How to Adhere Paper to Wood

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Binding paper to wood is an important part of several craft and DIY activities. Luckily, it's easy to do with the right tools and techniques. To glue the paper down, brush tacky glue onto the wood surface. Press down with even pressure to work out any bubbles. Let the glue dry and your piece is complete. To mod podge the paper, sand the wood and paint it with a layer of mod podge. Then press the paper down and roll it on with an applicator. Give the paper a final coat of mod podge for shiny finish. If you think you may want to remove the paper at some point, use spray adhesive for a less permanent bond.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Mod Podge as an Adhesive

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  1. If the piece of wood has any splinters or other rough patches, sand them down with medium-grit sandpaper. Then wipe the wood down with a tack cloth to remove any sawdust. If you don't have a tack cloth, a damp cloth or paper towel will work as well.

    If you're only gluing on one side of the wood, you only have to sand that side .

  2. Mod podge is a thick glue, sealer, and finisher that's very popular for arts and crafts projects like this. To mod podge paper to wood , you have a choice between a gloss or matte formula. Both are effective, but the only difference is that a gloss finish will give a shine to your finished product. If you don't want that, choose a matte formula. [1]
    • Both mod podge types are available at crafts stores or online.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Dip the brush into a cup of water. Dab it on a paper towel to soak up excess water, then dip it into the mod podge. Stir a bit to get a good amount of glue on the brush. [2]
    • A foam brush gives you the smoothest finish, but a regular paintbrush will work as well. If you don't mind seeing brushstrokes, then use a regular brush.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Use back and forth strokes to spread the mod podge around the wood. Add more if you need to. Cover the whole area that you're applying paint to. [3]
    • Make sure the mod podge looks like a translucent white on the wood. If it's clear, add more. If it looks completely white, spread it around a little thinner.
    • It's okay if you get glue on spots that the paper won't cover. The mod podge dries clear.
    • Mod podge dries quickly, so don't wait long before you press the paper down.
  5. After applying the mod podge, take the paper and line it up with the wood. Then press it down in the position you want it on the wood. From there, run your palm across the paper to press it against the wood and work out air bubbles. [4]

    If you have thick paper and make a mistake, you can pull it back up carefully and refit it. Doing this more than once will probably rip the paper.

  6. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Mod podge makes an applicator that looks like a small roller. This flattens the paper down and works out any air and excess glue. Roll over the paper a few times until the surface is completely even.
    • If any mod podge leaks out from the sides, wipe it up with a paper towel.
    • These applicators are available from craft stores or online.
  7. Leave the project in a safe place where it won't get knocked over. After 15 minutes, you can move the project to a new area or apply a layer of finish. [5]
    • Leave the piece flat so the paper doesn't slip.
  8. If you'd like, apply more mod podge over the paper for a shiny finish. Dip the brush back into the mod podge and paint a thin, clear layer on the paper. Wait 15 minutes and apply a second coat. Once the mod podge dries, the project is complete. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Bonding with Spray Adhesive

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  1. This adhesive is a type of clear spray glue. It comes in a can that looks similar to spray paint. Spray adhesive is available from hardware or arts stores.
    • There are other types of spray adhesives as well, but make sure you get the artist's type. Foam or photo sprays will ruin paper.
  2. This prevents the adhesive from making a mess when you spray the paper. Use an old towel that you don't mind getting messy. [7]
    • Make sure the sheet is clean before putting the paper down. Otherwise you could ruin the paper.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Shake the can well and hold it 6 inches (15 cm) from the paper. Then spray in even lines across the whole surface of the paper. Keep the can moving so the adhesive doesn't pool. [8]
    • Passing over the paper once applies enough adhesive.
    • If you see the adhesive pooling, you're spraying it on too thick. Try wiping a bit of it off with a paper towel so the paper doesn't wrinkle.
  4. Pressing the paper down right away results in a weaker bond. Let the paper sit so the glue sets properly. This gives you a stronger hold. [9]
    • If you do plan on peeling the paper off at some point, then press it down right away.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    After a minute passes, pick up the paper by the corners and press it down onto the wood.Smooth the paper out by pressing down with your palm and running it over the paper. Work out any air bubbles by pushing them towards the side. [10]
    • Spray adhesive doesn't give you the strongest bond, so if you make a mistake, pull the paper up and put it back in the proper position.
  6. Spray adhesive generally dries quickly, but allow an hour to make sure it's completely dry. Leave the wood flat so the paper doesn't slide off. Then after an hour, move the piece wherever you want it. [11]
    • If you change your mind and don't want to leave the paper on the wood, use mineral spirits to dissolve the adhesive.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Applying Tacky Glue

