Gluing paper to wood is an important part of some craft and DIY activities. Fortunately, this is easy to do with the right tools and techniques. To glue the paper, apply tacky glue to the surface of the wood. Press with even pressure to remove air bubbles. Let the glue dry, and your work is done. To make a paper mod podge, sand the wood, then apply a layer of mod podge. After that, press the paper and roll it with the applicator. Apply a mod podge finish to the paper for a glossy finish. If at some point you want to remove the paper, use an adhesive spray for a less permanent adhesive.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Mod Podge to Glue Paper to Wood
Step 1. Sand the rough part of the wood
If the wood has chips or rough edges, sand it with medium grit paper. Then, wipe the wood with a tack cloth (gauze like cheesecloth) to remove sawdust. If you don't have a tack cloth, a damp cloth or tissue will do.
If you only glue the paper to one side of the wood, just sand that side.
Step 2. Choose between a mod podge gloss (glossy) or matte (opaque) formula
Mod podge is a very popular thick, sealing, and finishing glue for arts and crafts projects like this. To make a paper mod podge on wood, you have a choice between a gloss or matte formula. Both are effective, the only difference is that a gloss finish will give the finish a glossy finish. If you don't want to shine, choose a matte formula.
Both types of mod podge are available at craft stores or online marketplaces
Step 3. Wet the foam brush and dip it into the mod podge
Dip the brush in a glass of water. Pat lightly onto tissue paper to remove excess water, then dip into mod podge. Stir a little so that more glue sticks to the brush.
Foam brushes will give a smoother finish, but regular brushes will work as well. If you don't mind seeing traces of brush bristles, just use a regular brush
Step 4. Apply a layer of mod podge on the side of the wood you want to paper
Swipe back and forth to spread the mod podge over the entire wood surface. Add if necessary. Cover all parts of the wood that you want to paper with mod podge.
- Make sure the mod podge looks clear white on the wood. If it looks completely clear, add more. If it looks really white, reduce it and apply a thin layer.
- Don't worry if the mod podge spreads to areas where the paper won't cover it. Mod podge will become clear as it dries.
- Mod podge dries quickly, so don't wait too long for the paper to set.
Step 5. Press the paper into the wood surface
After the mod podge is applied, take the paper and align it with the wood. Then, press with the position you want. From here, run your palm over the surface of the paper to press it against the wood and remove any air bubbles.
If the paper is thick enough and you make a mistake, just open the paper by pulling it up carefully, then put it back.
However, if this step is done more than once, the paper is at risk of tearing.
Step 6. Roll the applicator onto the paper that has been given mod podge
Mod podges are usually sold with an applicator that looks like a small rolling roller. This will flatten the paper and remove air and excess glue. Roll out the paper several times until the surface is completely flat.
- If any mod podge melts off the edges, wipe it off with a tissue.
- Applicators are available at craft stores and online market shops.
Step 7. Let the mod podge dry for 15 minutes
Leave the wood in a safe place that will not be bumped. After 15 minutes, you can move it to a new location or apply a layer of finish.
Lay the wood flat so the paper doesn't slide down
Step 8. Apply 2 thin coats of mod podge onto the paper if you want a shinier look
If you want, dab more mod podge onto the paper for a shiny finish. Dip the brush back into the mod podge and apply a light layer onto the paper. Wait 15 minutes and apply a second coat. After the mod podge is dry, this project is done.
Method 2 of 3: Gluing Paper to Wood with Adhesive Spray
Step 1. Purchase a can of artist grade adhesive spray (crafts only)
This adhesive is a kind of clear spray glue. The packaging is in the form of a can which is similar to spray paint. Adhesive sprays are available at hardware or art supply stores.
There are other types of adhesive spray, but make sure you choose an artist grade one. Foam or photo spray can damage the paper
Step 2. Place the paper face down on a rag or cloth
This will prevent the adhesive from falling apart when you spray the paper. Use an old rag that can be soiled.
Make sure the cloth is clean before placing the paper. Otherwise, the paper may be damaged
Step 3. Spray a thin layer of adhesive onto the paper
Shake the can well and hold it 15 cm from the paper. Then, spray with an even line over the entire surface of the paper. Keep the spray can moving so the adhesive doesn't pool.
