How to Print on Wood with an Inkjet Printer

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You might not know this, but the inkjet printer sitting around your house still has a few tricks up its paper tray. It can print on wood - well, sort of.
In planning for my daughter's first birthday party, I attempted to track down a vintage sign related doughnuts (it was a doughnut-themed party). Rather than spend a bunch of money on Etsy, I thought, "Why not just make this sign myself?" The only problem was that trying to paint anything by hand would look not so great, so I took to Google to find a way to transfer a digital design from my computer to a piece of wood. It turns out that trusty wax paper sitting in your kitchen drawer makes this all possible. Let's get to it.
What You'll Need
For this project you'll need the following:
unfinished, untreated, sanded wood. I recommend a lighter wood like pine to help your design show through
disposable foam brushes
400 grit sandpaper
some type of finish to seal and protect your wood. I really like Poly Whey Furniture Finish
wax paper
an inkjet printer
a tabletop paper cutter
Step 1: Prep Your Wood
I used some common board made of pine for my sign. You can use whatever wood you like, but just remember that the tone of the wood will show through any design you transfer. For instance, if you use a darker wood like mahogany, light colors like yellow will have a hard time standing out. If you're using a very detailed or colorful design, stick to a light wood like pine. Once you've selected your wood, give it a good sanding with 400-grit sandpaper. This will help your design transfer evenly and smoothly.
Step 2: Create Your Design
Using Word, Pages, PowerPoint, or even Photoshop (if you're a pro like that), make your design. The key here is using some program with a virtual ruler so that you can appropriately size your design to the size of your wood.
As you're channeling your inner graphic designer, print out your creation and cut it to size to see how if fits on your wood.
Step 3: Cut Wax Paper Sheets
To prepare everyday wax paper for the journey through an inkjet printer, it will need to be cut down to 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch sheets. You can do this with scissors and a ruler, but the process is much easier with a tabletop paper cutter. After being cut, the wax paper will naturally curl up since its been rolled up in its retail packaging. You'll want the paper to be nice and flat for printing to avoid nasty paper jams. To do that, I placed my wax paper sheets in a folder and placed a heavy book on top of the folder. 24 hours of flattening should do the trick.
Step 4: Print (Backwards)
Before you hit the "Print" button in your design software, you'll want to make sure you print the design backwards - especially if it has text. Every printer is different, so search through the print settings to flip the design horizontally. The design will be backwards when it comes out of the printer, but when you transfer it to the wood, it will be correctly oriented. You may also want to take extra care handling the wax paper with your printer. As you can imagine, the paper is very delicate, and you might run into a few (wax) paper jams. Be careful. Be patient. And make sure you have a few spare sheets.
Step 5: Transfer (Very Carefully)
After the wax paper has been printed on, it's essentially a big, floppy stamp. Carefully align the design on top of the wood and try anchoring the paper at one point with a finger - just avoid having the paper shift across the wood otherwise you'll get a ghosting effect. Then, using a plastic card (like a credit card, gift card, drivers license, etc.), swipe across the wax paper with lots of firm pressure to transfer the design evenly onto the wood. Once the design has transferred, peel off the wax paper and voila!
#woodworking #DIY #printonwood

[@rugen11]

I just wanted to mention besides being very informative, your video production skills are better than most youtubers I subscribe to. The thoughtful, logical narration... the well-framed shots and careful editing, music selection... these all make for a very comfortable viewing experience. For what it's worth, I have a film degree and I wanted you to know I enjoyed it. Keep it up... please! We need more of that.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Byron, you made my day! Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback - it's worth a lot! I hope to get going on some new videos soon.

[@joshuajosh5571]

Byron Nielsen .

[@illegal_opinions]

@@GadgetsandGrain can i do this if my wood has been spray painted already ?

[@TheFishinDad]

I tried this a few times a couple Christmases ago. It took a few tries to get it right. A couple of things I would add to doing it by this method is to keep in mind the wood type and grain density. Getting the wood down to a 220+ definitely helps with ink bleeding. Also, I had a hard time keeping the ink from smearing before it met the wood because of how flimsy wax paper is and discovered by accident that I was able to get the same affect using the back side of photo paper. I don't know if it is true of all photo paper but it definitely helped me out.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+The Fishin' Dad Great tips!

[@bobzthecat82]

great video, no messing about, straight to the point.

[@Matimila59]

Thanks for posting this. Looks the best technique I've seen for sign making. And beaut presentation too. Will try it today....

