This is information that has been requested many times over the years, so here you go.
There are many different types of glue on the market and most of them are very good. I have tried most all of them lol. Buy trying all of them over the years it has helped me decide which glue is the best to use on Mini Albums, Journal making, card making and scrapbooking. Most of the glue that we carry today I have used for over 20 years without an issue. Now I want to assure you that you do NOT need all of these glues to start your crafting journey. Most of these glues will work on many surfaces, some may just take a little longer to set. So don’t think you have to buy all of them to craft you don’t.
Now I understand that everyone has their own preference on craft products and I would never try to persuade you to change anything that you are happy with. But if you are finding that you are not happy with the glue you use or if you are new to crafting and you are looking for some of the best, then this aritcle is for you. Also most of the glues I will be discussing is available in our store, and will be linked in each article. If we don’t carry it I will leave a link where you can purchase it.
My #1 favorite glue for most all of my crafts is Art Glitter Glue. And there are many reasons why I like this glue and why I have used it since it hit the market. I would say that the only draw back to AAG is that it is not supposed to be shipped in the Winter due to the fact it is water base.
Facts about Art Glitter Glue: Designer Dries Clear Adhesive is an industrial strength, non-toxic, water based adhesive originally designed for glitter and paper applications.
This versatile adhesive is both flexible and strong enough to bond items such as wood, metal, cardboard, canvas, plastic, and even glass.
The 2 oz and 4 oz sizes come equipped with a ready to use application spout, but for extra fine precision out of the bottle see our Metal Tip Attachment to add to the end of the spout to create a much finer application of adhesive from the spout.
- ACID FREE AND NON-TOXIC: Totally safe to use for any project.
*cannot ship to lows under 40° F*
This adhesive has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of purchase for optimum results.
Designer Dries Clear Adhesive is a water-based adhesive that cannot be shipped in cold or freezing temperatures.
Due to these facts it is best to stock up on AGG in the warm months. This glue grabs quickly and has a very strong bond, but it is NOT reccomended for vellum or any thin paper because due to the water element it will wrinkle your paper.
My #2 Favorite: Bearly Arts Glue: This glue has many of the same components as Art Glitter Glue but with one main difference can ship year round. And it works fantastic on vellum and thin papers. As long as you rub it in well it will not show through the vellum and it will not wrinkle you vellum or papers.
Facts About Bearly Arts Glue: CLEAR-DRYING PREMIUM ART & CRAFT GLUE: Create a professional-level look for all styles of crafts. Best art glitter glue available.
MULTIPLE-SIZED TIPS: Provides more choices in application! Get better accuracy, freedom, and control with precision tips.
WRINKLE & CLUMP RESISTANT: Specially formulated to stay smooth and prevent wrinkling
PHOTO SAFE: PAT Passed, acid-free, photo safe, and archival. Perfect for scrapbooking.
NON-TOXIC: Totally safe to use for any project.
FREEZE/THAW STABLE: Can ship year ‘round and has been tested to be freeze/thaw stable for 5 freeze/thaw cycles. Perfect arts & crafts glue for the holidays
My #3 Favorite is our Pioneer Glue Stick. As many of you see me use this glue a ton. This glue is inexpensive and I have used it for over 25 years and have never had an issue. My projects that were assembled using this glue 25 years ago are still holding up as well today as they did when I made them. My quick go to glue.
Facts about Pioneer Glue Stick: Used for Art, craft, school, posters. Material is rubber-based formulation. Excellent for memory books, non toxic and child safe. Dries clear and easy to use. Photo safe formula. Excellent for scrapbooking. Permanently bonds to most surfaces. And it is acid free.
We don’t have to say a lot about this glue, it is all show on the package. I love it and use it almost every day.
Another favorite is Fabri-Tac. This glue I mainly use on fabric, ribbon and lace, but it can be used on any surfaces. I don’t use it on a thin paper or fabric because the make up of this glue could show through. I even use this glue on metal charms and pieces that need a little extra grab. This glue is made by Beacon which is one of the leading manufacturers of adhesives. Another glue that I have used and loved for years.
Facts about Fabri-Tac: Use on Fabric, Art, Craft, Shoes, Leatherworking, Furniture and Wood. Fabri-Tac permanent adhesive is perfect for use on surfaces with varied textures.
Can be used on Trims to prevent fraying before you cut.
Permanent and fast-drying adhesive can be used with beads, fabric, wood, shoes, drapes and more. It is acid free and it dries clear.
Crystal adhesive Formulated for fast grab, fast dry performance and flexibility
This adhesive was the first craft item I started selling when I opened my store 28 years ago and I still sell it today, and use it. And it has stood the test of time. There are many variations of this product on the market and I have tried most of them but I still come back to this brand. The others just don’t hold up as well as this. And that is the Sookwang Scor Tape distributed by Scor Pal, one of my first and favorite wholesale companies that decided to take a chance on a new, family owned and operated by one, company. Again this is another adhesive that has stood the test of time. My mini albums made 28 years ago and my scrapbooks are still holding true today.
Facts about Sookwang Scor Tape: Scor-Tape, double sided adhesives. Scor-Tape is an amazing product. It is a premium double sided adhesive, best on the market, acid free, heat resistant and incredibly sticky tape.
All rolls are 27 yards long, so they are exceptional value. And it is sold in various widths from 1/8″ all the way up to full sheets.
It can be used with embossing powders, foils, beads, glitter, ribbon etc.
Unlike other tapes, Scor-Tape is paper backed which means you can tear it with your thumb & finger. Perfect permanent adhesive for card making, boxes, books and even iris folding patterns
Can be used on almost any surface including fabric, plastic, and glass
Has a paper backing which you can tear with your thumb & finger. Also very easy to remove once you have placed the tape on your surface
Much easier to use and less messy than liquid glue
The tape liner does not cling, no more annoying static problems
Now there are many, many other adhesives out there and some are really good. I just can’t go into all of them on this article because it would be a book lol.
I hope you found this helpful. And again please don’t think you need all of these adhesives, you do not. I started with one and worked up as I wanted to try out the adhesives before I sold them. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section and I will answer them as soon as I can.
Blessing, E
