Choosing the right adhesive for your craft projects.

Classic White Glue – PVA

The most versatile adhesive.

Use PVA* glues for a variety of different crafts and surfaces. It can be used to stick papers, cards, fabrics, wood, plaster and much more.

It’s ideal for most basic crafts. Mix it with water to make a sealer for paper mache and other crafts.

Basic PVA glue isn’t waterproof.

* (polyvinyl acetate is a mouthful, but it’s a basic white glue that will remind you of the stuff you used in grade school, but this won’t yellow)

Best For: Kids Crafts, Papier-mâché

Glue Sticks

Great for paper crafting projects! Glue sticks allows you to apply the glue in thin layers which won’t crinkle the paper. Most types are repositionable until dry, which is ideal for scrapbooking. Glue sticks come in a variety of strengths read the label to find the right bond for your project.

Good For: Scrapbooking, Kids Crafts

Hot Glue

For heavy-duty projects: hot melt glue is ideal.  To use hot melt glue, you will need a hot glue gun as well as hot melt glue sticks. Hot glue guns operate at high temperatures so they require a lot of care and concentration to stay safe. Once you’ve mastered the technique, they give a fast-tack, strong bond that is ideal for heavier objects.  Don’t forget your Hot Glue Gun Holder.

Perfect for: Home Décor projects

Tacky Glue – also PVA

For when you need your glue to be a little more adjustable: this variant of PVA dries clear and tacky after a few minutes and becomes flexible, allowing you to remove and reposition the two surfaces. In about 2 hours, the glue will have dried completely. This type of glue has a strong and durable bond.

Best For: Scrapbooking, Home Decoration

Tape Runners

Perfect for lightweight crafting, tape runners come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Tape runners are available in single use and also refillable models.

This adhesive tape is double sided.  Use these to easily lay down a line of flat adhesive.

Tape runners are available in permanent and repositionable adhesives as well as some specialty adhesives – vellum, super strength, etc.

Ideal for: Card making, Scrapbooking, Kids Crafts

Glue dots, pop dots, and other  flat sheet adhesives

Jelly-like glue dots and puffy foam pop dots are both great options for giving some dimension to your paper crafting projects. Glue dots are to apply and give a strong, instant bond. Pop dots are foam dots or squares with adhesive on both sides.  Great for scrapbooking and card making, and other lightweight applications.

Store your glue dots, pop dots and other flat sheet adhesives in clear pockets.  This will keep them clean & flat, as well as keeping them from sticking to other things.

Great For: Scrapbooking , Card Making

Fabric Glue

Another variant of PVA, this glue is formulated for fabrics and forms a strong bond which will hold together even if the fabric is washed. A great alternative to stitching!

Super Glue

Instant-setting glue for a strong, permanent bond on just about anything. Great for houshold repairs, especially fixing broken plates! If you use lots of unconventional materials in your crafting, it’s good to have a tube of Super Glue for when nothing else will do the trick.
Best For: Model Making, Ceramic Crafts

Double-Sided Tape

Sometimes you don’t even need glue! Double-sided tape is fantastic for card making and children’s craft projects, as it gives an instant result and leaves no mess. It sticks to a wide variety of surfaces, including paper, card, and foam.
Best For: Card Making, coating in glitter!

Mod Podge

All-in-one sealer, glue, and finish that can be used on a variety of surfaces and is quick-drying for a multiple coat build-up. Perfect for decoupage and other crafting activities. Mod Podge comes in a variety of finishes, so read the label carefully to insure you are getting right product for your project.

Best For: Papier-mâché, Fabric Decorations

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you found this information helpful in your search for the perfect adhesive for your crafting project.