There are many ways to write on wood, but if you want everything to be perfect, moving the text is the best option. Once you've created the template on your computer, you can print it out, then transfer it onto a piece of wood. The choice of paper type to print on depends on what effect you want.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Pencil, Paper and Paint
Step 1. Create text using a text or image editing program
Since the text doesn't need to be reversed, you can use any program. Create the text first, then select it and change the size and font type to the choice you want.
- Text color doesn't matter. You can even use the option to add an outline.
- You can also search the internet for ready-made text or draw your own sketch on a piece of printer paper.
Step 2. Print the text on a sheet of printer paper
Do not flip or make a mirror version of it. Just print it directly on a piece of paper as you would any other document or coursework. The type of printer doesn't matter either. You can use a laser or inkjet printer.
- Use printer paper. You can also use paper binders. However, don't choose cardboard as it's too thick to move the text around.
- Skip this step if you are drawing the text yourself.
Step 3. Cover the back of the paper with graphite
A thick graphite stick will make this job quicker, but you can also use a pencil. Press firmly until the graphite looks shiny. No need to cover all the paper, just focus on the text. It's better if you cover the entire text instead of just the outline.
- You should be able to see the text from the back of the paper. Otherwise, stick the paper to a bright window pane, but this is usually not necessary.
- If the wood is dark in color, the graphite will not be visible. Just use chalk. It doesn't need to be thick because lime is very powdery.
Step 4. Tape the paper onto the wood surface with the graphite side facing down
Position the paper so that the graphite is in contact with the wood and the text is facing up. Slide the paper until you are satisfied with its position, then tape the corners.
It doesn't matter what type of tape you use as long as it holds the paper in place
Step 5. Trace letter by letter with the pencil firmly pressed
As you trace, the pressure from the pencil will cause the graphite under the paper to stick to the wood. Wherever you press the pencil, the graphite will move it.
- Lift the corners of the paper to check your progress. The lines will appear faint, but you can still see them.
- You don't need to fill in the letters because they will be painted later.
Step 6. Lift the paper and check the text if necessary
The lines will look faint and fuzzy, but that's okay. If you have trouble seeing the letters, trace them back with a pen or pencil to make them look clearer. This text will be used as a stencil for the coloring stage.
If you're using a pen, choose a color that matches the paint you're painting
Step 7. Color the text with acrylic paint
A wide, flat brush is the best choice for block letters, while a thin, pointed brush is best for cursive letters. If you don't like painting, just use paint pens.
- If the wood surface is smooth, you can color in the text with a permanent marker.
- The paint will cover the graphite/chalk marks, so don't worry.
Step 8. Let the paint dry
This takes about 15-20 minutes. Once the paint dries, you can display the wood art. For a more durable finish, coat with a clear acrylic sealer.
Acrylic sealants are available in a choice of matte, glossy, and satin finishes. So, choose wisely
Method 2 of 3: Using Wax Paper or Freezer Paper
Step 1. Invert the text you want using an image editing program like Paint or Photoshop
Use the Text Tool to type the text you want. Take advantage of the editing tools in the program to invert text or create a mirror version of it.
- The text must be reversed, otherwise the result will be reversed.
- Choose a good font with an appropriate size. The text will look lighter on the wood. So, dark colors, bold fonts (bold), or bright colors will look best.
- Don't wear white. There's no such thing as white printer ink, so the output won't print anything. If nothing prints, no text will move.
Step 2. Glue a piece of wax paper onto the printer paper
Grease the printer paper with a glue stick, then press the wax paper over it. Cut off the remaining wax paper, then tape the edges.
- If you don't have wax paper, just use freezer paper. Make sure the waxed side is facing up.
- You don't need to stick tape all over the paper, just the edge that goes into the printer first.
Step 3. Print the text onto wax paper using an inkjet printer
Pay attention when you load paper into the printer; text must be printed on wax paper/freezer. When finished printing, hold the paper by the edges. Do not touch the ink because it will smudge.
- Don't wait for the ink to dry. The ink must be wet for the next step.
- If you have a printer with a bottom feeder, place the wax paper at the bottom of the printer paper.
- If you have a printer with a paper feeder from above, position the wax paper on top of the printer paper.
Step 4. Place the paper with the text face down on the wooden surface
Turn the paper over so the wax paper is on the bottom. Place the paper on top of the wood, then press once it fits.
- Tape the corners so the paper doesn't slide.
- Make sure the wax paper/printer touches the wood.
Step 5. “Scratch” the back of the paper with a credit card
If you don't have one, just use another thin plastic card, such as a debit or gift card. Press firmly to move the text onto the wood surface, but not so hard that it tears the paper.
You can also use a spoon, but the results won't be very firm
Step 6. Open the paper to see the text
The text will look faded and dated. If you want a bolder result, color the text with acrylic paint. For a more durable finish, coat the wood with a clear acrylic sealer.
- You can apply the sealer directly to the text without needing to paint.
- Acrylic sealers are available in opaque, glossy and satin finish options. So, choose the one you like the most.
Method 3 of 3: Using Carbon Paper
Step 1. Invert the text in an image editing program
Open an image editing program and create the text you want. Choose the size, color, and type of font you want, then flip the image so that the text is upside down.
This step is important. If you don't flip it over, the text will flip over when you move it onto the wood
Step 2. Print the text on carbon paper using a laser printer
You can buy carbon paper from a stationery, craft store, or t-shirt and paint department store. You can also buy them in online marketplaces. Make sure the text is printed on the textured side of the paper, not on the “paper feel” side.
- If you only have an inkjet printer, look for carbon paper specifically for this type of printer. Read the label.
- Choose paper made for light colored fabrics. If you buy a type of carbon paper made for dark fabrics, the text will have a white background.
Step 3. Position the paper face down on the wood
Make sure the printed text is face down and touching the wood. If you want, tape the edges of the paper to the wood with masking tape.
Step 4. Iron the paper on the no steam heat setting
Plug the iron into the cotton or linen setting and wait for it to heat up. Make sure the steam setting is off, then iron the paper like you would iron a t-shirt.
- Press and hold the iron firmly on the paper. If the pressure is not enough, the text will not move properly.
- The length of time required depends on the brand of paper used. However, most brands will take about 5-10 seconds.
Step 5. Peel off the paper to see the text
The carbon paper will act as it does on the cloth or similar to it. The text will look thin, but this is due to the grainy, porous texture of the wood.
- If the text is not dark enough, just color it with acrylic paint.
- Polished wood with clear acrylic sealing in a choice of opaque, glossy, or satin finishes to protect the resulting text.
Tips
- If you don't have the right type of printer at home, print the text at a printer and photocopy kiosk, or in the office.
- If the text transferred to the wood is underexposed, color it in with a permanent marker for a translucent finish) or acrylic paint (for an opaque finish).
- It's easier to move text on sanded wood, but you can still get a neat effect on rough, unsanded wood.
- It's not mandatory to apply sealants to wood, but it's best if you do. If the unsealed text is exposed to water, the ink may fade.
- Consider practicing on a piece of scrap wood first until you get the effect you want.
- If you use the wax paper, freezer paper, or carbon paper method, the text won't be white. If you want it to be white, you'll need to paint it with acrylic paint.
