Introduction to Adhesives

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Choose the right craft adhesive for your next paper crafting project.

Author: Catherine Matthews-Scanlon

Have you ever walked into a craft store looking for glue and been confused at the variety of adhesives available to you? I have, and it took a lot of trial and error before I figured out exactly the kinds that work well for me. This guide will help you choose the right craft adhesive for your next paper crafting project.

Dry Adhesives:

• Adhesive Tape Runners: Easy to apply; simply run the roller across the spot where you want adhesive. Look for refillable styles so you’re only investing in the dispenser one time. Adhesive tape runners are perfect and compact to take to any crop or scrapbooking event.
• Double Sided Scrapbook Tapes: Scrapbook tape lacks some of the convenience of runners, but adds value. Generally you will get more adhesive out of a roll of tape than a runner. Look for double sided photo safe tape starts out repositionable to allow you the time to get your project exactly the way you want it, and then becomes permanent when you let your project set. If you are using vellum, also look for tapes specifically designed to disappear behind this translucent material.
• Double-Sided Photo Safe Tape Squares: Adhesive tabs are perfect for any scrapbook or card project. Simply put a tab in each corner of a photo and stick! These are also available in refillable dispensers for added convenience and portability.
• Foam Adhesive: A necessity for any dimensional project. Foam adhesive is available in circles, squares and strips. If you are using foam circles, don’t throw away the sheet once you’ve popped all of your circles out! Use the remaining sheet to adhere a large item to your project, or trim it down for smaller embellishments.
• Dry Adhesive Sheets: These are perfect for adhering small punches, chipboard accents or ribbons. Like scrapbook tape, look for dry adhesive sheets that are repositionable while you are working and then become permanent.
  Wet Adhesives:
• All Purpose Craft Glue: If you only want to invest in one or two glues, then this is one you must include! Craft glue bottles have applicator tips to make using them easy. This adhesive dries fast and cleans up with soap and water. You can use it to glue paper products, glitter, metal, sequins, yarns, fabrics and more. Look for white glue that dries clear and is non toxic, acid free and photo safe.
• All Purpose Gel Adhesive: This type of wet adhesive is perfect for adding ribbon or small embellishments to any craft project. A gel adhesive won’t run when you apply it. Perfect for any mixed media or paper crafting project.
• Decoupage Glue and Sealer: Look for decoupage glue and sealer that comes in a bottle with an applicator brush attached. Use it to glue down papers to practically any surface, then add a top coat as a great sealer. Good for decorative papers, cards, tickets, tissue paper and so much more. A great choice for any project that needs to be sealed.
• Glittering Glue: Glittering glue is good for any tiny embellishment such as glitter or beads. Glitter glue comes in smaller bottles with fine tip applicators and larger bottles with brush applicators attached to the cover. Look for glittering glue that dries clear and is non-toxic.
• Glue Stick: Glue sticks are perfect for making trading cards, collages, cards or even on your scrapbook pages if you use acid free varieties. Look for a glue stick that goes on blue and dries clear, which helps you see where you’ve applied glue already.
• Glue Pens: If there ever was a miracle glue, this has to be it! Think of glue dispensed through a ballpoint pen – all the control is at your fingertips. No mess. No fuss. This application is perfect for tiny punches pieces and intricate projects. As with glue sticks, look for glue pens that go on blue and dry clear.

• Hot Glue Gun: A hot glue gun works for floral, fabric and wood projects, plus many paper projects as well. To use simply plug in the electrical cord and insert the glue stick in the back chamber. Squeeze the trigger to dispense the glue from the nozzle. Not suitable for children as the glue and nozzle get extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
• Cement Craft Adhesive: This adhesive is a great for many projects. It can be used on glass, metal, sequins, beads, fabric, wood and more. Because this is a solvent based adhesive be sure to use it only in a well ventilated area and allow at least 10 minutes of drying time.
• Spray Adhesive: Spray adhesive is good for many of your projects that use paper and/or photographs. The best way to use a spray adhesive is to cut a piece of corrugated cardboard quite a bit larger than your project. Fold it in half to make a spray hood to protect your work space and the surrounding items. Be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Spray adhesive is not safe for children.

The adhesives discussed in this article are just a small selection of the types of wet and dry glues available. Now that you have an explanation of how each one can be used, you can enter the craft adhesive aisle in your local store with the information you need to make a knowledgeable selection. If you are still in doubt about what type of glue you need for your project, read the directions on your products and the instructions on the glue you think you need. Most glues will list the types of surfaces they work well with.