Best Way to Glue Felt to Wood: DIY Adhesive Guide

Best Way to Glue Felt to Wood: DIY Adhesive Guide

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 card holders have a smooth layer of felt on the bottom. 

I've been crafting with kids and upcycling furniture for years, so I've needed to adhere felt to wood a time or two. Gluing felt to wood is a straightforward process, but you need the right materials, techniques, and a bit of patience to ensure a durable bond and tidy look. 

Whether you're working on a DIY project or refurbishing furniture, the right adhesive ensures a strong bond for a professional finish. So what's the best adhesive for felt and wood projects? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to glue felt to wood effectively:

Materials You'll Need to Glue Felt to Wood:

1. Felt: Choose the appropriate thickness and color of felt for your project. I personally love felt that is very thin, 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.

2. 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.

3. Adhesive: Select a suitable adhesive based on the type of felt and wood you're using. Common adhesives are discussed below.

4. Utility Knife or Scissors: To cut the felt to the desired shape and size.

5. Masking Tape or Clamps: Helps hold the felt in place while the adhesive sets.

6. Protective Gear: Gloves and eye protection if using strong adhesives.

What Is the Best Glue for Adhering Felt to Wood?

Gluing felt to wood can be tricky, but the most effective adhesive for your project depends on the type of felt, the size of the area, and the finish you want. 

Below is a breakdown of types of glue to help you find the right glue for your felt craft project or DIY projects.

Tacky Glue

Tacky glue is a good option for small craft projects or working with young children. It’s water-based, non-toxic, and provides a permanent bond for smaller areas.

• Best For: Attaching felt pieces to a piece of wood, especially for kids’ crafts.

• Pros: Safe, affordable, and easy to clean with warm water.

• Cons: It can look messy and may not create a smooth surface on larger projects.

• Best Brand: Aleene’s Tacky Glue works great and comes in various sizes.

Spray Adhesive

For large projects or flat surfaces, spray glue is the best option. It provides an even coat and a strong bond, making it perfect for high-quality felt or billiard cloth.

• Best For: Covering larger pieces like a pool table or high-end felt projects.

• Pros: Quick, easy to apply, and ensures a smooth surface.

• Cons: Additional cost for adhesive sprays and foam brushes for application.

• Best Brand: Gorilla Spray Adhesive is an excellent choice for wood projects.

Contact Cement

Contact cement offers a durable bond for felt materials and is ideal for heavy-duty or large projects. However, it has a strong odor and requires careful application to avoid wrinkles on the felt surface.

• Best For: Flat, heavy-duty wood projects requiring a permanent glue.

• Pros: Very strong hold and versatile for different wood surfaces.

• Cons: Toxic fumes and more challenging to work with.

Hot Glue Gun

A hot glue gun is a good option for quick, felt-gluing projects, especially for small pieces or intricate designs.

• Best For: Temporary or small felt projects.

• Pros: Fast-setting and affordable.

• Cons: Lower quality finish for large areas and can damage natural fibers.

• Best Brand: Adtech Mini Hot Glue Stick for use with a high-temperature glue gun.

Fabric Glue

Fabric glue like Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Felt Adhesive is an effective adhesive specifically designed for felt and fabric projects. It provides a strong bond while preserving the flexibility of the material.

• Best For: Projects requiring a soft and smooth surface.

• Pros: Dries clear, works well on felt edges, and bonds to a variety of surfaces.

• Cons: Longer dry time compared to spray glue or hot glue.

• Best Brand: Aleene’s Fabric Fusion for felt-gluing projects.

Super Glue

Super glue is a fast-drying adhesive that creates an incredibly strong bond on various materials, including felt and wood. It's a great option for small, precise projects where speed and durability are key.

• Best For: Smaller areas, quick repairs, and felt-gluing projects requiring a strong and permanent hold.

• Pros: Dries quickly, provides a durable bond, and works well on felt edges and hard surfaces.

• Cons: Can stiffen the felt, making it less suitable for projects requiring flexibility. It can also leave a visible residue if overapplied.

• Best Brand: Gorilla Super Glue Gel is an excellent choice for precise application and best super glue for felt projects involving intricate details.

Does the Type of Felt Impact Glue Choice?

Not all felt is created equal, and understanding the types of felt can help you choose the correct glue for your felt projects. Each type of felt has unique characteristics that affect how well different adhesives work.

Wool Felt

Wool felt is made from natural fibers, making it thicker, more durable, and higher quality than other types. Its texture holds onto glue well, but it may require stronger adhesives for larger areas.

• Best Glue for Wool Felt: Fabric glue or contact cement works well for a durable bond and preserving the felt’s natural flexibility.

• Best Projects for Wool Felt: High-end crafts like the inside of a jewelry box, intricate designs, or wood projects needing a smooth surface.

Acrylic Felt

Acrylic felt is synthetic, lightweight, and usually less expensive. It’s a great choice for casual or beginner felt craft projects, but its smoother texture may make it harder for some glues to stick.

• Best Glue for Acrylic Felt: Spray glue or tacky glue offers a strong bond without soaking into the material.

• Best Projects for Acrylic Felt: Kids’ crafts, DIY projects, and decorations that don’t require long-term durability.

Craft Felt

Craft felt is a mix of wool and synthetic fibers, available in various sizes and different colors. It’s a versatile material but tends to be thinner and less sturdy than wool felt.

• Best Glue for Craft Felt: Hot glue gun or adhesive spray for quick application and ease of use.

• Best Projects for Craft Felt: Seasonal decorations, smaller areas, and projects involving felt edges.

So, What is the Best Type of Glue to Stick Felt to Wood?

Overall, I recommend using the Gorilla Glue spray adhesive. While it's important to consider the type of felt and project you're doing, this spray glue is easy to apply in a thin layer, which gives you a smooth finish that lasts a long time. It's a great glue to use for sticking felt to just about anything, in my opinion! 

For smaller areas that it may be hard to apply spray glue to, tacky glue is a better choice - especially when working with kids. 

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Gluing Felt to Wood

1. Wrinkles on Felt Surface: Use a foam roller to apply an even pressure after gluing.

2. Excess Glue: Wipe with a cloth dampened with lacquer thinner or warm water.

3. Uneven Edges: Trim with scissors after the glue sets.

4. Unstable Bond: Make sure the surface of the wood is as clean as possible and free from any dust, dirt, or debris.

FAQs: Gluing Felt to Wood

Can you use regular white glue or glue sticks 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 quality spray adhesive.

How do you avoid wrinkles when gluing felt?

Apply the glue evenly (a thin layer works best), and use a foam roller or your hands to smooth the felt from the center outward.

Can I remove glue from felt if I make a mistake?

It depends on the glue type. For water-based adhesives like tacky glue, you can use warm water while it’s still wet. For stronger glues, removal can be tricky and may damage the felt.

Step-by-Step Guide for Gluing Felt to Wood:

1. Prepare the Wood Surface:

• Clean the Surface: For best results, 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:

• Tacky Glue: Apply a thin, even layer of tacky glue to the back of the felt and press it firmly onto the wood surface. Use a foam 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 strong hold.

• 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 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 it works.

• 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.

  Obviously 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.

​With the right adhesive and technique, gluing felt to wood is a breeze. 

From tacky glue to spray adhesive choosing the right adhesive and applying it properly will give you a strong, lasting bond that looks great and gets the job done.

Want to try more felt crafts? Check out my beginner’s guide to Needle Felting!