Q&A for How to Adhere Paper to Wood

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.

Mod Podge is a type of decoupage glue. Decoupage describes the technique of decorating objects with glued on paper and other decorative elements.

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.

No, Mod Podge is a little bit water resistant, but not waterproof. If you want to put your project outdoors or someplace where it will be exposed to a lot of water, you’ll need to add an additional waterproof sealant.

Modpodge is essentially watered-down glue. Because it is not a thick glue, it tends to seep into pores of fibrous materials like wood, paper, and fabric. This is why people primarily use modpodge as both a glue and a sealer in a process called "decoupage". If you don't intend to decoupage your project, you should probably consider an alternative type of glue. Modpodge will work simply as a glue, but the effects may not be ideal. At the very least, you should test your materials to make sure they aren't discolored or otherwise damaged by the water based glue before committing. The glue may seep through thin paper or leech into the wood outside of the applied decoration, leaving a shiny ring.

You'll need a strong finish. You can use any decoupage glue to attach the photo. Then for strength and permanence, use a good varnish in several thin coats. Your local hardware store will help you find the perfect varnish for your project.