How to Glue Paper Without Wrinkles

Are you wondering how to glue paper without wrinkles? Here are some tips that are guaranteed to help your decoupage projects.

Are you wondering how to glue paper without wrinkles? One of the biggest issues I have come across in my decoupage projects is wrinkles. . . you know what I’m talking about. The paper is bubbly. And unattractive. It goes something like this –

PROBLEM: You got those terrible little bubbles and wrinkles in your paper. And they didn’t go away when the project dried.

SOLUTION: There are three parts – three options of things you can do to avoid this problem. Here we go.

Part A – Spray your paper with this. You can really use any acrylic sealer, but this one is my favorite. Spray both sides of the paper SEVERAL times and allow to dry.

What happens is the sealers acts as a makeshift barrier, so that the surface of the paper gets glued, but the glue doesn’t soak all the way through the fibers and make a soggy mess (thereby causing the dreaded wrinkles).

Part B – You can mist the paper with water. This is especially important with thinner papers. I’ve never had success with really thin papers unless I’ve misted them with water (NOT soaked) and then also used a roller. Don’t roll over the top too much though, or you will start to wear the paper away – since it’s wet.

Part C – Allow the paper to dry to the surface BEFORE Mod Podging over it. Let me explain. You MUST apply enough Mod Podge to either the project surface or the paper back. I get that question a lot, actually.

It doesn’t matter what you do, just make sure that you apply a medium layer – not too thin. Apply the paper to the project surface and SMOOTH THOROUGHLY with your fingers or a brayer. Allow this to dry for 15 – 20 minutes and THEN go back and Mod Podge over it to seal.

NOTE: Tissue paper is going to wrinkle. It’s just going to. It’s part of the fancy effect.

Now you know how to glue paper without wrinkles!

For more information and to see great videos with some tips, visit youtube.com/modpodgerocks. I also have a complete learn how to decoupage section with an FAQ (visit that too).

Now get Podging!

Frank Lopez

Wednesday 1st of November 2023

Thank you for the information. Question about part A. I grant you that selling the paper should keep it from wrinkling, but will modpodge cause the paper to stretch? I mean, it will soak the paper, and that has a tendency to stretch and slightly warp the paper. Or do you recommend on large pieces securing the paper at the corners before applying sealant? I am struggling with this and any suggestions will be appreciated.

Brandy

Monday 1st of July 2013

You just saved my project!! Thanks for the tips!!

Keri

Thursday 27th of June 2013

Hi, I am trying to Mod Podge a poster to canvas. Would you suggest using spray adhesive to put it down or a layer of Mod Podge? Also any advice on reducing wrinkles. I watched your youtube videos and I got some good ideas, but I was wondering if you had any advice specific to posters. Thanks!

Amy

Hi Keri! Posters are REALLY hard, actually. Honestly if it's pretty large I would get it professionally mounted.

Clare

Friday 24th of May 2013

Will it help to use it after the work is done and dried? I have a collage picture that I did and It has wrinkles that I would really like to remove. Thanks

Hi Clare, unfortunately once the project is done and completely dried, you won't be able to reduce the wrinkles. You have to take the steps during the project!

Deborah

Sunday 10th of March 2013

Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much!!!! The acryclic spray works wonders. It has made me love decoupaging and working with paper in my art again. Seriously - I thank you so much!