Tool Box: Bring Your Own Adhesives: Let’s Stick Together!
Which
adhesive is right for your project?
Basic day to day use adhesives
- · Green Glue (Tombow Multipurpose Glue)
- · Glue Dots
- · Dimensionals
The 4 adhesive
products listed above should be in every Crafters Tool Box. I will post
ordering information below.
SNAIL or mono-tape by other brands, is by far the least expensive
per inch, and easiest to use tape type adhesive. And the best part is the
holder handle is refillable. It is acid free so it is safe for archival
projects like scrapbook pages or Project Life books or any framed works and
other crafts. It is double-sided and breaks off the dispenser plastic strip
very easy. SNAIL is quick to work with and quick to snap in a refill.
Disadvantages: SNAIL is not a very strong adhesive and is
best left for paper to paper application. I have used it on ribbon and buttons
and other embellishments but if your project gets handled a lot or might get bumped,
or mailed, I would stick to using it for paper to paper application. It does
work great for photographs, as they are paper backed. SNAIL is not
repositionable on paper and other materials.
Green Glue, as it is called by many as a nickname, can
be used for paper to paper as SNAIL can be, gluing on embellishments, gluing on
ribbon, but there is a risk of it bleeding through the ribbon, really anything
that needs to be held together you can do it with green glue. It is a strong,
not super strong, but very strong bond. And it too is Acid Free, making it safe
for scrapbooks and Project Life books. And because it is strong, you do not
need to use a lot to hold down your paper or item.
I personally have
gone to using Green Glue for my cards and a lot of other projects just because
it is more affordable. It is great in a classroom setting for me too. Even when
I am making many swaps, it still dries quick enough to make it worth the
savings to continue using it. Plus, I have had SNAIL let loose on some projects
in the summer heat and humidity. Not something you want to happen when you are
mailing a beautiful handmade card to someone.
Green Glue is
repositionable until it dries. Which has been another advantage for me when
using it for mass projects. I can lay a card layer down and move it around
until it is in place. With other adhesives, like SNAIL, you really need to get
it positioned correctly the first time.
Disadvantages: it takes a while to dry. It takes around a
half hour, maybe more depending on how much you used, to dry. Even heat setting
it doesn’t speed it up a lot. It is an air-dry set for best practices. You can
use clamps or clothespins to hold until dry time is complete, but if you are doing
multiples of items that means you need to have a lot of clamps and space to set
them until they are dry. For instance, a very large bouquet of flowers. Or you
are using it to place glitter. There might be other options we have that are
better suited for this application.
Glue Dots: Mini glue dots are a quick and easy and inexpensive way to
hold down a flower or embellishment on your project. Glue dots hold down
buttons, ribbon and bows, acetate window sheets, vellum, foil paper and more. I
would call them a medium hold. The bond is stronger than SNAIL but can be
removed if necessary. Call it semi-permanent bond. They can be rolled into
smaller balls if your object is, for instance, thin bakers twine, which gives
you little room to hide your adhesive.
Disadvantages: Glue dots are small and you sometimes need
more than one if your item is bigger and heavier. Not a deal-breaker by any
means, just fair warning. If you need a bond that is strong and permanent then
pass on the glue dots. They will work for your average application. Another
disadvantage, is once you touch them once, maybe twice with your fingers you
lose some of that bond due to the oils and dirt naturally in your skin.
Dimensionals: I was a young stamper when Stampin’ Up!
released dimensionals. They are still, one of my favorite adhesives. Accounting
for tax, they average about 2 cents each US. And unlike most other double-sided
foam adhesives out there for crafters, ours have no waste! I use the edge
pieces and corner edges when I have bigger items I am using or layering. My
only waste ever with Dimensionals is the waxy paper backing, which I believe
can be recycled in major areas. Dimensionals add height to paper layers, items,
flowers, whatever you need to add a little height and depth to something. I
would give the bond a medium rating. It holds quite well, but there are
stronger adhesives out there, but most do not give you the height you get with
Dimensionals. And if you need to move or remove a Dimensional, we have a tool for
that and rarely is there a residue left behind.