[@richardhawkins2647]

Amazing, I have seen so many photo transfer videos using gels and text transfer videos using acetone, yours seems t6o be the simplest and most effective method, thank you. Really appreciated the follow up web page as well.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Thanks, Richard! Really appreciate it.

[@jakethesnake9528]

Great idea. Never knew it could be done. Thanks a million for the information.

[@Woodworker1947]

Looks easy (!) so will give it a try - thank you for the clear instruction and easy to follow video :)

[@rileyschwarcz6322]

great now I want donuts and it's midnight

[@OmegaRecon65]

One word: Grubhub 😆😆

[@joshlenz1762]

Where have you been all my life!? Wax paper! Thanks! Subd!

[@momohunkerton4294]

Nice ride in the garage, little tikes rock

[@davidvasquez3564]

The doughnuts makes it look 3D. LOL Nice job.

[@keysersoze5633]

Excellent! Now imagine taking a router and carving that sign 2D style...Thanks for the ideas!

[@TheShaggyfrog]

I just gotta say....this is awesome :)

[@AlchemistPersians]

So cool! I was looking at using a Cricut machine but I like this better! Thank you for the info!

[@ShenzhenYilongDCoLtd]

Technology has advanced!

[@woodworks3585]

That was a Great Tip. Thank you I subscribed to.

[@lesliem5394]

So good....... nice work.

[@pairaboots]

Dude that's so cool I love the fact it's so less time consuming then all the others out there like the mod stuff .How bout gluing some of the wax paper to a sheet of regular paper maybe it will stiffen it up a bit? or double sided tape ? got to try this this weekend for some projects and will let you know. I am soooooooo subscribing thank you !!!!!!

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I like that idea! The was paper is delicate.

[@joestriker2100]

That is very slick.

[@Yasha4life]

Yes! I'm in love now!

[@MakersMadLab]

AWESOME video man! thanks!

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Innovative Tom Thank you for watching!

[@shys6264]

This is AWESOME!! SO SMART...LOVE IT! Thanks! :)

[@dianelangford7810]

Hi, Jeremy. This is intriguing and I'm eager to try it. . . but. I've watched the video twice and do not know what you put on the board prior to laying the waxed paper printout down. I have poor vision so perhaps I just missed it, but I'd like to know so I can try this. Thank you

[@elytovar3655]

Thanks!! 😊

[@nonutsnorris]

A lot quicker than my way with laser printer ! How long after you have transferred to the wood should you wait to varnish over it ?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I let the ink dry for about 24 hours before apply the varnish. Even then, you'll still want to apply many coats of varnish. If you apply to much, it can cause the ink to bleed. Hope that helps.

[@nonutsnorris]

Sure does, thank you !!! :)

[@jasielcalixto]

Great job

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Thanks! Let me know if I can answer any questions.

[@jasielcalixto]

Does it work on any kind of wood, Like skateboard decks? And if possible what kind of ink is the best. I tried to do it here and it didn't work out well. Thanks again.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Not sure about any wood, but a skateboard deck sounds like it might work. It's always a good idea to find some "test" material before committing to a project.

[@jasielcalixto]

I bought the right paper and it worked out perfeclty. Thanks a lot

[@cristinaljones]

Jasiel Calixto what is the right paper?

[@RomeoReturns]

great work. thanks

[@c.wanling6101]

Nice! feel that want to try it soon! Is it really possible to print something on the wax paper?

[@lueisadude]

Nice!

[@felicefurmento8141]

Ottimo! Veramente un bel lavoro! Che tipo di stampante ci vuole? Inkjet, laser o vanno bene entrambe?

[@silvertonguedaywalker9116]

I would love for us to do this ourselves but i would not have a clue of what Printer to buy and everything we would need to start x

[@laipeirong]

I recommend a suitable printer for you whatsapp[phone]

[@mickd6969]

thank you thank you thank you 😊

[@GadgetsandGrain]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@redwood1957]

Very nice video where or what is that little cutter? Thank you

[@sonaljain2234]

Can we use varnish instead of natural coating? And can a wax paper be printed in epson L805?

[@pietpompiepompiepiet940]

I use L805 Use the backing paper of self adhesive labels Remove all labels and print on shiny side Print setting must be Glossy premium High Have not tried wax paper yet But you Must use glossy paper setting

[@sonaljain2234]

@@pietpompiepompiepiet940 thank you

[@endian4284]

yes can you transfer another picture on top of another transferred picture.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I guess it might depend on how the original picture was printed on the wood in the first place. The best I can tell you is to test it out and see how it works.

