How to Transfer Photos to Canvas Paintings

Make your favorite photographs into canvas paintings.

It's an unfortunate fact, but print photographs have a tendency to disintegrate over time. Your favorite images can be saved by transferring them to canvas, which can then be hung on your walls. You can transfer your photographs at home with acrylic or gel paint or have it done by a professional. Professionals can paint the photograph onto canvas, lift the image with paint or have it digitally printed to look like a painting.

Things You'll Need

• Gel gloss or acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Canvas

Instructions

1. Apply the gel or paint to the canvas using a paint brush. Make sure it is thoroughly coated. You can use a clear gel gloss paint if you want the photograph to look the same on the canvas or a colored paint to change the look. Paints are also available with special effects such as acrylic crackle paint.

2. Place a laser copy of the photograph image side down onto the paint covered canvas. Allow to sit overnight to dry completely. The next day, dampen a paper towel with water and rub away the laser paper. The image of the photograph will remain on the canvas.

3. Contact a professional service to have the photo transferred to a canvas or painted on a canvas. Professional transfer companies include August Canvas Reproduction and Photogonia. Companies such as Paint My Photo Now hires artists to paint your photograph onto a canvas. Digital printing is also available to look like a painting from companies like Paint Your Life.

References

• Art: Product Information: Canvas Transfers
• Golden Paints: Direct Image Transfers: Patti Brady