Disadvantages: Other
than Dimensionals are not a super strong bond, but a darn good one, is their
size. That is part of why I use the edge of the Dimensional page, it is easy to
cut them down for small objects. So really, there are no big disadvantages to
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That wraps up the 4
basic adhesives I feel every crafter, papercrafter, scrapbooker, or whatever
your title is, should have in their tool box. See below for ordering
information from me!
Reminder on
Products Discussed:
SNAIL
Adhesive
Double-sided,
instantly bonding permanent adhesive. Easy to apply and refill. Remove with
Adhesive Remover. Acid free.
SNAIL (13.1 yards) • 104332 $7.00
SNAIL (13.1 yards) • 104332 $7.00
Refill
(13.1 yards) •
104331 $4.50
Multipurpose
Liquid Glue - (Green Glue)
110755 $4.00
Crafters’ dream glue! Adheres glitter and other embellishments; includes narrow tip and broad tip. Strong bond; dries clear. 0.9 oz. Acid free.
110755 $4.00
Crafters’ dream glue! Adheres glitter and other embellishments; includes narrow tip and broad tip. Strong bond; dries clear. 0.9 oz. Acid free.
Mini
Glue Dots®
103683 $5.25
Instant dots of adhesive. No fumes, no mess, no drying time. Holds heavier embellishments. 300 dots. 3/16".
103683 $5.25
Instant dots of adhesive. No fumes, no mess, no drying time. Holds heavier embellishments. 300 dots. 3/16".
Stampin’
Dimensionals
104430 $4.00
Double-sided adhesive foam dots add depth and dimension. Instant bond. 300 pieces. Acid free.
104430 $4.00
Double-sided adhesive foam dots add depth and dimension. Instant bond. 300 pieces. Acid free.
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Bonus material: Non Stampin’ Up! Adhesives
As a bonus, I will
cover some basic information related to the non Stampin’ Up! Adhesives.
Glue
sticks (now
a retired product from Stampin’ Up!)
What it is:
Glue in a
solid form that comes in a plastic tube. You probably recognize these from your
childhood.
How to use it:
Apply by
rubbing glue on the surface. This is great for covering large areas. Best for
use on paper.
Glue
sticks have a weak bond except for adhering paper to paper.
Glue
sticks are somewhat repositionable to a limited degree. Quickly soaks into
paper.
Glue
sticks are easily cleaned up with water and soap.
Redline
Tape (now
a retired product from Stampin’ Up!)
Double
sticky super sticky tape with a typically red clear nonstick covering on the
outside of the strip. This type of adhesive must be cut with a scissors to
size, it is non tearable. Many brands
exist on the market.
Redline
tape bond is strong. The adhesive is non-repositionable and will tear paper or
other materials, including ribbon if you do try to reposition it.
One big
disadvantage to this tape is the clear red plastic backing sticks to everything
and can be a challenge to corral and dispose of it. Cats like to chew and
swallow it making it a safety hazard in your craft area unless you get every
piece.
Crystal
Effects
glue (now a retired product from Stampin’ Up!)
Liquid
dimensional adhesive. Self-leveling when it dries and can dry as a mound unless
brushed flat. Crystal Lacquer and Diamond Glaze are similar brands. Somewhat bonds to smooth glass and metal.
The bond is medium strength. If the object you are
adhering is too heavy the bond may release. It is great for coloring with
re-inker ink refills and adding glitter to make your own glitter glue.
Crystal
Effects is soap and water clean-up. Which also means that if your item is
something to get wet, the glue will release.
Crystal
Effects is more of a decorative adhesive rather than something I would use as a
bonding agent.
Hot
Glue or
Hot Melt Adhesive
What it is:
A solid
stick of glue that is placed in a hot glue gun which melts the glue as it’s
applied. As it cools, the glue becomes solid again.
