how to glue felt to wood

Gluing felt to wood can be an excellent way to add a decorative touch or create a protective surface on your wooden project. To successfully bond felt to wood, follow these step-by-step instructions for a firm, smooth finish.

Choosing the Right Adhesive

First, you must decide on the right type of glue for your project. Different adhesives react differently depending on the materials you’re working with. For felt and wood, you need an adhesive that:

• Is strong enough to bond fabric to a porous surface,
• Has a drying time that suits your workflow,
• Doesn’t bleed through the felt,
• Is clear drying to avoid discoloration,
• Is either a spray adhesive, white craft glue (like PVA glue), or a specific fabric glue that can bond to wood.

Preparing the Wood

Before gluing, ensure that the wood surface is clean and dry. If you’re working with a raw wood surface:

1. Sand the wood lightly with sandpaper to create a smooth surface that’s free of splinters and rough areas.
2. Wipe down the wood with a slightly damp cloth to remove all dust from sanding. Allow it to dry completely before applying any adhesive.

Cutting the Felt to Size

Measure and cut the felt piece slightly larger than the wood surface you’re covering. After the glue has dried, you can trim off any excess felt for a perfect edge.

1. Place the wood on the felt and trace around it, leaving a bit of overhang.
2. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the felt. Make sure your cutting tool is sharp to avoid fraying the edges.

Applying the Glue

Whichever adhesive you choose, you should apply it in a well-ventilated area, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the glue container. Here’s a general guide:

1. If using spray adhesive – Shake the can well and spray a light, even coat on the wood surface from about 6-8 inches away. Wait for the adhesive to become tacky (according to the product instructions).
2. If using white craft glue (PVA) – Apply a thin, even layer onto the wood using a foam brush or sponge. Be careful not to use too much glue, which can soak through the felt.
3. If using specific fabric glue – Apply according to the instructions; typically, these glues are used similarly to white craft glue.

Attaching the Felt

After applying the adhesive:

1. Carefully lay the felt onto the wood, starting at one end and gently smoothing it down to avoid air bubbles.
2. Press the felt firmly onto the wood. You can use a brayer or a rolling pin to roll over the top of the felt to make sure it sticks well and to remove any creases or bubbles.
3. Let it dry as per the glue manufacturer’s recommended time before handling.

Trimming and Finishing

Once the glue is dried completely:

1. Trim off the excess felt around the edges using a craft knife or sharp scissors.
2. For a clean look, you can also add a frame or trim around the edge.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure your project is successful:

• Test your glue on a scrap piece of felt and wood to ensure compatibility.
• Use clips or weights to hold the felt in place while drying if needed.
• If you’re covering a large area with felt, consider working in smaller sections to maintain control and prevent the glue from drying before the felt is in place.
• Avoid stretching the felt as you apply it to prevent warping.

By carefully selecting the right glue, preparing both the wood and the felt, and following these application steps, you will be able to create a durable and clean-looking bond between felt and wood for your projects.