The Best Adhesive Glue for Attaching Felt to Wood Board
The Best Adhesive Glue for Attaching Felt to Wood Board
If you've ever considered building your own board game or simply placing a wood object onto a table, you might want to consider adding a layer of felt to protect your surface. I know that when I play Canasta, the cardholders have a smooth layer of felt on the bottom.
Gluing felt to wood is a straightforward process that requires the right materials, techniques, and a bit of patience to ensure a strong and durable bond and for it to look neat.
Whether you're working on a DIY project or refurbishing furniture, proper adhesion ensures your felt stays securely in place for a professional finish.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to glue felt to wood effectively:
Materials Needed:
Felt: Choose the appropriate thickness and color of felt for your project. I love the very thin felt, but. there are many choices when it comes to felt projects. Before purchasing, start paying attention to what felt options you see and notice on objects around your home.
Wood Surface: Ensure it’s clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. You can use a damp cloth to clean the surface to remove any dust.
Adhesive: Select a suitable adhesive based on the type of felt and wood you're using. Common options include:
Utility Knife or Scissors: To cut the felt to the desired shape and size.
Masking Tape or Clamps: Helps hold the felt in place while the adhesive sets.
Protective Gear: Gloves and eye protection if using strong adhesives.
What is the best glue for adhering felt to wood?
There are many types of glue and several kinds of glue will stick to both wood and felt. However, the type of glue depends on the kind of project you are planning to do. I'll be breaking down the right glue for the project you are working on.
Craft Glue: Water-based and non-toxic, suitable for lightweight applications. When doing craft projects with kids, you'll want to use a craft glue like tacky glue. For a wood felt craft project with kids, tacky glue will give you a permanent bond and the dry time isn't too long.
Tacky glue is kid-safe but is also a permanent glue. It will yield good quality results, but I would not recommend using tacky glue on an item you might want to sell or display. It tends to look a little messy and will not have a smooth finish.
However, in my experience, this glue works great when gluing felt pieces to a piece of wood, but not as well when adhering a large piece of felt to a large piece of wood.
Spray Adhesive: Provides an even coat and strong initial bond. There are many spray adhesives on the market and the craft stores can be overwhelming. I recommend using Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive.
When making pool tables or DIY projects that require high-quality felt, I will always recommend using spray glue. This is a good option for larger projects, too, since it has ease of use and works on a variety of surfaces. For large areas, adding glue with a foam brush would not yield the best results.
Contact Cement: Strong, versatile, and suitable for heavier-duty applications. Contact cement works great, but the smell is very strong and often toxic. It might also not lay completely flat which is a must when creating a pool table or a flat surface
Hot Glue Gun: Fast-setting and ideal for small projects or temporary bonds.
Conclusion:
Gorilla Glue spray adhesive is the best way to glue felt to wood.
Can you use white craft glue on felt and wood?
No. Craft glue like Elmer's is not strong enough to use with these materials. Spend the additional cost and get yourself a good spray adhesive.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Wood Surface:
Clean the Surface: Wipe down the wood with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. A clean surface ensures better adhesion.
Smooth Any Rough Spots: Sand down any rough patches on the wood to create a smooth surface for the felt to adhere to.
2. Cut the Felt:
Measure and Mark: Place the felt over the wood and mark where you need to cut it to fit precisely. Use a ruler or measuring tape for accuracy.
Cutting: Use a sharp utility knife or scissors to cut the felt along the marked lines. Ensure the edges are clean and straight for a neat finish. You will be able to trim the felt later
3. Choose and Apply the Adhesive:
Select the Adhesive: Depending on your chosen adhesive:
Craft Glue: Apply a thin, even layer of craft glue to the back of the felt and press it firmly onto the wood surface. Use a brush or sponge applicator for even distribution.
In my classes, we use foam brushes. I like them because they can be disposed of easily (and I have no sink in my classroom). While you know I love a bottle of Aleene, this is best for small pieces of felt. It will, however, create a stronghold.
Spray Adhesive: Spray a light, even coat of adhesive onto both the back of the felt and the wood surface. When adding a spray adhesive to wood, you'll want to do an even application onto both surfaces. This means you'll spray the wood first with the spray adhesive, moving horizontally and then vertically.
Next, you'll lay the felt flat (iron if necessary) and then add the spray to the entire surface of the felt. Be sure to get those felt edges.
Contact Cement: Apply contact cement to both the felt and the wood surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times, usually allowing it to become tacky before pressing the two surfaces together.
Hot Glue Gun: Apply a line of hot glue along the edges or in a grid pattern on the wood surface. Quickly press the felt into place before the glue cools and hardens.
4. Press and Secure:
Take your wooden board (which has already been sprayed with an adhesive) and press the wood onto the sprayed felt. Use a credit card or a small flat object to smooth out the felt and remove any air bubbles.
You will want to apply pressure with the object (or your hands) and make sure the two surfaces seem secure in their bonding. Place some heavy objects or clamps to hold your items in place. I typically add a few heavy books and leave them there until the glue is completely dry. This method also works with billiard cloth which is similar to felt.
5. Allow the Adhesive to Cure:
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Different adhesives have varying drying times. Allow the adhesive to cure fully as per the manufacturer’s recommendations before handling or using the felt-covered wood. Some adhesives dry quickly and others take a day or two. Be patient and wait until the glue is dry before using your items.
6. Finishing Touches (Optional):
Trim Excess Felt: Once the adhesive has cured, trim any excess felt around the edges for a clean, professional look. You can use a box cutter or an Xacto knife to cut the felt materials. With larger areas, cutting in a straight line can be challenging.
Inspect and Touch Up: Check the edges and corners to ensure they are securely bonded. If needed, apply additional adhesive and press firmly.
Tips for Success:
Test Adhesion: Before applying the adhesive to the entire surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and adhesion strength.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Some adhesives can emit fumes, so work in a well-ventilated space or outdoors if possible. This is a must when it comes to spray adhesive. Your best option would be to do your spraying outdoors, but if this isn't possible, work in a garage or a room where you can open all of the windows.
Follow Safety Precautions: Wear gloves and eye protection when handling strong adhesives to protect your skin and eyes.
Maintenance and Care:
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Keep felt-covered wood away from excessive moisture to prevent warping or loosening of the adhesive over time.
- Clean Gently: When cleaning felt-covered wood, use a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt gently.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively glue felt to wood for a variety of projects, from creating decorative accents to refurbishing furniture.
Whether you choose craft glue, spray adhesive, contact cement, or a hot glue gun, selecting the right adhesive and applying it correctly ensures a strong and durable bond that enhances the aesthetic and functionality of your project.
Want to try more felt crafts? Check out my beginner’s guide to Needle Felting!
