Stuck Up: What's the Best Glue For Paper Crafts?

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The Best Glue For Paper Crafts

So what’s the best glue for paper crafts if you love decoupage, collage, scrapbooking, art journals,what have you? As someone who has worked with collage, decoupage, the porous and the not-so-porous, I can tell you that not all glues are created equal! If your main hobbies are any category of the above you want to cut to the finish and spend more time crafting and less time trying to figure it all out.

It’s imperative that you don’t end up in any “sticky situations”:)

I love making collages and one such example would be that of my goal board – which started out with a regular old art canvas and to attach my pictures securely. I used the best paper craftng glue money can buy. It dispenses easily yet thoroughly, and most importantly, dries clear, in a 24-hr period

Know what I used? You may have already heard of it, maybe even tried it before, but here goes…

Did You Miss Something?

The Award For the Best Paper Crafting Glue Goes To…

Let’s hear it for Mod Podge!!

(Yep, that very same product with the retro yellow label and the flower power design you can’t miss.)

Don’t be too surprised…this may very well have been your mother’s and grandmother’s crafting glue, for good reason – it’s the sinne qua nonne of successful decoupagers everywhere. Which leads to why many people attempting to create their own version in a pinch, especially if they run out!

Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS11301 Matte Finish Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS11201 Gloss Finish Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS15066 Extreme Glitz Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS11211 Sparkle

Yes, it’s a product that actually goes back to the 60s or 70s, no surprise there with a word like “mod” in the name! If I’m not mistaken I believe they celebrated a milestone anniversary not too long ago.

It’s not only a glue, it is also a varnish and sealant, so it’s a paper craft trifecta all rolled into one.all working together to give your finished products the secure, strong finish they need and deserve. Meaning you don’t have to buy three separate products, ain’t that great?

What Makes Mod Podge the Best Adhesive For Paper Crafts?

Well in a nutshell, here are the biggies…Your mileage may vary depending on what you’re working on but these are the main points:

Flawless application onto surface
Non-toxic
Water-based product that will wash off your hands and tools easily after you’re finished
Dries clear upon full curation
Glue, sealer and varnish all in one product
Can be used to adhere paper materials as well as to preserve them

You Had Me At Non-Toxic and Water-based…What Do I Like Best?

Although I have used a number of glues over the years, many of them excellent – there is the one small fly in the ointment and that problem lies in the applicator tip. You see a bottle of glue and you have to squeeze it to dispense it – meaning it squirts out in a ribbon – which, if you don’t use a brush to smooth the ribbon down, can leave unsightly pockets or bubbles in material that is thin in nature, as is paper, whether it’s cardstock, construction, tissue, etc.

Ergo, you need something made to apply with a brush for a flawless application. What I like best is that it is made to use with a sponge (or paintbrush; but I prefer sponge application to prevent seeing the stray brush bristle marks) so you have control when you spread it on the desired project in the works, eliminating the problem I described above that come from a tip applicator like that of most glues.

You can also use it to build up layers; in my own experience I’ve found that one coat does the job. If the paper you’re working with is especially thin I wouldn’t recommend multiple coats as this can lead to the buildup of ridges (which you definitely do not want) I’ve learned that a little does go a long way!

The Many Varieties Available

I can remember looking for a jar not too long ago and wow…where has the time gone? I can remember when all you saw was the red or yellow label product specifying a matte or gloss finish…I was struck blind with numerous types, sizes and project types in mind.

This timeless classic fills so many niches now; there is everything from glitter, pearl, and assorted colors! So no matter what you are trying to adhere your paper materials to there is certain to be a type just for you.

Sizes include 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz and 1 gallon. The 8 oz size will cover approximately 16 square feet of surfaces.

Conclusion

And no, I don’t work for the company in case you were wondering 🙂 These are all my opinions and thoughts based on personal experience.

Thanks for “sticking with me” this far (ok I’ll stop now with the fun puns) and I hope you find your paper projects go smoothly with this info in mind…Happy Gluing 🙂

Creative Commons Photo Attributions: Images By: Julie Jordan Scott
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Stacie
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StacieLoew Cornell 842 25-Piece Foam Brush Set, 1-Inch Mod Podge Decoupage Starter Kit Bundle with 6 Items Mod Podge Professional Decoupage Tool Set, 2295 Mod Podge Paint Brush Applicator, 24960 2.25-Inch