Both mod podge types are available at crafts stores or online.
A foam brush gives you the smoothest finish, but a regular paintbrush will work as well. If you don’t mind seeing brushstrokes, then use a regular brush.
Make sure the mod podge looks like a translucent white on the wood. If it’s clear, add more. If it looks completely white, spread it around a little thinner. It’s okay if you get glue on spots that the paper won’t cover. The mod podge dries clear. Mod podge dries quickly, so don’t wait long before you press the paper down.
If any mod podge leaks out from the sides, wipe it up with a paper towel. These applicators are available from craft stores or online.
Leave the piece flat so the paper doesn’t slip.
There are other types of spray adhesives as well, but make sure you get the artist’s type. Foam or photo sprays will ruin paper.
Make sure the sheet is clean before putting the paper down. Otherwise you could ruin the paper.
Passing over the paper once applies enough adhesive. If you see the adhesive pooling, you’re spraying it on too thick. Try wiping a bit of it off with a paper towel so the paper doesn’t wrinkle.
If you do plan on peeling the paper off at some point, then press it down right away.
Spray adhesive doesn’t give you the strongest bond, so if you make a mistake, pull the paper up and put it back in the proper position.
If you change your mind and don’t want to leave the paper on the wood, use mineral spirits to dissolve the adhesive.
This step is optional, but it will give you better results.
Tacky glue is available online or at craft stores. It comes in clear and white varieties. Both dry clear, so either works for this project. Wood glue is a good alternative to tacky glue, but it may make the paper wrinkle more than tacky glue will. White glue that children use in school is similar to tacky glue, but it’s more watered down and could cause the paper to bubble up, so it’s not a good choice. Other popular glues like hot glue or super glue are not good choices. They’ll wrinkle the paper.
The glue should be a translucent white when it’s spread out. If it looks completely clear, the layer is too thin. Add some more glue. A regular paint brush won’t spread the glue as evenly, so only use a foam brush. This glue dries quickly, so don’t wait long before pressing the paper down.
Continue smoothing the paper out until the surface is flat and even. If you see any bubbles trapped under the paper, press down on them with your palm and work them towards the edges.
To ensure an even smoother finish, place something flat and heavy on top of the paper. Another piece of wood with some books on it would work. Make sure any wood you place on the paper is clean so you don’t ruin the piece you just made.
If you don’t have a sanding block or sandpaper, a fine nail file will work as well.
