How To Transfer An Image Onto Glass: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Home » How To Print On Glass » How To Transfer An Image Onto Glass: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Transfer an Image Onto Glass PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Renee Day

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Applying Tape to the Image
    • |
  • Soaking and Transferring the Image
    • |
  • Using Mod Podge Instead of Tape
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Renee Day. Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 390,628 times.

Putting an image onto a glass object—such as a glass, mason jar, mirror, or window—is a way to personalize and decorate your living space. You can transfer any type of image that has been printed from a laser printer, or that you find in a book or magazine. To transfer an image onto glass, fix adhesive packing tape to the image you’d like to transfer. Soak the image and tape in warm water, then remove the paper and stick the image onto a glass object. Alternatively, you can use a gel transfer medium to move the image directly onto a glass surface.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Applying Tape to the Image

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Print your image on a laser printer. 1 Print your image on a laser printer. If the image that you want to transfer currently exists only digitally, you’ll need to print it. For best results, use only a laser printer. Do not transfer an image that has been printed from an inkjet printer.[1]
    • Alternately, you could transfer an image from a magazine page, newspaper page, or a photograph that has been developed from film.
    • If you’re printing your image at a local Kinko's or other printing shop, confirm that the printer they’re using is not an inkjet.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 2 Place a piece of packing tape over the image. Cut off a piece of clear packing tape and apply it directly over the printed image or magazine photo. Make sure that the piece of tape completely covers the image you want to transfer.[2]
    • If your image is larger than the width of the packing tape, you won’t be able to transfer it. Re-print the image so that it’s slightly narrower than the packing tape, which is roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm).
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 3 Smooth out the tape with the edge of a credit card. Carefully scrape the edge of a credit card along the taped image so that bubbles are worked out from the side of the tape.[3] If there are any air bubbles caught between the paper image and the packing tape, there will be gaps in the image once it’s transferred to glass.
    • If you don’t have a credit card handy, use a similar-sized object, such as your driver’s license.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 4 Cut the image out using a pair of scissors. Begin by cutting away excess paper from the printed photo (or magazine image). Then, carefully cut out the image itself. If the image has curves or sharp angles, carefully cut around these so you’re left holding only the tape-covered image.
    • If the image is square or rectangular, cutting will be relatively easy.
    • If you don’t have scissors nearby, a utility knife will work as well.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Soaking and Transferring the Image

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 1 Submerge the image into a glass of warm water. The water will help the image transfer onto the adhesive surface of the tape. Let the taped image soak in the warm water for 5 or 6 minutes.[4]
    • The water should be warm to the touch, but not hot. Hot water may melt or deform the tape and image.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 2 Rub the paper off of the back of the tape. Pull the taped image out of the water, and lay it flat on your working surface. Using your index and middle fingers, rub back and forth across the paper side until the paper rolls and flakes off of the tape.
    • If the paper doesn’t rub off completely, re-submerge it in the warm water and let it soak for another 2 or 3 minutes.
    • Then, pull the image out and continue rubbing off the paper.
  3. Step 3 Blow dry your image. 3 Blow dry your image. Once you’ve removed all of the paper, you will be left with the strip of packing tape with the image transferred onto it. Pull out a blow dryer and use it to fully dry the strip of tape. Once the tape is dry, you’ll notice that one side has become sticky again.
    • If you don’t have a blow dryer, set the piece of tape flat on your work surface. Let it dry by air, which will take about 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4 Press the adhesive side of the image firmly against your glass. 4 Press the adhesive side of the image firmly against your glass. You’re now ready to apply the image onto the glass. Center the tape above the glass, and lower the adhesive image until it’s resting against the glass surface. Then, using your fingers, press the tape firmly onto the glass.[5]
    • Start at the top or bottom of the tape and work your way to the other side, to avoid trapping any air bubbles under the tape.
    • If you find any air bubbles once the tape is applied, smooth them out from under the tape using the edge of a credit card.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Using Mod Podge Instead of Tape

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 1 Rub a layer of gel transfer medium onto the glass. Use a craft brush to spread the transfer medium so that your fingers stay clean. Apply a generous layer of transfer medium to the section of glass that you’ll apply the image to.[6]
    • You can purchase gel transfer medium at any craft or hobby-supply store. Containers of transfer medium are typically marked “matte gel” or “Mod Podge.”
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 2 Press the image firmly onto the glass surface. Carefully position the image over the area of glass you’d like to apply it to. Set it down on the glass, and use your fingers to press and flatten the gel-covered image into place.[7]
    • Once you’ve pressed the image into place, avoid sliding it around on the glass surface.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 3 Squeegee any air bubbles out from under the image. If there are any air bubbles between the paper and glass, the image won’t transfer fully. Slide a squeegee gently over the surface of the image to press out any air bubbles.[8]
    • You can purchase a squeegee at a local hardware store.
  4. Step 4 Let the transfer gel dry as long as the product instructions suggest. 4 Let the transfer gel dry as long as the product instructions suggest. The image transfer will be ruined if you attempt to remove the paper before the gel has fully dried. If you live in a humid climate, the gel may require more than 24 hours to dry.[9]
    • The particular type of transfer gel that you use may have slightly different drying directions. Follow these directions to ensure the image transfers properly.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Transfer an Image Onto Glass 5 Dampen the back of the paper with a sponge. Slide a dampened sponge across the back of the paper. The water will soak into the paper and allow you to rub it off of the glass.[10]
    • Make sure to wring out the damp sponge before you apply it to the photo paper. Do not use a soaking wet sponge.
  6. Step 6 Rub your thumb in circles over the paper to remove it. 6 Rub your thumb in circles over the paper to remove it. Now that you’ve dampened the paper, you can remove it from the glass. Work over the surface of the paper, making small circles with your thumb to break up and loosen the paper.[11]
    • As the paper comes off, you’ll be able to see the image stuck to the glass. The Mod Podge image should remain on the glass as you finish rubbing off any remaining patches of paper.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Why would someone want to do this? Community Answer Community Answer This can be a nice decoration or a gift for someone else. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 44
  • Question If I transfer an image with writing on it, will the writing come out backwards? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. When using modge podge, all images are reversed which means the words will be backwards. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 51
  • Question What type of paper is best suited for transferring an image onto glass? Community Answer Community Answer I believe you can use any type. Personally I've used printer paper and wax paper. Try experimenting with different types. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 38
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you’re transferring an image with mod podge, be aware that the image will be reversed when transferred. This is especially important if you’re transferring text. Be sure to “mirror” the words in your word processing program before printing them.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you’ve transferred the image onto a drinking glass or mason jar, do not wash the glass in the dishwasher. Wash the inside using soapy water and wipe the outside of the glass using only a cloth. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 9
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