[@carlodevivo2928]

hi, great video! will this work with parchement paper ?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I don’t think so. The parchment paper will probably absorb some of the ink.

[@Yasha4life]

thanks for sharing...

[@kaistudio8229]

may i know what printer model and ink you used.. is’t have to be the sublimation ink and printer.?

[@acretian0012]

Does it need to be an inkjet printer

[@ilovejoyceable]

The best by far, Did you use glue?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Gibbs Joyce No, but I’ve recently been using spray adhesive to stick the wax paper to a regular sheet of printer paper, and it works much better.

[@franceshyland2670]

I have purchased some lovely white textured veneer plaques. I want to put some text on them ie name, date of birth but not sure if they can be printed on. I know vinyl technique is used on them but I don't have a vinyl cutter or any of that equipment. can you recommend any tips. TIA Fran

[@lailanaouassih3678]

How much time it could resist from the moment we print it to the moment we transfer it? If i print it outdoors and come home to do the rest will it resist till i come back home?

[@cristinaljones]

does it matter what side of testing wax paper you print this on? thank you! great video!

[@GadgetsandGrain]

In my experience - no. Both sides of my wax paper have the same finish.

[@May13Tiffanyyy]

can you tell me if this stays on the wood or if it eventually fades?

[@fajrdn]

save water, drink wine LOL

[@rayc6638]

hi, actually if using flatbed printer you can directly print on wood, the wayprinter.com you can see the video...will you try?

[@designingsequences]

Can this be done using tracing paper instead of wax paper? and can this also be done instead of using wood say using a canvas or paper in a paper pad? Would love to know

[@venosagege3577]

Did you add glue to your wood before transfering the pic? If you did what kind of glue do you use?

[@mtz3843]

great vid, learn alot, but my paper keeps getting stuck in the printer an which side did you print on

[@wellfuckk9805]

Wax side. The wax paper that labels come on also works fantastic

[@mversantvoort]

Great video, nice editing too, subscribed! Question: the finish that you used, is it some sort of polyurethane? Thanks!

[@GadgetsandGrain]

It's a water-based polyurethane from Vermont Natural Coatings. You can buy it on Amazon and I really love the warmth it adds to the wood.

[@mversantvoort]

Thanks for the reply! I tried printing my own signs on square 7" boards, but I can't seem to get the text nicely in the center of the board... Any tips? Also, I often smudge the text on accident when placing the paper on the board, as well as when I push the ink in with the card. Any tips for that as well maybe? Thanks! :)

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Just keep a steady hand. Someone suggested to me in comments to glue the wax paper to regular white paper to stiffen the transfer. I'm going to try that, so that might help.

[@rangerunitnumber4788]

you get missing patches using this method, so not the best for finish images. acceptable and quick for carving however

[@dorabloom4871]

I have also head of using Freezer Paper - its ticker but you need to ensure you print on the shinny side. I have a quick question - can I varnish the wood first to make it darker?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Dora Bloom You can stain the wood before applying the transfer - that's what I did in this video, but always apply your varnish/poly/finish last. If you do it before, the ink will not absorb into the wood. Good luck!

[@우연같이]

can you print on grip tape?

[@teresaneese4573]

Can this be done to a piece of painted wood? If so what type of paint is best used?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I am not sure how this would work on painted wood. Paint may seal the wood in a way that would prevent the ink from being absorbed. Perhaps a flat paint would work work. And maybe even think about a staining to get the color your want. And as always, test it our first :)

[@savanadeshra]

Is wax paper same as baking paper?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Hi Savan, based on my research, baking paper is what we call parchment paper in the U.S. This is neither - I used wax paper which is just a thin as parchment paper, but it slightly transparent. I don't think baking/parchment paper would work for this because it would absorb the ink and not transfer to the wood. Let me know what you find.

[@jesserodriguez6242]

will this work on HEAT TREATED WOOD? pallet wood sanded down for a smooth finish

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I am not sure. As long as the wood is unfinished and smooth, it should work.

[@duckpond-studio]

the wax paper keeps jamming

[@minimaluminium]

Would there be any chance the printer head will get dirty due to printing on a wax paper?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Great question! I'm sure the printer manufacturer would not recommend using wax paper so this might be risky territory for printer maintenance. I haven't experienced any problems myself - yet :)

[@WhiteLilyAk44]

What model number printet

[@sagarthorate022237]

which printer u using sir. .?