- Spray enough adhesive to get past the edges of the paper.
- If you see adhesive pooling, the spray is too thick. Wipe a little with a paper towel so the paper doesn't shrivel.
Step 4. Let the paper rest for 1 minute
Gluing the paper directly will make the adhesion weaker. Leave the paper so that the glue absorbs well. That way, the paper will stick more firmly.
However, if at some point you plan to peel the paper off, simply glue the paper to the wood
Step 5. Glue the paper to the wood surface
After a minute has passed, take the paper at the corners and press it against the wood. Smooth it by pressing the paper with your palm and wiping the entire surface. Remove air bubbles by pushing them to the edge.
Adhesive sprays have not very strong adhesion. So, if you make a mistake, just open the paper and put it back in the correct position
Step 6. Let the paper sit for 1 hour to allow the adhesive to dry
Adhesive sprays generally dry quickly, but let sit for 1 hour to make sure they dry completely. Lay the wood flat so the paper doesn't slide down. Then after an hour, move it where you want it.
If you change your mind and want to remove the paper from the wood, use mineral turpentine to melt the adhesive
Method 3 of 3: Daub Tacky Glue
Step 1. Apply sealant to the wood if you want a cleaner surface
The sealant will smooth the surface of the wood and prevent air bubbles from forming under the paper. Start by sanding the wood until the surface is smooth. After that, apply a polyurethane wood sealant and let it dry. This will give you a cleaner surface to glue the paper on.
This step is optional, but will give better results
Step 2. Pour a thick line of tacky glue over the wood
Tacky glue is a kind of extra thick glue that is suitable for gluing paper to wood surfaces. This glue is sometimes called PVA glue. Tacky glue is the best option because other runny glues will cause the paper to bubble. Take the glue container and squeeze the contents into stripes. Don't spread the glue directly, as you'll do this later.
- Tacky glue is available at online market places or craft stores. This glue is available in clear and white types. Both will become clear as they dry, so you can use either one for this project.
- Wood glue is a great alternative to tacky glue, but it can make the paper shrivel more than tacky glue.
- The white glue that kids use at school is similar to tacky glue, but it's more runny and can cause the paper to bubble. So, not a good choice.
- Other popular glues, such as hot glue or super glue are not good choices. Both will make the paper shrivel.
Step 3. Spread the glue evenly with a foam brush
After the glue is poured, take a foam brush and spread it out. Cover the entire surface to be papered with an even layer of glue. Make sure the glue is spread all the way to the edge of the wood so the paper doesn't lift. Add glue as needed.
- The glue will turn white after spreading. If it looks really clear, it means the layer is too thin. Add more glue.
- An ordinary paint brush will not spread the glue evenly. So, use only foam brushes.
- Tacky glue dries quickly, so don't wait too long to glue the paper to the wood.
Step 4. Press the paper against one edge of the wood and smooth it out
Once the glue is flat, take the paper and align it with the wood. Then, press at an angle so that only one edge touches the wood. From there, run your palm across the paper to press it against the wood surface. Apply pressure to release air bubbles.
- Continue to smooth the paper until the surface is flat and even.
- If you see any air bubbles trapped under the paper, press them down with your palms and push them to the edge.
Step 5. Allow the glue to dry for 1 hour
Once the paper is glued in place, give the glue time to dry. Tacky glue dries quickly, usually within a few minutes. So, 1 hour time is enough to dry it. Put the wood in a safe place and come back later after 1 hour has passed to finish your work.
- To ensure an even more even finish, place a flat, heavy object on the paper. You can use a piece of wood or a book.
- Make sure the wood placed on the paper is clean so you don't damage the work you just made.
Step 6. Sand the edges of the paper if it is wider than the wood
Sometimes the paper doesn't align even though you've traced the wood size. In this case, use a fine grit sandpaper block and sand the edges of the paper. After light sanding, the paper and wood will align perfectly.
If you don't have an emery block or sandpaper handy, just use a good nail file
Tips
- Make sure all the equipment you use is clean and dry. You can stain your work if you use dirty equipment.
- Tacky glue can be washed off easily with just soap and water.
