper. I use the image transfers in the post. Ive linked to where you can order them 😉
Jen says
My image won’t stick to my wall. It’s painted with a eggshell paint. What is going on? It’s starts to stick but sticks to the back of the paper as I peek. I have rubbed and rubbed. ANy tips?
kandice kullmann says
Jen, I emailed you back. But in case you didnt get it. I had the same thing happen recently, I thought that I had a faulty image. But I actually just had to rub really hard. Once I rubbed the back much harder the image transferred. I hope you get it to work
Elizabeth Brigante says
I really think your blog is misleading. the implication is that your are supplying these transfers for free. Not that you are selling them on Amazon. Why not be honest and tell the viewer that they have to pay for these things which they can get for FREE at other sites.
kandice kullmann says
I’m sorry you feel misled. I’ve never implied that they are free. This post says they are easy to use, examples of projects theyve been used on and where you can get them (amazon). Nowhere have I said free
Linda Hendricks says
Anyone with any sense can realize that not all things are free, but one must look to find the source and price. Your blog is awesome and to those who feel misled use their heads and find the price. Don’t let people like Elizabeth undermine the great job you are dong.
Linda Hendricks
kandice kullmann says
thank you so much Linda. I never want anyone to feel misled 🙂
Carmin says
Elizabeth, I didn’t see anywhere that says these images are free. The instructions on how to use them and where to order are very clear
Nancy says
My question is- if I want a large transfer on 2 cabinet doors, do I cut the transfer down the middle & then apply each side?
kandice kullmann says
You can certainly do that. Just make sure everything lines up nicely 🙂
Karren Rees says
Have you ever had trouble with the top vinyl being loose and the transfer staying stuck to the back? I bought The big transfer with post card plus flowers on it from Amazon. I got two of the six pieces to release but I can’t finish my piece. Is there a fix I can use to get the back Paper off the transfer? I just want to cry.
kandice kullmann says
honestly, yes. it has happened and its very frustrating. I try to peel the vinyl slowly and carefully. If it sticks unfortunately I don’t have a solution. Im so sorry. I do have a friend (who has the patience of a saint) who will go in afterwards and handprint the areas where the transfer doesn’t stick. I don’t have the patience nor the talent for that though.