The Best Glues For Your Paper Craft (2024)

June 04, 2014 By Victoria Hudgins filed under Paper Crafts Blog .

Its no surprise that I love doing lots and lots of crafting. Do you ever have a project that falls completely apart on you and turns out to be nothing like you planned? Truthfully this happens a lot in a crafter’s life. Many DIY projects take several attempts to get just right, but with the right knowledge that doesn’t have to happen to you! I’m excited to share from my own mistakes, and arm you with the the best glue for paper crafts.

Explore four of the best glues for paper projects:

1. Glue sticks

The first of our types of paper glue is probably the most fun to use: a glue stick! Glue sticks are water based and come in a tube very similar to chapstick. This type of paper glue works best on cards and crafts that require small details on a bigger canvas (think lots of little polka dots on a card). The great thing about glue sticks is that the glue dries clear so if you make a mistake placing the glue, no harm done! These sticks are great for kids projects and are usually non-toxic and washable (whew, that’s always a relief). Most of the glue sticks are acid-free too which always makes them great for scrapbooking as well, but I would still always check the packaging as this is still a newer thing. It’s also important to note that glue sticks will not adhere to plastic.

2. Glue dots

Have you ever gotten the freebies in the magazines and wondered what the sticky adhesive was? Those are glue dots! Glue dots are kind of becoming a new craze in the crafting world. They are small circular adhesives that come on a roll and really adhere well to paper, plastic, glass, metal and vinyl. This type of paper glue works well with attaching embellishments (like jewels, lace, scrapbooking pieces, etc). They come in several different types of adhesives such as; removable, semi-removable and permanent. These are perfect for adding those finishing touches on your handmade greeting cards.

3. Tacky PVA glue

“Tacky glue” as its commonly referred to as is perfect for card making and especially great for gluing any embellishments on like ribbon, lace or lettering. The best part? This type of paper glue will wash off with soap and water. A quick tip for this type of glue is that you must wait until it’s completely dry before its bonded. The bond is very strong once it is completely dried. Tacky glue is perfect for creating quick handmade party hats and making a photo collage of all your closest friends.

4. Glue guns

These have been around for as long as I can remember, which is a great because it means that they really work! Glue guns warm the glue up so its consistency is more malleable. The point on the gun will be able to get into those tiny cracks and crevices when you need it. Be careful with this hot substance, I would (obviously!) not recommend this for kids. This gluing method is known to be kind of sticky and stringy, so have something to clean your hands off with. Glue guns work great on any paper craft and do really well gluing any accessories on to your paper. The glue gun is my go-to form of adhesive for paper!

What’s your favorite glue to use when crafting with paper and why?

As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of crafting, particularly paper crafts, I can attest to the importance of selecting the right adhesive for your projects. My depth of knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, having navigated through countless crafting endeavors and learning from both successes and failures. Crafting is not just a hobby for me; it's a passion that has driven me to explore various materials, techniques, and, of course, adhesives to achieve the perfect results.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article dated June 04, 2014, by Victoria Hudgins about the best glues for paper crafts:

Glue Sticks:
- Glue sticks are water-based adhesives that come in a tube, similar in appearance to chapstick.
- Ideal for projects involving small details on a larger canvas, such as cards with intricate designs.
- Dries clear, allowing for mistakes in glue placement without visible consequences.
- Well-suited for kids' projects, typically non-toxic, and washable.
- Acid-free glue sticks are recommended for scrapbooking.
- Important to note: Glue sticks do not adhere well to plastic.
Glue Dots:
- Glue dots are small circular adhesives that come on a roll.
- Versatile and adhere well to various surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, metal, and vinyl.
- Particularly useful for attaching embellishments like jewels, lace, and scrapbooking pieces.
- Available in different types, including removable, semi-removable, and permanent.
- Ideal for adding finishing touches to handmade greeting cards.
Tacky PVA Glue:
- Commonly known as "Tacky Glue," this type is perfect for card making and attaching embellishments like ribbon, lace, or lettering.
- Water-soluble, allowing for easy cleanup with soap and water.
- Requires complete drying for a strong bond.
- Well-suited for quick handmade projects such as party hats and photo collages.
Glue Guns:
- Glue guns have been a staple in crafting for their effectiveness.
- These devices heat the glue, making it malleable for application.
- Pointed tips allow for precise application, reaching into tiny cracks and crevices.
- Caution: Due to the hot substance, not recommended for use by children.
- Known for a somewhat sticky and stringy consistency.
- Excellent for various paper crafts and attaching accessories.

Selecting the right glue is crucial in ensuring the success of your paper crafting projects. Understanding the unique properties of each adhesive type can save you from the frustrations of failed attempts and enhance the overall quality of your creations. Crafting is a journey, and with the right knowledge, you can turn any mishap into a valuable lesson.