How to Glue Birch Bark to Plywood

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Lint-free cloth

  • Pencil

  • Wood glue

  • Glue tray

  • Glue roller

  • Clamps

  • Heavy books

Birch bark adds a rustic appeal to a decorating project.

With its white color, peppered with black flecks, birch bark is distinctive among tree coverings. Unlike many other types of bark, that of the birch tree is very pliable, coming off in thin sheets. Birch bark sheets are attachable to plywood, forming a cover for a variety of craft projects. Regardless of the project, complete the gluing in the same fashion.

Advertisement

Step 1

Remove any debris from the plywood and the back of the birch bark by lightly brushing it away with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Plan the location of the birch bark on the plywood and make any markings with a pencil if necessary.

Advertisement

Step 3

Fill a glue tray with wood glue. Place a layer of glue onto a glue roller.

Step 4

Apply a layer of wood glue on the back of the birch bark by rolling in a gentle back and forth motion. Cover the entire back of the birch bark to ensure adequate coverage.

Advertisement

Step 5

Press the birch bark sheet onto the plywood and gently run the side of your hand along the bark to ensure contact.

Step 6

Clamp the edges of the plywood with wood clamps to hold the birch bark in place while drying. Placing clamps along the edge holds the birch bark tight against the plywood, keeping it from curling upward while the glue dries. Placing heavy objects on the top, such as books, can serve as an alternative to clamping if the project can lie flat. Leave the clamps or pressure on for at least four hours. Allow 24 hours of drying time before handling.

Tip

If you’re applying birch bark sheets to a large piece of plywood, start with one sheet in the top corner. Continue to apply additional sheets in a row, next to one another. Cut away any excess birch bark after gluing it by running a craft knife along the edge, flush with the edge of the plywood.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references