How To Transfer A Pattern Onto Wood Without Graphite Paper

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There are many ways to transfer an image or pattern onto wood. In this post, I cover how to transfer a pattern onto wood without using graphite paper.

This method is great if you don’t have graphite paper and just want a quick and simple way to transfer your image to wood.

I use this method a lot for my wood burning art! Often I’ll design a pattern on the computer or on my iPad for a wood burning project. I print the image, draw on the back with a pencil, and start transferring.

This method is super simple, quick, and doesn’t require many materials. Read my easy steps below on transferring a pattern onto wood for your wood project.

How To Transfer An Image Onto Wood Without Graphite Paper

Graphite paper is a great tool to have in your supply kit, but if you’re on a budget and don’t want to buy any more supplies, this method is for you.

Honestly, I own many types of graphite paper but sometimes I just don’t feel like getting it out so I use this paper method.

Step 1- Print out your image

how to transfer a pattern from paper to wood for wood burning

This butterfly image is an original design I created in Procreate. I drew this design knowing I wanted to burn it onto wood.

Print your design on paper and make sure it’s the correct size for the piece of wood you want to transfer it to.

Step 2- Cut around the design

After printing, cut around your design to get rid of the extra paper. This will make it easier for the transfer process. The cut doesn’t have to be perfect, as seen by my cut job above lol.

Step 3- Draw on the back with a pencil

how to transfer a pencil drawing onto wood

how to get an image onto wood with graphite paper

Flip over your image and start drawing on the back with a pencil. This is the step where you basically create your own graphite paper. If your image is just a few lines or letters, you can just draw over the parts that will need to be transferred.

For my butterfly design, I drew over the whole image to keep it simple.

Don’t draw too lightly as you need a decent amount of pencil to transfer it onto the wood.

Related: Green Artist Wood Burning Tools Recommendation List

Step 4- Place your image onto wood and tape it down to secure it for tracing

transferring pyrography patterns on wood

Now that the back is fully covered in pencil and ready to be transferred, it’s time to place the image onto wood. I use a ruler to ensure the design is centered on the wood.

Make sure the image is secured because if it’s loose your transfer may not be accurate when you trace over it. I usually use a few pieces of masking tape.

Step 5- Start tracing over your image

Now is the most important part of the process! Carefully trace over all the lines of your image to transfer it onto wood. This may take a while depending on how detailed your image is. I like to use a ballpoint pen to do this. Use decent pressure and trace all the details you want to be transferred onto the wood.

Step 6- Lift up the paper to reveal the image

Once you’re done tracing, carefully lift up the paper to reveal your traced image. You now have your sketch on your piece of wood.

Transferring images and patterns onto wood is a great way to make sure your design will be proportional and even.

Your image is now transferred and is ready to be burned!

transferring image onto wood for wood burning

Now I have a great outline as a reference for my wood burning project. After I do a basic outline with my wood burner, I will go in and erase any unnecessary lines.

Check out my post on how to remove pencil lines from wood burning art here.

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, ask them below!

-Amanda