One of the most important elements in many different types of crafting is the adhesive that you choose to hold it all together. Choosing the right adhesive can make a project go smoothly and last for a long time. Choosing the wrong adhesive, on the other hand, can make your projects more difficult than they need to be and can leave them weak and fragile.
To help you out with your next crafting project, here is a list of the different types of craft adhesives available as well as suggestions for what types of projects they may be most useful for.
Liquid Glue or Adhesive
Liquid glue has the highest strength of any of the common craft adhesives which makes it a good choice for projects that really need to last. There are about as many different types of liquid glue on the market as there are crafts to make and it is important to consider your needs before purchasing a glue.
Things you should consider are whether or not it dries clear, how strong it is, how long it takes to dry, whether it will discolor over time, price, toxicity and consistency.
For instance, some goopy liquid glues dry clear and hold exceptionally well, but their fumes are toxic to breath. Weigh the pros and cons of a glue with the benefits to your project and then pick one that is appropriate.
Pastes and Glue Sticks
Pastes and glue sticks are handy tools to have in your crafting arsenal, particularly if you work with paper crafts. Though they tend not to be as strong as liquid glue, they have certain advantages in many applications. For one thing, they are not as wet at liquid glue so they are less likely to warp or ripple paper. They are also easy and quick to use and tend to dry quickly. Again, consider drying time, toxicity, color and strength before deciding that a paste or glue stick is right for your project.
Hot Glue
Hot glue is one of the most versatile types of craft adhesive and works well on many different types of projects. You can use it for everything from gluing fabric to attaching embellishments and more. Hot glue doesn’t have a lot of strength, so if you project requires a heavy duty glue opt for something else. However, it does dry quickly and hold well for most craft projects.
Spray Adhesives
The main advantage of spray adhesives – essentially glue in an aerosol can – is that they don’t warp or ripple paper. They are a good choice for paper projects like scrapbooking or card making and also work in some crafts involving lightweight fabric. Keep in mind when you use a spray adhesive there will be overspray so you want to be sure to protect the area around where you are spraying.
Double Sided Tape and Tape Runners
Double sided tape is best suited to scrapbooking and is a fantastically easy material to work with. The best part about it is that there is no drying time – just apply the tape, stick your paper down and you are done. Just be sure to check your accuracy before actually applying the tape to paper so you don’t ruin your project. Once it is stuck down it is there for good.
Hopefully this list will help you to be sure that you choose the right adhesive for your next craft project.
