Display your photos with pride. We’ll show you how to glue pictures to wood quickly and easily – and without making a mess – so you can start decorating straight away.
One of the simplest ways to brighten up your home is by putting up some pictures. But instead of using a frame, try gluing photos on wood to create a more permanent feel.
All you need is a good piece of wood – something smooth and flat, cut to the right size – to use as a background, and a quality adhesive.
Although gluing photos to wood is a quick and easy job, it’s essential to use the right kind of adhesive.
If you’re using an analogue photo, rather than a digital one that can be printed again, it’s especially important to get it right first time. You don’t want to accidentally ruin a treasured picture!
In the section below, we’ll give you some advice on choosing an adhesive, and show you exactly how to glue pictures to wood.
But first, here are some factors to consider before you glue pictures on wood:
- Can the picture be replaced? To be on the safe side, make digital copies of old photos.
- Where will the picture be displayed? Indoors or outdoors? You should also consider whether the area is humid or dry, and choose a glue that can cope with the ambient conditions. Laminate any pictures you plan to hang outside.
- What effect will the glue have on the picture? Most glues will work on paper and card, but there’s also a risk that they’ll curl the corners or seep through. Make sure you’ve chosen a glue that won’t cause damage.
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One of the easiest ways to glue pictures on wood is with spray adhesive. Simply shake, spray, and press your pictures in place.
This kind of adhesive generally dries transparent. It’s ideal for craft projects involving paper and card, as it won’t damage the material. Also, unlike most liquid glues, there’s no risk of it seeping through the surface.
However, to be on the safe side, we recommend testing the adhesive on a small part of the picture first – a less visible area like the corner.
Take safety precautions when working with any adhesive. Work in a well-ventilated space and make sure the surrounding area is protected with scrap paper.
Here’s how to glue pictures to wood with spray adhesive:
- Decide on the arrangement. Before gluing, place the picture on the wood, and check that you’re happy with the positioning.
- Prepare the spray adhesive. Open the can and shake it about 10 times.
- Apply the adhesive. Hold the can vertically about 10 inches away, and spray across the back of the picture. Use a continuous motion, applying a light, even coat.
- Press the picture in place. Attach the glued surface of the picture to the wood. If you want to reposition it, do so quickly, peeling from the corner of the picture.
- Clean up. Clean the spray tip by turning the can upside down and spraying briefly. You can use turpentine to clean the tip.
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Glue isn’t your only option! If you want to create strong, permanent bonds between paper and wood quickly and easily, try a removable mounting tape.
This double-sided tape sometimes comes in two formats – interior use and exterior use – and is extremely strong. It’s ideal for displaying a picture permanently. Before displaying a picture outdoors, laminate or frame it first for added protection.
Alternatively, try the permanent version of Pattex No More Nails Removable Mounting Strips, which are similarly strong and easy to use. The section below explains how to use these sticky strips to attach pictures to wood.
If you want to glue pictures on wood as temporary decorations, you’re better off using another form of adhesive – mounting strips.
Pattex No More Nails Removable Mounting Strips are available in two formats – removable and permanent.
These foam mounting strips are double-sided. You can use the removable strips to stick lightweight objects (weighing up to 2kg) to a variety of materials, including wood, metal, tile, and plastic.
They’re perfect for gluing photos on wood. Not only are they easy to use, but they’re also easy to remove, and they won’t damage the surface.
Removable strips are your best option for displaying pictures in a child or teenager’s room, or for decorating a rented home.
Here’s how to use Pattex Mounting Strips:
- Prepare the surface. Make sure the wood is clean and dry.
- Apply the mounting strip. Put the strip on the wood, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Remove the yellow liner.
- Press the picture in place. Attach the picture to the wood, pressing down firmly.
If you’re attaching a large picture or multiple pictures, use multiple strips.
To remove the mounting strips, use a thread to cut through the foam. Avoid pulling, as this may damage the picture.
Once you’ve removed the picture from the wood, you can simply peel off any remaining foam.
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