How to Make a Backlit Photo Lamp Pattern

Prepare a digital photo file in your photo editing software as you would for a normal print job. Use at least 240 pixels per inch resolution. In fact, 300 pixels per inch is even better. Edit brightness, contrast and any other settings to perfect your image.

Set your inkjet printer settings to the recommendations on the transparency, vellum or translucent printing paper package. Since these papers generally are not as porous as regular paper, the setting should be one in which less ink is used. Try “high gloss photo paper” or “draft” settings if you don’t have specific instructions.

Remove all the paper from the paper tray of your printer. Run the special cleaning sheet through the printer, if your paper came with one, using the paper feed button on your printer. This cleans the print heads to avoid smudges on the print job. Remove the cleaning sheet from the output tray.

Load one sheet of transparency, vellum or translucent printing paper in the printer’s input tray. Do not load more than one sheet in the tray at a time to avoid printer jams. Ensure the printable side is facing in the correct direction for your specific printer.

Click “Print” in your photo editing software. Let the printer print the job then let the printed image lie in the printer’s output tray until the ink dries completely. Handle the image only by the edges, even after the ink is dry. When it’s dry, you can mount it in your photo lamp.

Run the cleaning sheet through your printer again. Seal the unused paper in its original packaging and store it in a cool, dry place.