I'm crafting a serving tray for a friend and want to personalize it with some art. I've seen various YouTube videos demonstrating how to transfer designs from an inkjet printer to wood, but they often leave out crucial details. Here are my specific questions:
1) What grit should I sand the wood before transferring the art? Is 120, 220, or something higher better?
2) Should I stain the wood before or after the transfer, or does it not matter?
3) Does it make a difference whether I use a water-based or oil-based stain?
4) One video warned against brushing or rubbing stain over the transferred art, while another said it wouldn't affect it. What's the consensus?
5) Finally, I plan to finish my project with a spray-on polyurethane. Should I use oil-based or water-based poly?
Thanks for any insight—I'm looking for expert advice rather than just trial and error!
1 Answer
You should definitely sand up to 220 grit for a smooth surface. As for staining, that's a tricky one; if you stain before the transfer, it could affect how well the art sticks or the color may change afterwards. It might be a good idea to test both methods on scrap wood to see what works best for you. Also, doing a final finish after the transfer often helps lock it in!
That makes sense! I guess trying it out beforehand is the best way to go. Thanks for the advice!