You can Mod Podge actual photos onto a wood surface, and the steps to do so are simpler than you may think. 

The main steps to mod podge actual photos on wood are the following:

1. Preparing the wood surface (sand if necessary, clean)
2. Apply a thin layer of Mod Pode to the wood
3. Align the photo and press it into the Mod Podge 
4. Add a layer of Mod Podge on top of the photo
5. Wait for it to dry 
6. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge 

Now, if you want to transfer an actual photo to a wood surface, this process takes a few different steps:

7. Preparing the wood surface (sanding and cleaning)
8. Placing the photo on the wood surface, the photo facing up and not facing the wood.
9. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the photo as well 
10. Flipping the photo
11. Applying Mod Podge
12. Letting it dry for 24 hours 
13. If you want to give your project a canvas-like finish, add a second thin layer of Mod Podge and use a clean brush to brush through the adhesive from top to bottom. 

Keep reading to discover the specific details for each step and a few more tips to offer you the best results. 

How To Mod Podge Actual Photos On Wood

As you discovered in the intro of this guide, Mod Podging a photo to wood and transferring an image to wood using mod podge may sound like the same thing, but the process is different. 

Regardless of which method you prefer to work with or even want to try out for the first time, both start with the same step: preparing the wood surface. 

To Mod Podge a picture to a wood surface, you would want to choose a wooden surface that is flat and smooth (without bumps) for a smooth process and best results. 

Now, depending on your specific work, you may need to sand the wooden surface to create a smooth surface. For this, you can use medium-grit sandpaper or fine-grit sandpaper. 

If you want to paint the edges of your wood, now is the time to do so. 

Decide if you want the image to be Mod Podged directly on to wood or if you want also paint the surface of the wood to which the picture will be added. 

Now let’s begin with the fun. 

Follow these steps to Mod Podge a photo to wood:

1. If you need to sand the surface of the wood, clean it, removing all traces of dust or any other debris or strain (use soapy water or isopropyl alcohol)
2. Allow the surface to fully dry
3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the wood surface using a flat paintbrush or a foam brush
4. Align the photo and press it onto the wood and into the Mod Podge with the image facing upward (not the wood)
5. Once the picture is set in place, apply gentle but firm pressure to set it in place. 
6. If there are any wrinkles or air bubbles, use your fingers and palm to smooth the surface, working your way from the center and going outward. 
7. Add one thin layer of Mod Podge to the photo, covering the full surface of it with straight, horizontal brushing. 
8. Wait for the Mod Podge to dry (for a minimum of 20 minutes)
9. Apply a second coating of Mod Podge in a thin layer – use vertical brushing, working your way from top to bottom 
10. Allow the Mod Pode to fully dry 

The full curing time usually takes 24 hours. Read the manufacturer’s instructions. 

What To Know Before You Transfer Your Photos To Wood With Mod Podge

Before you get started on this project, you can Mod Podge actual photos on wood, but when you do so, your photo may not show as clearly all its details. 

What you can do to highlight your photos even better is the following:

1. Prepare your wood surface; make sure it is clean 
2. Add one layer of black chalk paint (works best in comparison to latex or acrylic paint)
3. Let it dry 
4. After the black chalk paint dries, add one layer of white chalk paint 
5. Let it dry 
6. Add a second layer of white chalk paint 
7. Let it dry 

After the second layer of white chalk paint has dried, use sandpaper to go over it and smoothen it out if there are rougher bumps on the surface or around the edges. 

If you are printing your photos for this project, consider using a laser jet printer (if you have the option) instead of an ink printer. The laser jet printer will offer better results. You can use regular computer paper. 

ProTip: When printing the photo, reverse it. Otherwise, it will get transferred onto the wood backward. 

How To Transfer Actual Photos On Wood With Mod Podge: Step By Step

If you are somewhat familiar with Mod Podge, then you know you can choose between different types. 

Some will offer you a matte finish, others a more glossy one. Decide which one you would like to have in the final results. 

Before you move on to transferring a photo to wood with Mod Podge, depending on what surface you use, make sure it is prepared and cleaned properly. 

If any dust or debris is on the wood, use a clean cloth lightly dampened in isopropyl alcohol and clean the surface well. Before you can take the next step of either transferring the photo directly on wood or first adding paint to it, wait for the wood surface to be fully dry. 

Follow these exact steps to Mod Podge an actual photo on a wood surface:

1. Attach the photo to the wood surface, the picture facing up 
2. Use a clean brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge, covering the whole surface of the photo 
3. Once you added Mod Podge to every inch of the photo, flip the photo so now the picture is facing the wood surface
4. Align it in the right position and press it down firmly 
5. Use your fingers to smooth out the surface of the photo, removing any wrinkles that may be there 
6. Let it sit for 24 hours 

Now that the 24 hours have passed, here is how to continue with your project:

1. Grab a clean rag (small for a small surface) and lightly damp it (do not soak it with water)
2. Gently go over the surface of the photo with the damp cloth, dampening each inch (do not use force)
3. Once you got the paper damp, you should be able to see the picture show through just  a bit 
4. Set the rag aside and use your fingertips to rub the paper off gently 
5. Start in the middle and work your way toward the edges for the best results 

Once you feel the paper is coming off, slowly continue rubbing toward the edge. 

If you rub the paper too hard or too long, you will also cause the image to come off. 

Be patient with this process and go slow. 

If there is a haze on any part of the finished look, dip your finger in water, flick off the excess water, and use your fingertip to rub it off gently. 

When you are done rubbing off the paper, add a layer of sealer on top of the image. 

You can use Mod Podge to add a seal layer, but this adhesive may not dry clear, adding haze spots to the end result. 

If you want a sealer with a clear finish, what works well for this is Minwax’s water-based topcoat that dries crystal clear. 

The advantages of this crystal clear topcoat are many, but here are a few main ones:

• Allows easy soap and water clean-up 
• Non-yellowing 
• Dries very fast
  • Allows re-coats after 2 hours 

You should be able to choose from various finishes, including:

• Gloss
• Matte
• Satin 
• Semi-gloss 
• Ultra flat 

Conclusion

You can add an image to a wood surface using two methods:

• Mod Podging the photo to a wood surface
• Transferring the photo to the wood surface using Mod Podge

These two may sound the same, but the process is different. 

One of the main differences between the two methods is that when you transfer the photo to a wood surface using Mod Podge, you will scrub the paper off, and the image remains on the wood, not the paper. 

With Mod Podging, you won’t need to scrape the paper off. The photo will remain on the wood surface as it is.