I have a fair amount of experience in covering, so I can offer a few tips.
Firstly, IMO, forget PVA. yes it works and allows some "jiggle" time, but the downside is bubbles are more likely, and jiggle time also translates to "peel off again" time. It
can be done, with much practise and using a heat gun, but I reckon the time taken to acquire the technique doesn't justify it.
I use contact adhesive, both spray-on and brush-on, where appropriate. IMPORTANT: Wear a mask of the correct type. You need one that protects against organic vapours, with the proper filters, and they are reasonably cheaply available. (I think mine was about £15, a small price to pay for your health). Being in a ventilated area is NOT enough, as the fumes will build up far quicker than they can disperse, in the area local to your fizzog. The mask allows you to concentrate better on the job, as well as obvious health benefits.
You can use the water based contact stuff, but like most other green products, it's not as effective.
Not all spray on contact adhesives are created equal; I tried a couple before I found one that went on right, and doesn't turn into spiders webs before it gets to the vinyl.
I use brush-on stuff for around the edges where you need more control over the application, and spray-on to cover larger areas. With the spray-on stuff, I put on 4-6 light coats on the vinyl, and 2 or 3 on the wood. Tack time is a lot less on sprayed glue.....you need a good 5 mins with the brushed stuff.
Use a good flat surface and use some kind of roller or smooth scr@per to press the cloth on, and that's it really.
The bit I can't describe are the 101 small bits of skill that make up doing the job! :) I'm afraid it is one of those jobs where you need to be the kind of person who can do things with their hands!
The cutting and trimming especially you'll either be able to do or not. Practise helps, so use some offcuts on bits of scr@p. Use a very sharp knife, and cut, don't saw.
If you're getting bubbles, you're either not putting enough glue on, not applying the material tight and flat enough, or not smoothing the material into place well enough.
Enjoy!
