Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Wahid
Several methods are available for attaching fabric to wood, among them spray adhesive, double-sided tape, Bondaweb, Good Glue, and PVA glue. It’s up to you the best way to adhere fabric to wood based on the project type. All of these methods have their own pros & cons, and your particular needs & preferences will determine the right option for you.
- “Spray Adhesive” is an excellent choice, whenever you need an easy and quick solution that creates a stable bond. However, it may cause the cloth to discolor or wrinkle if it becomes oversaturated.
- “Double-Sided Tape” is also an easy option too, but it can not provide a strong bond like similar other options.
- “Bondaweb” offers strong adhesion and is user-friendly, but it is not ideal for every type of fabric.
- “Good Glue” is another excellent adhesive that doesn’t contain acid and doesn’t yellow with time. However, it might be harder to find when compared to other options.
- “PVA Glue” can be used for a wide variety of purposes, but heavy-weight fabrics may not adhere well to it.
Finally, choosing the right method of securing fabric to wood, you should take your project’s specific needs into account.
Adhesive Fabric To Wood: 5 Easy Ways
I will discuss the best 5 methods of adhering fabric to wood here. Depending on your personal needs and fabric preferences, you should choose the most suitable one.
Method 1: “Spray Adhesive”
Fabric can be attached to the wood with spray adhesive, and the following supplies will be needed:
- Spray adhesive
- Wood surface
- Fabric
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Prepare your fabric by measuring and cutting it to your desired size. Keep some extra fabric around the edges just in case there is any shrinkage or wood surface unevenness.
- A flat, clean surface is best for laying out the fabric.
- An even, light coating of adhesive should be sprayed onto the timber surface. Keep the wood from being oversaturated, since this may cause wrinkling or discoloration of the fabric.
- Apply the fabric to the wood, making sure that the fabric aligns with the edges. If there are bubbles or wrinkles, use a pencil or pen to smooth them out carefully.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions, let the adhesive dry. Depending on your adhesive choice, you may have to wait a couple of hours or even overnight.
- After the adhesive dries, the fabric will securely adhere to the wooden structure. Make sure the fabric is thoroughly bonded with adhesive by applying a few additional light coats.
Pro Tips:
- You should never use spray adhesive that isn’t acid-free, because it may yellow the clothing over time. If you need a specific glue, make sure it meets your requirements.
- If you’re working with heavy fabric, consider using stronger glue, such as rubber cement or contact cement. They can provide better bonding but may require more drying time and be more challenging to handle.
- When working on a larger project, spray adhesive guns may be a good choice. Using this method can result in a more precise & efficient adhesive application.
Method 2: “Double-Sided Tape”
Fabric can be attached to the wood with double-sided tape, and the following supplies will be needed:
- Double-sided tape
- Wood surface
- Fabric
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Make sure your fabric is the right size by measuring and cutting it. Allow some extra fabric at the corners to accommodate shrinkage and unevenness of the wood.
- A flat, clean surface is best for laying out the fabric.
- Double-sided tape should be unrolled & cut to your desired length.
- Apply the tape to the wood surface with one side of the backing paper removed. The tape should be smoothed out if it has bubbles or wrinkles.
- Once the backing paper has been peeled off, align the fabric with the wood edges and stick it to the tape. Using a pencil or pen, smooth out wrinkles gently.
- Make sure that the fabric is firmly affixed to the wooden surface.
Pro Tips:
- Most double-sided tapes are not as durable as other methods, like Bondaweb or spray adhesive. This method may be most suitable for lightweight fabrics or for projects that don’t require a strong bond.
- For heavy-weight fabrics, you might need a more durable adhesive. Stronger adhesives can be used, but they may require more drying time and be more difficult to handle.
- When working on big projects, it may be helpful to use a double-sided tape gun, since it helps to apply tape more precisely.
Method 3: “Bondaweb”
Fabric can be attached to the wood with Bondaweb, and the following supplies will be needed:
- Bondaweb
- Wood surface
- Fabric
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Iron
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pressing cloth (for instance, a cotton fabric piece)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Cut the fabric to the correct length after measuring it. To avoid shrinkage or unevenness in the wood surface, leave a bit extra fabric around the edges.
- Prepare a clean, flat surface for laying the fabric out.
- The Bondaweb should be cut to the fabric’s size.
- The Bondaweb should be placed above the fabric, facing the paper side.
- A pressing cloth should be placed over the Bondaweb.
- For around 10-15 seconds, iron the pressing cloth over your iron set to medium heat. As a result, the Bondaweb glue will be activated.
- Take care to remove both the pressing cloth as well as the backing paper.
- The fabric should be aligned with the edge of the wooden surface. To smooth wrinkles and bubbles, use a pen or pencil.
- The iron should be set at a low temperature and ironed for between 10-15 seconds on the fabric. Make sure that the wood and fabric are firmly bonded by applying gentle pressure.
Pro Tips:
- Fabrics of all types cannot be used with Bondaweb. It works best with natural fibers, like cotton, linen, and wool. A synthetic fabric, such as polyester or nylon, may not perform as well.
- Please refer to the owner’s manual when using Bondaweb, since certain applications and temperature settings may vary between fabrics.
- Bondaweb provides a solid bond, although it may not last as long as spray adhesive & contact cement.
- If you do not demand high strength or wear-resistant bonds, this may be a good option.
Method 4: “Good Glue”
Fabric can be attached to the wood with Good Glue, and the following supplies will be needed:
- Good Glue
- Wood surface
- Fabric
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Iron
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pressing cloth (usually a cotton fabric piece)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Cut the fabric according to your measurements. For shrinkage or uneven wood surfaces, leave extra material around the edges.
