How To Use Spray Adhesive On Paper?

As a lover of all things crafty, I’ve experimented with a variety of adhesives over the years. But when it comes to bonding paper, nothing quite beats the convenience and ease of using a spray adhesive.

I still remember my first time using spray adhesive on paper. I was a bit intimidated at first, worried about getting the right amount of coverage and avoiding messy and sticky fingers. But with a bit of practice and some helpful tips, I quickly became a spray adhesive convert.

Here, I’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know about using spray adhesive on paper, from selecting the right product for your project to applying it like a pro.

Reasons Why Spray Glue Is Best For Paper Surface

• Spray glues can be used in even coats to get a permanent bond.
• Spray glue is an adhesive that goes with almost any type of surface material or lightweight materials, especially if you’re working with paper or bonding wood.
• Once you apply the glue on the paper, it will take only two to three minutes to get dried and cured partially if you are not applying excess glue or the surface is clean and dry.

All of these are crucial, making it an ideal option that you can use for your art projects, but only if you know how to prep the surface and how to use it the right way.

Types Of Spray Adhesives & Their Compatibility With Paper

When it comes to choosing the best spray adhesive for paper, you need to consider factors such as the type of paper you’re working with, the level of adhesion required, and the finish you want to achieve.

Here are some common types of spray adhesive and their suitability for the paper –

1. Repositionable Spray Adhesive

This type of adhesive is designed to provide a temporary bond that allows you to reposition the paper multiple times.

It’s ideal for use in crafting projects or when you need to make adjustments to your layout.

However, it may not provide a strong enough bond for heavier or thicker papers.

2. Permanent Spray Adhesive

As the name suggests, this adhesive provides a strong, permanent bond that is suitable for heavier or thicker papers.

It’s best for projects where you want a long-lasting hold and doesn’t need to make any adjustments once the paper is glued down.

3. Acid-Free Spray Adhesive

This type of adhesive is designed specifically for use with archival-quality paper or photographs.

It doesn’t contain any acid or harmful chemicals that could damage the paper over time, making it ideal for preserving important documents or artwork.

Based on the above options, permanent spray adhesive would be the best choice for paper projects that require a strong, long-lasting hold.

However, it’s always a good idea to test the adhesive on a small area of your paper first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

How To Apply Spray Adhesive On Paper?

Follow these steps and you will be a pro at gluing your papers using spray adhesive –

1. Find Out The Right Area To Work On

Before you start working with white glue, you need to make sure that you are working in an area that is free from any lint, pet hair, or minor dust particles. So, what can you do?

• Choose a well-ventilated area as it will help avoid the strong fume, in case you overspray. It will also help you get enough scope to welcome fresh air.
• Spray adhesive chemicals won’t leave you in a state of any physical discomfort.
• Also, cover up the surrounding objects that you can find out in the room.
• Hold the can upside down and spray and remove excess with a dry cloth and replace it.

2. Surface Preparation Is The Key 

Now, you need to prepare the surface properly before you start applying the adhesive. 

• Get your hands on a small or medium-sized brush and wipe off the surface to get rid of the initial dirt particles and dust.

If you find the surface too uneven, what you can do is take a 60 or 120-grit sandpaper and gently buff away the surface. You can use mineral spirits to get rid of aerosol and wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fume.

• Now, take a piece of damp cloth and prepare a soapy mixture by diluting a few drops of liquid soap into warm water. 

• Wipe off the entire surface with that soapy mixture, and this will help you to loosen up the dirt particles.
• Now, take a dry cloth or rag piece and wipe away the watery residue.

3. Techniques For Applying The Spray Adhesive

•   Make sure that you shake up the spray can the right way so that any clamps present in the can liquid are dissolved and the glue is applied evenly. You need a spray that is high-tack and gets applied to one surface quickly and easily.
• Also, ensure that you are holding the spray can in an upright position when you are applying the spray adhesive.
• You need to hold the can seven to eight inches away from the surface material.
• Make your hand go back and forth when you apply the adhesive on the surface material. Remember, thin layers are always better than one thick adhesive layer on a surface.

4. Apply The Glue Correctly 

Follow the above-mentioned steps so that you can apply the spray adhesive the right way.

•  You need to apply the adhesive directly onto the paper. But do not forget to cover up the entire paper surface.
•  Also, you will not want to have a working surface that is too dry or too wet when you will start working.
• You need to wait for a few seconds after you are done applying the spray adhesive. It should become tacky before you stick it on the paper.

5. Time To Place The Paper

If you find out that any bubble is getting formed between the two surfaces, in between the surface material and the paper, you need to immediately run your hands or fingers over it. It will remove the gaps and bubbles. In turn, you will get the perfect results.

• Grab one corner of the paper and gently align it with one corner of the surface material.
• Now, carefully and slowly, spread the entire paper while covering up the entire surface material.
• Make sure that all the sides of the paper are properly aligned with all the corners of the surface.

6. Let It Cure

The amount of time you spend on this process might decide the longevity of the craft and its sturdiness.

Once you are done with your craft and placing the paper on the surface, you need to let the adhesive get cured for a few minutes. 

If you find that it is taking too long or you want to make sure that you get a solid adhesion, you can apply heat over the surface. You can use a blow dryer or a heat gun directly onto the surface.

But make sure that you do not spend too long holding the heat gun on the surface or apply too much heat on it. Otherwise, it can damage the paper.

7. Trim The Excess To Get The Pro Results 

If you feel that the paper is too big or you want to use the paper for anything else, or any other template, you might need to trim off the excess paper. 

You can grab a pair of scissors and gently cut off the paper edges to get started with a smooth and even base. Do not forget to scale down the excess paper in the right way before you chop them off.

FAQs – How To Use Spray Adhesive On Paper?

Are You Ready To Use Spray Glue For All Your Arts And Crafts?

In conclusion, spray adhesive can be a useful tool for anyone looking to create projects with paper.

Whether you are a seasoned crafter or a beginner, knowing how to use spray adhesive correctly can make all the difference in your finished product.

Remember to always read the instructions and use the glue spray in a well-ventilated area to avoid any harmful effects.

Also, be sure to test the adhesive on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to your entire project.

By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your papercrafts with ease. So what are you waiting for? Start fixing your paper projects with spray adhesive!