Use Mod Podge to do a photo transfer to glass! The decal method is the most successful way to get transfer on glass that I’ve found. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to see a video of this method in action!

Skills Required: Intermediate. You should expect some trial and error with this project. The decals are somewhat thin and it takes some practice to learn how thick to make the medium and how much paper to rub off. It helps if you’ve used Mod Podge or photo transfer medium before.

Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than pictures of friends and family. I especially love collecting and displaying old photos that family members haven’t seen.

Here is an interesting way to display vintage photos on glass vases using a Mod Podge photo transfer process – it’s call the decal method. What I like about it is that the photos look very rustic after being transferred, so this project goes well with farmhouse decorating.

Let’s dive into the decal method and into a few frequently asked questions you might have about transferring photos to glass before I share the tutorial with you. I’ve done this a lot and have failed a lot, so I’m excited

In the decal method, you’re going to print out photos on printer paper (not photo paper) and then paint them with Mod Podge photo transfer medium.

You’ll let that dry, rub away the paper, and a decal of the medium will be left behind. You’re going to use this as a decal to place on the glass. The nice thing about this method? It’s basically a glass cling, and you can (typically) remove it and reuse as necessary.

(Another related method is the packing tape image transfer if you want to check that out! It works on glass too but has a different effect).

Transferring Photos – Tips for Success

What are my most important tips for a photo transfer to glass? Here they are:

1. Use a medium layer of the transfer medium – obscure the image entirely so you can’t see any portion of it. Thicker is better than thinner, otherwise your decal will be too thin and tear easily.
2. Reverse any images with words so that they appear correctly when the transfer is complete.
3. Use thinner printer paper. You are going to rub away all the paper, so nothing too thick – 20 lb or less is good.
4. Don’t rub too much in one place or you’ll tear the decal. Wet, rub, let dry a little, then repeat. The decals are slightly fragile.
5. Understand that the images are always going to have a vintage look. This is the case when you transfer any image to wood, canvas, etc. as well. That is the result of using this medium.

Ready for the project? Let’s get to it – and learn how to transfer photos to glass using the decal method. Get the printable how to card below.

I love the idea of doing this photo transfer on recycled glass bottles, mason jars, or any other containers you can get from the thrift store. And if you want more articles about Mod Podge photo transfer medium, check out the posts below!