Adhere Paper to Wood
Many craft, photography and design projects require the bonding of wood to paper. Unfortunately, common adhesives like rubber cement, glue sticks and children's paste do not work well and can cause yellowing and become brittle. Instead, there are 2 methods you can try in order to glue paper to wood. You can use a bookbinder's glue to adhere the 2 materials, or you can try an eco-friendly homemade starch paste, if you want to use natural materials on your project. This article will tell you how to adhere paper to wood.
Contents
Steps
Bookbinder's Method
- Buy an archival polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue from a craft shop. Child-safe glue like Elmer's Glue is also made from PVA; however, it is a low-quality version of the product. Ask for bookbinder's glue to ensure you are getting a strong, durable product.
- It is a good idea to choose a neutral PH adhesive. This non-acidic glue will not deteriorate the paper that you plan to glue to your wood.
- Wash your hands so that they are clear of all lotions and oils.
- Thin the bookbinder's glue, if need be. If you are using a very thin paper, you may find that the glue needs to be thinned in order to avoid bubbling.
- You can thin the glue by adding water to it in another container. Add slowly and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
- Prepare the wood so that it is clean and dry. If you have painted the wood, it will be much harder to adhere the paper and you should make sure to use the glue in its original form.
- Prepare the paper nearby on a hard surface. Depending upon the size of the project, you may want to ask a friend to help you line it up.
- Dip a sponge or sponge brush in the PVA adhesive. Apply it to the wood's surface until you have a consistent, thin layer.
- Apply the PVA to the brush again and spread a thin layer on the paper's surface. Make sure to get all corners. You can wipe up overlapping glue.
- Align and place the paper on the wood.
- If you have extra paper, you can overlap the paper over the wood to ensure a good even surface. After it has dried, you can cut a clean edge with a razor knife and mat.
- Smooth the paper onto the wood with a soft, dry sponge. You can also wear plastic gloves and smooth the paper with your hands.
- Allow the glue to dry overnight. Trim the edges, if necessary.
- Wash your sponge or sponge brush immediately after you use them to avoid hardening.
Starch Glue Method
- Pour 1 tbsp. (11 g) of corn flour into 16 oz. (0.5 l) of water in a saucepan.
- Place it on a hot burner and heat it up until it is thick. Around the time it starts boiling, it will change consistency.
- Take it off the stove when it has thickened to the glue consistency you want. It will grow thicker as it cools.
- Allow it to cool until it is lukewarm.
- Apply a thin coat to the wood and a thin coat to the paper with a sponge brush.
- Place the paper on top of the wood in the correct position.
- Allow it to dry overnight. Trim any edges, if necessary.
- Wash your sponge brush after using it. Refrigerate, if you plan to use it within a week, or throw it outside. It is biodegradable.
Tips
- Experiment with the corn flour to water ratio in order to adjust the thickness of your paste. This must be done before it heats up, so it is completely incorporated into the glue.
- Test the glue on a small piece of wood and paper, to see the effect on the paper's surface. You can also test to find the correction amount of glue that should be applied. Putting too much glue on the surfaces may cause the paper to bubble.
- The bookbinder's glue is recommended for thinner papers and the starch glue will work well on thicker papers, cardstock and cardboard. The bookbinder's glue is archival, so it will also last longer.
Things You'll Need
- Archival PVA glue
- Water
- Cloths
- Sponge or sponge brush
- Plastic gloves (optional)
- Cornflour
- Pan
- Stove
- Wood
- Paper
- Razor knife
Related Articles
- Season Firewood
- Hang Wall Paper over Wood Paneling
- Make Paper from Old Scrap Paper
- Make Varnish Using PVA Glue
