A Complete Guide to the Easiest Image Transfers
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? How to Apply Furniture Transfers?
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.
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Examples of Image Transfers on Painted Furniture
Since I am a huge fan of adding an image transfer to projects here are some examples, followed by a selection of image transfers that you can order online to use on your own projects:
A Complete Guide to the Easiest Image Transfers
A guide to rub on furniture transfer for DIY and painted furniture makeovers, followed by items to order online for your future projects.
How to Refinish a Table with Metallic Paint and Fabulous Florals
This project features a round table with a floral image transfer application and metallic paint. This post will show you how to apply furniture transfers.
An Image Transfer Buffet That Will Make Your Day
The flat surface of a vintage buffet served as the perfect blank canvas to apply an image transfer.
Painted Media Console with Image Transfer
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.
How to Apply an Image Transfer on a Painted Toy Box
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.
How to Transfer Images to Furniture Like a Pro
If you are a visual person and need to see the application in action, I have a video tutorial available in this post of a vintage clock image applied to a wood table.
20+ Image Transfer Ideas & Tutorials That Will Make You Drool
A variety of more painted furniture makeovers and DIY projects that use rub on furniture transfers.
Redesign DÉCOR TRANSFERS® – Imperial Garden Size 44"x30", Cut INTO 6 Sheets Rub on Transfer for Wall or Furniture Decoration
Imperial Garden large rub on image transfer
New Rub on Transfer for Furniture GOLDEN FIELDS FARM Redesign With Prima Transfers Farmhouse Cow 24 X 35 Inches - Etsy
Farm life rub on image transfer for decor and furniture
Redesign with Prima Wondrous Florals Decor Transfer Rub on Transfers for Furniture Vintage Rub on Transfers Stickers for Furniture Kitchen Wall Hallway Redesign-Transfer
Floral decor transfer for furniture and other projects. Amazon rub on transfers
Prima Marketing Inc. Scrapbooking, Multi-Color Decor Transfers
Prima Marketing Image Decor Transfer
Somewhere in France Redesign With Prima Decor Transfer FREE SHIPPING
French image trasnfer
Decor and Furniture Transfers
A variety of decor and rub on furniture tranfers from Dixie Belle Paint.
Prima Marketing Inc Redesign Transfer - Rose Celebration
Floral decor and furniture transfer
Prima Marketing IOD Decor Transfer-Fleur Arts and Crafts
Prima marketing IOD Decor transfer
Go forth and be creative!
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Love the collection of images! I’ve wanted to try an image transfer on furniture for a while now. #MerryMonday
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.
These are absolutely gorgeous. Pinned to read at leisure over the weekend, because I have to look into this!! Gorgeous work.
Will these work on tea towels? Permanent when washed? Where do I find them?
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 😉
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.
I actually only get mine from Amazon, but I do all of my shopping on Amazon 🙂
What type of transfer paper are you using?
its not transfer paper. I use the image transfers in the post. Ive linked to where you can order them 😉
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?
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
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.
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
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
thank you so much Linda. I never want anyone to feel misled 🙂
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
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?
You can certainly do that. Just make sure everything lines up nicely 🙂
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.
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.
Everything is beautiful and well presented. Pay no attention to the morons out there. Unfortunately they have internet connections.