For a Tape Transfer

  • Packing tape
  • Credit card
  • Scissors
  • Glass of warm water
  • Blow dryer

For a Mod Podge Transfer

  • Photo transfer medium
  • Craft brush
  • Squeegee
  • Sponge

You Might Also Like

Transfer Images to CeramicHow toTransfer Images to Ceramic Mod Podge PhotosHow toMod Podge Photos Transfer Photographs to FabricHow toTransfer Photographs to Fabric How toDecoupage on Glass Transfer Prints to FabricHow toTransfer Prints to Fabric Transfer Photos Onto CanvasHow toTransfer Photos Onto Canvas Make Your Own Canvas PrintsHow toMake Your Own Canvas Prints Make Photo MugsHow toMake Photo Mugs How toUse Transfer Paper 3 DIY Ways to Transfer Photos & Drawings to Wood Mod Podge Pictures onto WoodHow toMod Podge Pictures onto Wood How toTransfer Pictures to Candles How toDecoupage Jars Iron a Picture on a ShirtHow toIron a Picture on a Shirt Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owiLD9I6Wk
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owiLD9I6Wk
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owiLD9I6Wk
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R6Cea0swOY&t=3m2s
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R6Cea0swOY&t=5m24s
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owiLD9I6Wk
  7. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1
  8. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1
  9. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1
  2. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1
  3. ↑ https://empressofdirt.net/image-transfer-methods/#sectionF1

About This Article

Renee Day Reviewed by: Renee Day Crafting Expert This article was reviewed by Renee Day. Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This article has been viewed 390,628 times. 5 votes - 76% Co-authors: 11 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 390,628 Categories: Featured Articles | Working with Glass Article SummaryX

To transfer an image onto glass, start by printing out the image using a laser printer. Then, cover the image with clear packing tape and smooth out any bubbles with the edge of a credit card. Next, cut out your image with scissors if there's any excess paper you don't want. Once your image is ready to go, soak it in warm water for 5 minutes. Then, take the image out of the water, rub the paper off the back of the tape, and blow dry the tape until it's completely dry. Finally, press the adhesive side of the tape onto a piece of glass. If you want to learn how to use Mod Podge to transfer your image, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Spanish Portuguese Indonesian French Russian Dutch Japanese Arabic Korean Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 390,628 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • CONNIE S.

    CONNIE S.

    Nov 27, 2024

    "My mother-in-law loves hummingbirds. For her 90th birthday, we found decorations featuring beautiful hummingbirds...." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Renee Day Reviewed by: Renee Day Crafting Expert 5 votes - 76% Click a star to vote 76% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 11 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 390,628 CONNIE S.

CONNIE S.

Nov 27, 2024

"My mother-in-law loves hummingbirds. For her 90th birthday, we found decorations featuring beautiful hummingbirds...." more Ceceline Seale

Ceceline Seale

Nov 12, 2019

"I now know something I never knew. I was researching to create an income for myself, and this was super helpful and..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Bumper Sticker GeneratorBumper Sticker GeneratorGeneratePhotographic Memory TestPhotographic Memory TestTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizInk Blot TestInk Blot TestTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Transfer Images to CeramicHow toTransfer Images to CeramicMod Podge PhotosHow toMod Podge PhotosTransfer Photographs to FabricHow toTransfer Photographs to FabricDecoupage on GlassHow toDecoupage on Glass

Featured Articles

Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)

Trending Articles

How Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Will I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are Quiz

Featured Articles

210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People

Featured Articles

11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No Internet11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No InternetThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I QuizWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I QuizBest Haircuts for Men with Round Faces (& How to Style Them)Best Haircuts for Men with Round Faces (& How to Style Them)What Is the Chubby Body Type? Plus, How It Compares to Other Body TypesWhat Is the Chubby Body Type? Plus, How It Compares to Other Body TypesDo I Have an Innocent Face QuizDo I Have an Innocent Face Quiz

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Do I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizFunny Numbers to Call When You’re Bored or Want to Prank SomeoneFunny Numbers to Call When You’re Bored or Want to Prank SomeoneThe 26 Different Types of Women in Psychology, Dating, & LiteratureThe 26 Different Types of Women in Psychology, Dating, & LiteratureMental Illness TestMental Illness TestWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizWhat Wild wikiHow Article Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizEmoji TestEmoji TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Glass and Stained Glass Projects
  • Working with Glass
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --575

Tag » How To Print On Glass