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  1. Seal the wood if you want a cleaner finish. Wood sealant smooths out the wood surface and prevents air bubbles from forming under the paper. Start by sanding the wood until the surface is smooth. Then paint it with a polyurethane wood sealant and let it dry. This will give you a cleaner finish when you glue the paper down. [12]
    • This step is optional, but it will give you better results.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Tacky glue is an extra thick type of glue that is perfect for adhering paper to wood. It's sometimes called PVA glue. This type is the best choice because other watery glues will make the paper bubble up. Take a container of glue and squeeze it onto the wood in lines. Don’t try to cover the whole wood surface yet, because you’ll spread the glue around next. [13]
    • Tacky glue is available online or at craft stores. It comes in clear and white varieties. Both dry clear, so either works for this project.
    • Wood glue is a good alternative to tacky glue, but it may make the paper wrinkle more than tacky glue will.
    • White glue that children use in school is similar to tacky glue, but it’s more watered down and could cause the paper to bubble up, so it's not a good choice.
    • Other popular glues like hot glue or super glue are not good choices. They'll wrinkle the paper.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Adhere Paper to Wood
    Once you’ve applied the glue, take a foam brush and spread it around. Cover the entire surface that you're attaching the paper to in an even layer of glue. Make sure you spread the glue all the way to the edge of the wood so the paper doesn’t start lifting. Add more glue as you need it. [14]
    • The glue should be a translucent white when it’s spread out. If it looks completely clear, the layer is too thin. Add some more glue.
    • A regular paint brush won’t spread the glue as evenly, so only use a foam brush.
    • This glue dries quickly, so don’t wait long before pressing the paper down.
  4. Once the glue is applied, take the paper and line it up with the wood. Then press it down at an angle so only one edge of the paper and wood touch. From there, run your palm across the paper to press it against the wood. Apply pressure as you press to work out any air bubbles. [15]
    • Continue smoothing the paper out until the surface is flat and even.
    • If you see any bubbles trapped under the paper, press down on them with your palm and work them towards the edges.
  5. Once the paper is in place, give the glue time to dry. Tacky glue dries quickly, often within a few minutes, so 1 hour is enough for the glue to dry. Set the piece in a safe place and come back in 1 hour to complete the job. [16]
    • To ensure an even smoother finish, place something flat and heavy on top of the paper. Another piece of wood with some books on it would work.
    • Make sure any wood you place on the paper is clean so you don’t ruin the piece you just made.
  6. Sometimes the paper still doesn’t line up perfectly even though you traced the wood. In this case, use a fine-grit sanding block and sand down the paper edges. After a light sanding, the paper and wood will line up perfectly. [17]
    • If you don’t have a sanding block or sandpaper, a fine nail file will work as well.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you glue paper to wood without bubbles?
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To avoid getting bubbles or wrinkles in the paper, make sure to use a minimal amount of glue and smooth your paper out after you apply it.
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  • Question
    Is decoupage the same as Mod Podge?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Mod Podge is a type of decoupage glue. Decoupage describes the technique of decorating objects with glued on paper and other decorative elements.
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  • Question
    Do you need special paper for decoupage?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Most types of paper will work well for decoupage—everything from magazine clippings to napkins! Just experiment with different types of paper to see what kind of results you get.
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      Tips

      • Make sure that all the equipment you work with is clean and dry. You could end up staining your piece if you use something that isn't clean.
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      • Tacky glue washes off easily with just soap and water.
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      Things You'll Need

      Applying Tacky Glue

      • Tacky glue
      • Foam brush
      • Fine sanding block

      Using Mod Podge as an Adhesive

      • Mod podge
      • Foam brush
      • Applicator
      • Sandpaper
      • Water
      • Tack cloth or wet rag

      Bonding with Spray Adhesive

      • Artist's spray adhesive
      • Towel

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      References

      1. ↑ https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-formula-guide-youve-been/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/bGc8KFRfOT4?t=72
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/bGc8KFRfOT4?t=134
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/bGc8KFRfOT4?t=184
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/bGc8KFRfOT4?t=248
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/bGc8KFRfOT4?t=253
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/FRNVFZtQBpA?t=86
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/FRNVFZtQBpA?t=112
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/FRNVFZtQBpA?t=97
      1. ↑ https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/beginner/sticky-solutions
      2. ↑ https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/beginner/sticky-solutions
      3. ↑ https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/how-to-mount-artwork-to-a-piece-of-wood.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/jhmzuFn0zS0?t=312
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/h6Ocr0srMF8?t=101
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/h6Ocr0srMF8?t=177
      7. ↑ https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/how-to-mount-artwork-to-a-piece-of-wood.html
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/jhmzuFn0zS0?t=448

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to adhere paper to wood, you can use bookbinder’s glue or try an eco-friendly homemade starch paste. To use the bookbinder’s method, buy an archival polyvinyl acetate glue, dip a sponge or sponge brush into it, and apply it to the wood’s surface. Then, apply a layer of glue to the paper’s surface and align it with your wood. Smooth the paper onto the wood with a soft, dry sponge. If you’d prefer to make your own starch glue, pour 1 tablespoon of cornflour into 16 ounces of water in a saucepan. As the mixture heats, it will thicken. Remove it from the heat once it’s as thick as glue. Once it’s cool, you can apply it to your wood and paper. To learn how long to let your glue dry, keep reading!

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