Quillarina

There is a wide variety of glues on the market. It is very difficult to know which one is the best for which type project. I was looking for a glue that would be waterproof and act as a sealer so I started researching.

Glue is defined in the dictionary as being “a strong liquid adhesive obtained by boiling collagenous animal parts such as bones, hides, and hooves into hard gelatin and then adding water.” The first white glue was, you got it!, Elmers. Introduced by Borden’s in 1947 it was named “Elmer’s” after the spouse of Borden’s famed dairy mascot, Elsie.

As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of glues on the market these days. The below list is not all-inclusive, but will serve as a guide to help you decide which is best for your craft project needs.

MODGE PODGE: This is a favorite of crafters all over the world Podge. Modge Podge is available in matte and glossy finishes. I love to use Modge Podge for decoupage work. It is excellent for applying the item being decoupaged to the project base, in addition to being utilized as the sealer on the project. One word of caution, though. Mod Podge tends to pick up brush strokes which are visible in the surface of the final finished product. If this is the look you want, that’s great, but for some looks you might want a smooth finish. I have the best results when I use my fingers to apply a smooth coat of glue on the surface of my design. Once dry, this glue is supposed to be waterproof.

I am going to be testing the waterproof ability of modge podge today or tomorrow. I will let you know what I discovered!

ALEENE’S ORIGINAL TACKY GLUE: This glue is a staple in many crafters cupboards. It is extremely versatile and it dries clear. It can be used on all different kinds of papers, metal, glass, ceramics and most plastics. It also maintains it’s holding power in all different types of climates. This glue, however, is not waterproof, so don’t use it on anything that needs to be washed. Personally, I have not had much luck with this glue and no longer keep it with my crafting supplies.

CRAFTER’S PICK - THE ULTIMATE: This is a newer glue on the market that is super strong and clear. It is perfect for bonding all types of items, including plastic, metal, painted surfaces, ceramics, tile, wood, paper, leather and more. It is an excellent replacement for hot melt glue-guns, rubber cement and epoxy glue. I have not yet tried this glue. If you have, please post a comment and let us know what your impressions of it are.

FABRI-TAC: This is a wonderful, permanent, crystal clear glue that dries really fast. Often called “glue gun in a bottle”, this is great for bonding numerous items, including: fabric, wood, leather, lace, suede, tile, felt, pearls, gems (except those with a silver lining on the back), plaster, glass, trims, canvas, ribbons and much, much more. It doesn’t stain or soak through fabric; it also prevents fraying and can survive countless washings. This glue is pricey for a 4 ounce bottle, but a little goes a long way.

DIAMOND GLAZE: Diamond Glaze is an acid-free, dimensional adhesive that dries to a clear, glass-like finish. It securely holds items such as vellum, glass beads and glitter in place. Unlike many of the imitations of this item that have since come along, Diamond Glaze is the one adhesive that can be mixed with dye-based inks, watercolors, pearlescent pigments and more. This item used to be available only in specialty stores, such as scrapbooking and rubber stamp stores, but it’s popularity is starting to spread. Many of the large chain craft stores are now beginning to carry this item. This adhesive is popular among altered art designers and scrapbookers. It can be used to make images “pop” on handmade cards and scrapbook pages. Once cured, it endures everyday handling and wear-and-tear, and is water soluble (not waterproof.)

E-6000 CRAFT ADHESIVE: This self-leveling adhesive is extremely popular among jewelry makers and crafters everywhere. It provides excellent adhesion to surfaces such as: wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, ceramics, leather, rubber, concrete, masonry, vinyl and most plastics. Once fully-cured, it becomes acid-free. It also is washer and dryer safe!

GEL MEDIUM: Gel medium has become increasingly popular with those who enjoy making altered art. It is truly a versatile medium that can be used for both adhesion and decorative purposes. It is available in both matte and glossy finishes; it is also available in different strengths. Common brands of gel mediums are made by Golden’s and Liquitex.

As an adhesive, gel medium is perfect for collage and decoupage. It is translucent when wet, and transparent when dry. It is perfect for adhering found objects and charms to artwork. Gel medium can also be used for a myriad of other altered art techniques also.

BEAD-FIX by Beadalon - This is a wonderful glue for jewelry projects that need instant adhesion. It is super strong, flexible and resistant to heat and cold and water. Some people like to use it for memory wire ends, and to adhere stones and cabochons to the jewelry base.

I hope you have found this article on craft glues and adhesives helpful. If you have any thoughts on the glues listed or on other glues, please leave us a comment and share your knowledge.

Happy crafting!!!