How to Engrave a Photo on Wood
Wood engravings are a popular form of artwork at arts and crafts shows. Animals, landscapes and still life drawings are all common subjects for wood engravings. A personalized wood engraving is a niche that would serve a skilled artist well. Photos engraved on wood make custom gifts for all sorts of special occasions, such as milestone birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 1 1x8x10 inch hardwood board
- Carbon paper
- Photocopy of a photograph
- Tape
- Pen
- Rotary tool
- Medium and fine wood engraving attachments
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Rag
- Wood finish of your choice
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the 1x8x10 inch hardwood board on a work surface. Place a sheet of carbon paper over the board, so that the carbon side is against the wood. Lay the photocopy of a photograph over the carbon paper. Tape the photocopy and carbon paper in place.
-
2
Trace the details of the photocopied photograph with a pen. The pressure form the pen will transfer the image onto the board, from the carbon on the carbon paper. Once all of the details you wish to include in the engraving have been traced, remove the tape, photocopy paper and carbon paper from the board.
-
-
3
Insert a medium wood engraving attachment into the rotary tool. Begin to engrave the larger outlines and details of the photograph into the wood board. Use flowing strokes. If you desire to make a deep section on the board, use several light strokes, rather than one deep cut. This will make for a smoother flowing line. Once the larger details have been engraved, turn the rotary tool off.
-
4
Insert a small wood engraving attachment into the rotary tool. Continue engraving the details of the photograph. Use the small attachment to make the finest details into the wood. Once the smallest details have been engraved, turn the rotary tool off.
-
5
Sand the engraving lightly with 120 grit sandpaper to remove any rough cuts in the board. Do not sand too much or you will begin to loose fine details on the engraving. Wipe off any dust that is on the engraving with a rag. Apply a wood finish of your choice. Allow the finish to dry before displaying the engraving.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Engrave your signature into the bottom right hand corner of the engraving. This will add a personal touch to the piece.
Wear eye protection when woodworking.
Follow wood finish instructions for safe application.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit engraving image by aleksey kashin from Fotolia.com