[@aasmashabbir5769]

does it harmful for printer to print on a wax paper

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I haven't experienced any problems myself, but I'm sure this will void the warranty on my printer :)

[@sallyscorner]

Do I have to transfer the ink on the wax paper to the wood right away? or is it alright to wait for awhile? Thanks!

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Since the ink is oil based, it won't evaporate immediately, so you could leave the wax paper transfer sitting around for a few minutes. Good luck!

[@sallyscorner]

alright thanks!! :)

[@amandamorantes7337]

can I use the paper that comes with perler beads? they say its like parchment paperhowever u can use both sides

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I don't have experience with that paper, but test it out and see what happens.

[@sweetp1015]

Dude! Make more videos.

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I would love to, but I've been swamped with other projects. More are coming and thanks for watching.

[@JackGilbertJr]

Nice video, but my printer did not like this at all. It just kept jamming the printer. :(

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Jack Gilbert Sorry to hear that Jake. I had a few wax paper jams myself. Sometimes this was caused by the wax paper not being flat enough as it traveled through the paper feeder. To help flatten it, I would place the cut sheet under several heavy books for a few days. Hope that helps.

[@sonialbertina]

I found it very helpful to stick or glue the wax paper to a common A4 sheet, print it and then separate them!

[@masonhatcher770]

i see myself destroying my roomate's printer.

[@prestonhorton7144]

will this method work if i use Liquitex Matte Gel to seal the graphic afterwords?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Preston Horton It should, but be careful to apply a very thin first coat when brushing over your graphic. Sometimes the finish can make the ink run. I'm thinking about re-doing this technique with a spray finish so the ink bleed issue is eliminated. Good luck with your project and as always, test your materials on scrap material first. Let me know how it turns out.

[@prestonhorton7144]

Gadgets and Grain thank you!

[@gandhiaji3902]

what kind of printer do you use? laser or inkjet?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

+Gandhi Aji I used an HP inkjet printer.

[@drewjohnson4673]

What paper setting do you put the printer on? Thanks

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I use the glossy photo paper setting. My assumption is that the wax paper has similar properties to photo paper. I'm happy for others to chime in here if there's a better method. Every printer is different, so you might want to experiment with different settings to see what gives you the best results. Good luck!

[@maxmax4701]

Very good okkkkk

[@cottagecreatrix]

tried it. Didn't work. Jammed my printer.

[@GREENLUNGSAIRSOFT]

Is this a laser printer?...

[@GadgetsandGrain]

Hi Steven. No - I used an inkjet printer here. A laser printer will not work for this process.

[@GREENLUNGSAIRSOFT]

Gadgets and Grain So what kind of paper you suggest me?

[@GadgetsandGrain]

I used wax paper.

[@daystyr]

Pls I would like to know the name the paper u used for the printing... Thanks 🙏😁

[@brittanybowman3863]

Lol did u even watch the video

[@rebeccakleban9777]

wax paper

[@rgrrgrsxndngr1904]

Delicous D?!?! hahaha

[@randombroncosfan8095]

That's not printing on wood , that's transferring.

[@romanamerlene8554]

Awesome solutions for wooden project is woodprix.

[@BattleAudioRecords]

Or just ask of a local press company who has a flatbed printer. Ah yeah, "why if you can do it yourself?". Because this ink will vanish so fast and you do not need to suck with it. Probably you need to use varnish too to protect it. Nah.

I did something very similar, my plans from Stodoys helped me with this.

[@bowermanwinburn6723]

Stodoys has a very large project base.

[@thatiana56]

thanks, I broke my new printer

[@hannahgreys6393]

hahaha damn

[@coppulor6500]

The risk you take. I've had an inkjet for a decade and then just bought a cheap laser printer, put butcher paper into it to try tansfers and it jammed the first time. Got it out and tried another sheet and it ate it completely. Can't see it at all even after removing the tiner cart. Now it prints all jacked up. No I'm not gonna return it because I effed it up by experimenting. Just me. My fault, my expense. Gonna try to take it apart and fix but most likely gonna buy a new one. Live and learn

[@carmelinarosinski8953]

so i made it too . just by using woodprix woodworking plans :)

[@nannettebattista3047]

work goes much faster with Stodoys plans.

[@thfi5294]

Informative, but I wish to Hell you would have killed that damn music. It sucks.