Adhesives for Papercrafts

 

First, bear in mind that these are my opinions – you may prefer to do something different, and if it works for you, then that’s great! What do I use? Tacky glue, Fast grab/quick dry tacky glue (Aileen’s for preference), Collall All Purpose, Pinflair All Purpose, double-sided tape, red-liner tape, hot glue, Xyron, Modge Podge, Foam tape/pads. I’ve done a lot of card-making and other card-based papercraft, but not much decoupage (tissue on 3D object) or fabric work.

Glue Type	Base	Characteristics	Best Use
PVA (Widely available)	water	Slow to ‘grab’ Can damage paper surface	In needle-type applicator bottles
Tacky Glue (available from Aileen, Hobbycraft, Tonic Studios, and others)	water	Grabs more quickly Can damage paper surface	Sticking 3D embellishments Some brands are suitable for needle-type applicator bottles
Fast Grab Tacky Glue/Quick Dry tacky glue (available from Aileen)	water	Dries quickly. This means bottles can dry up more quickly too. Can damage paper surface	Sticking any embellishments where you need them stuck quickly
All Purpose (from Collall and others)	solvent	Sticks flat paper surfaces without damaging the paper. Not good for mirror card as it can bleach out the colour.	Matting and Layering and attaching flat embellishments
Pinflair All Purpose	solvent	Like the Collall but thicker. Strongest bond I’ve used	Anywhere you need a really strong bond
Photo glue (from Collall and others)	solvent	Dries quickly without damaging the surface. Dries to a flexible film that makes it possible to ‘unstick’ layers, although you may damage by bending. Excess can be removed with a finger when dry.	Anywhere you don’t need a permanent bond and might want to remove things later. Layers for greetings cards that aren’t going to be kept for long.
Silicone	water	Thick and keeps its shape. Smells strongly of vinegar.	Layering for decoupage instead of foam pads.
Foam Tape or Pads	pressure	Instant bond. Variable duration (depending on make)	Use for decoupage layering, as well for sticking layers to make them stand out from the surface of a card.
Pinflair Glue Gel	water	Thick and keeps its shape. Strong bitter smell that can linger on the finished product	Similar to Silicone.
Hot Glue Gun	heat	Fast bond. Of limited use where surfaces are very smooth.	Attaching three-dimensional objects. Good bond generally.
Pritt Stick or similar	water	Dries fast, minimal damage to paper	Not a long-lasting bond
Fabric glue	water	Not sure how this is different to tacky glue – may be more flexible when dry.
Double-Sided Tape (and Sticky Sheets)	pressure	Instant bond. No ‘wiggle time’. Best to have a couple of widths available, or just have narrow and use multiple strips.	Matting and layering if you’ve got steady hands, sticking large layers before die-cutting (sheets)
‘Red Liner’ or Extra Strong Double-Sided Tape	pressure	Instant bond. No ‘wiggle time’	Construction of boxes or similar.
Xyron	pressure	Allows glue application to intricately shaped pieces	Use on card before die-cutting
Modge Podge or other decoupage adhesives	water	This is also a sealant and available in different finishes: matt, glossy, glittered.	Sticking layers of tissue while decoupaging a 3D project, sealing layers.