There are
different types of hot glue depending on your application needs, different
strengths and heat and cooling temperatures.
How to use it:
Use hot
glue for just about any type of material (except metal) for fast setting and quick-drying
adhesion.
Hot glue
can have a strong bond. Hot glue is not a quick adhesive because it needs time
to heat up to its melting temperature. Hot glue can also be dangerous in that
you can burn your fingers easily when using and possibly your work surface.
Hot glue
is best for large bulk projects where you need a strong bond that dries
quickly. For instance, making flowers.
Hermafix Dotto Adhesive (retired Stampin’ Up!)
What it is:
It comes in a
handheld tape runner dispenser that is refillable.
How to use it:
Many places sell
Hermafix or Herma Dot. The bond is weak. This is a great adhesive if you are
looking to try out placements before a final design. It can also be used to
hold your clear block mount rubber stamps that are having trouble adhering to
your block. Wipes clean or wipes away with an adhesive remover.
E6000
What is
e6000 glue used for?
Amazing E6000
has exceptional adhesion to wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, ceramics, and
concrete. It also adheres strongly to leather, rubber, vinyl and many plastics.
Amazing E6000 dries clear and once cured, it's waterproof, washer/dryer
safe, paintable and safe for photographs.
E6000
bond is super strong, but I have had it not adhere to certain items, surprised
me too!
Disadvantages to E6000: need to work (no getting around
this one) in a well-ventilated area or you risk light-headedness and other. You
must cover your work surface properly or risk damage. Again, it bonds to just
about anything. If you are working in bulk or on a large project, E6000 can be
expensive relative to say, hot glue, for the same quantity. And it does need
drying time, at least an hour, best if left set overnight to make sure it is
completely cured.
Mod
Podge
What it is:
Decoupage,
often referred to as Mod Podge, is used mostly for crafts to bond and seal
paper.
How to use it:
As
mentioned, Mod Podge is great for bonding and sealing paper but it also gives a
nice glossy finish to your work. There are many finishes available: matte,
satin, semi-gloss, high gloss.
Mod Podge
has a weak bond strength. It is soap and water clean-up. Mod Podge is widely
available and inexpensive, brand dependent.
Mod Podge
is mostly a decorative use adhesive, creates a shiny coating over projects.
Disadvantages: weak bond, drying time, a few hours to
overnight to fully cure.
Scotch
Magic Tape
Scotch®
Magic™ Tape is the preferred tape for offices, homes and schools. It's
invisible when applied and won't show on copies. This is an ideal tape for
permanent paper mending. It can be written on with pen, pencil or marker, it
pulls off the roll smoothly. Scotch® Magic™ Tape cuts easily & is very
reliable. The tape is photo safe and made in the USA with globally sourced
materials.
The tape
has a weak bond. It is widely available and an affordable adhesive. Dispensers
are refillable. Tape has adhesive only on one side. In crafting it is mostly
used for taping items on the back of your projects, like taping a ribbon and
hiding the ends on the back side of your paper.
Packing
Tape
Box
sealing tape (also "Packing Tape"; "Parcel tape", UK) is a
type of packaging tape which is clear or opaque, and used for closing packages
for shipment. It is usually two inch (48 mm) or three inch (72 mm) wide and is
made of a polypropylene or polyester backing.
Packing
tape has adhesive only on one side. It has a medium bond. Tape runner style
dispenser that can be refilled. It is not repositionable. Sometimes leaves a
residue on work surfaces, that in most cases can be cleaned up with rubbing
alcohol.
In
crafting it is often used for techniques more than as an actual adhesive.
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I hope
you have found this second, Tool Box: Bring Your Own Adhesives: Let’s Stick
Together, of a series of 4 posts about adhesives helpful to you.
Next in
the series – Tool Box: Bring Your Own Adhesives: Let’s Build Something.
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