How to Adhere Fabric to Wood

Co-authored by Nicole Bolin

Last Updated: September 28, 2024 References

If you want to adhere fabric to a piece of wood without it peeling off, you'll have to use something that's stronger than a basic crafting glue. To glue a piece of fabric to wood, you'll need to sand the surface of the wood and then use mod podge to attach the fabric. Other glues have the tendency to show through the fabric or aren't strong enough adhesives and should be avoided. If you use the proper techniques and materials, your fabric will stay attached to the wood for the long run.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Wood

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Before you start to apply the fabric to the wood surface, you should make sure it's smooth. Get a 100-200 grit sandpaper and sand back and forth over the area that you want to adhere the fabric to. Creating a smooth surface will eliminate bumps.^{[1]
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Remove any dust that was created from sanding your piece of wood by wiping down its surface with a damp rag. Don't use an overly saturated rag because you don't want to get your wood wet.^{[2]
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The mod podge won't work as well if you try to apply it to a damp or wet surface. Make sure the wood is dried out before moving on.
Lay your fabric over the piece of wood, leaving at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of slack around the fabric. This excess will ensure that you get complete coverage of fabric over the wood.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Gluing with Mod Podge

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Purchase or make mod podge. You can buy mod podge at an arts and crafts store or you can purchase it online. This versatile crafting glue is an adhesive, sealer, and finisher and can be used on a variety of different materials, including fabric and wood.
- There are a variety of different mod podge options you can purchase. Matte, glossy, fabric, or wood mod podge will all effectively adhere your fabric to wood.
Use a painter's brush or a foam brush and dip it into your mod podge container. Work around the edges of where you'll be laying your fabric, then work your way towards the center of your wooden piece. Work fast because mod podge dries quickly.^{[4]
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Line up the fabric as accurately as you can as you lay it over the mod podge. Lay the fabric down and press the fabric onto the wood.^{[5]
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Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Use the palm of your hand and rub over the surface of the fabric to smooth out the wrinkles. Apply a small amount of pressure over the top of the fabric so that it attaches to the mod podge.^{[6]
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- You can also use a brayer, or a handheld roller, to roll over the fabric and get rid of the wrinkles.
Mod podge will dry fairly quickly, but leaving it to dry overnight will ensure it's completely dry. Return to your wood and lightly tug on the edges of the fabric to make sure that it's fully adhered.^{[7]
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Use a scissor to carefully cut off the 1 inch (2.5 cm) of excess fabric. Your fabric should now be neatly attached to the wood.^{[8]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Can I adhere fabric to particle board with the same effect?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

A spray adhesive is the fastest way to attach fabric to particle board; it prevents the seepage of glue or modge podge bleeding into the fabric. This will also have a shorter drying time. Hot glue is an option if you are able to apply a thin, even coating.

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Do I put another layer of Mod Podge on top of the fabric after it dries to seal it all?

Midmorrow

Community Answer

No. One coat should do. If you would like to add another layer, feel free, but note that it may make it look clumpy if applied unevenly.

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What kind of fabric should I use?

Midmorrow

Community Answer

You could use a cheap fabric like cotton or calico. If you would like a more durable surface, faux leather would work.

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