- A flat, clean surface is best for laying out the fabric.
- Spread Good Glue thinly over wood, either by brushing or rolling. After the glue dries, allow it to become tacky (at least several hours, preferably overnight, depending on what glue you’re using).
- Affix the fabric to the wood furniture, lining it up with the wood edges. Smooth any wrinkles or bubbles with a pen or pencil.
- Use the pressing cloth to cover the fabric.
- For up to 10-15 seconds, press the cloth with an iron using a medium-high heat setting. As a result, the glue will activate, and the fabric & wood will become strongly bonded.
- Make sure the glue is completely dry prior to handling it.
Pro Tips:
- The Good Glue product is acid-free, so it won’t discolor or yellow over time. You should consider this when preparing an extended-term display project.
- In general, good glue will provide a strong bond, but it can be hard to find compared to other adhesives, like spray adhesive & Bondaweb. It may be available at specialty craft stores or online.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions is important when gluing with Good Glue. Your fabric type will determine the specific purpose & heat settings.
- Not all fabrics are suitable for Good Glue. Ideally, it should be used for fibers like cotton, linen, and wool. Polyester and nylon, which are synthetic fabrics, may not work as well as cotton.
Method 5: “PVA Glue”
Fabric can be attached to the wood with PVA glue, and the following supplies will be needed:
- PVA glue
- Wood surface
- Fabric
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Make sure you measure & cut your garment correctly. You should leave some extra fabric at the edges to account for wood surface unevenness or shrinkage.
- Prepare a clean, flat surface for laying out the fabric.
- Place a thin coat of PVA glue on the wood surface, either by brushing or rolling.
- Apply the fabric to wooden surfaces, making sure it’s aligned with the edges. Make sure all wrinkles and bubbles are removed gently with a pen or pencil.
- Make sure the glue dries as instructed by the manufacturer. Depending on the glue you’re using, it might take a few hours or overnight.
- When the glue has dried, the fabric should be firmly affixed to the wood. Ensure that the fabric is well glued by adding several layers over its top.
Pro Tips:
- PVA glue is a readily available, easy-to-find general-purpose adhesive. Online or at many craft stores, you can purchase it.
- PVA glue does not have the same strength as alternatives, such as Bondaweb or spray adhesive. The material is best suited for light-weight materials or applications that don’t require a strong bond.
- In general, PVA glue should not be used on heavy fabrics, because it might not provide sufficient bond strength.
- Make sure you follow manufacturer directions when applying PVA glue. According to the fabric type, the application and drying times will differ.
Fabric Attachment To Wood: Adhesive Comparison
| Adhesive | Pros | Cons |
| Spray Adhesive | Simple and quick to use, strong bonding | It may oversaturate fabric and cause wrinkles or discoloration |
| Double-Sided Tape | Mess-free and simple to use | Compared to other options, this may not create a strong bond |
| Bondaweb | A strong, easy-to-use bond | Suitable for some fabric types, but not for all |
| Good Glue | An exceptionally strong bond and acid-free (won’t yellow over time) | Possibly harder to locate compared to other options |
| PVA Glue | Easily accessible, works well with lighter fabrics | Somewhat weaker than other options |
FAQs
Can I use hot glue to attach the fabric to the wood?
A hot glue gun can also be used to stick fabric to wood, but it should not be used as the main adhesive. As a result, hot glue isn’t as durable as other adhesives, including spray Bondaweb or adhesive, and will not last as long. In addition, hot glue is difficult to handle, as it hardens and cools quickly. When applying hot glue, ensure that it is applied sparingly & carefully. In this way, excess glue won’t seep into the fibers causing wrinkles or discoloration.
Can I use a sewing machine to attach the fabric to the wood?
Sewing machines can attach textiles to wood, though not every project requires them. It may not be possible to sew a strong bond between heavy fabrics or clothing items that are likely to be worn heavily. Moreover, sewing is not always a visually appealing option, since stitches may appear on the final product. When sewing your fabric to wood, make sure you use high-quality thread & a needle that matches your fabric’s thickness.
Can I use staples to attach the fabric to wood?
It is possible to secure the fabric to wood with staples, however, they are not the most visually pleasing option, since the staples are visible. Furthermore, staples are usually difficult to remove, making it hard to repair and modify a project afterward. Staples may be used, but, if so, ensure that the staple gun you use is suitable for the textile’s thickness. Be careful not to overload the staples, which can lead to breaking or bending.
Can I attach fabric to wood using only glue?
Fabric can be attached to wood with only glue, however, it’s not recommended to choose it as the primary adhesive. Strong bonds may not be possible with glue alone on heavy fabrics or on projects which will be subjected to constant wear & tear. Additionally, gluing may require a long drying time and be difficult to work with. When using glue, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and let it dry properly before handling.
What is the best adhesive for fabric to wood?
The fabric can be applied to wood using mod podge in a matte finish, glossy finish, fabric finish, or wood finish.
How do you attach mesh fabric to wood?
Weld mesh can be attached to wooden materials with a staple gun. This will simplify and speed up your job. You can reinforce the attachment sites, by firing 2 staples in an “X shape” around the welding starting and ending points.
Conclusion
Adding fabric to wood makes it ideal for many projects, such as reupholstering furniture, crafting, and applying to home decor. Fabric can be attached to wood in several ways, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, what’s the best way to adhere fabric to wood? What is the foolproof method? Among the most common methods are spray adhesive, Good Glue, Bondaweb, double-sided tape, & PVA glue. Using these methods to attach fabrics to wood is explained in detail in this article. Now, let me explain some most reliable and effective long-term methods that I have found.
However, if you want the best results, follow the instructions carefully. Don’t worry; I will also mention alternative accessories if you do not have them.
