The Ultimate Guide to Paper Crafting Glues: Choosing the Right Adhesive for Every Project
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The questions I get asked most often is when people are shopping my booth at a show are
"What glue should I use? Do you have a favorite glue?"
The truth is there isn't one perfect glue for every paper crafting project. Most crafters actually keep several different kinds of adhesives within arm's reach because each one serves a different purpose. That includes me with at least 4 different kinds of adhesives always next to me when I am crafting.
Whether you're making junk journals, folios, cards, mini albums, tags, or mixed media projects, choosing the right adhesive can make your project easier, cleaner, and much more durable.
Today I'm sharing some types of paper crafting adhesives and when to use them.
Glue Sticks
Glue sticks are often overlooked, but they remain one of the most useful tools in a paper crafter's stash.
Best For:
- Large paper surfaces
- Journal pages
- Background papers
- Lightweight embellishments
- Fast assembly
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Little mess
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy embellishments
- Can loosen over time if poor quality
My Tip:
I often use a glue stick when attaching large papers because it gives even coverage without warping the paper.
Liquid Glue
Liquid glue is probably the adhesive I reach for to make pockets.
Best For:
- Card making
- Folios
- Junk journals
- Layered embellishments
- Interactive elements
Pros:
- Strong hold
- Allows repositioning for a few seconds
- Works on many surfaces
- Precise application
Cons:
- Can wrinkle paper if too much is used
- Drying time varies
My Tip:
Less is more. A thin line of glue usually works better than a large puddle.
Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is a favorite among scrapbookers and card makers.
Best For:
- Clean edges
- Photo mats
- Cards
- Interactive flaps
- Quick assembly
Pros:
- Instant bond
- No drying time
- No mess
Cons:
- Little room for repositioning
- Can become expensive for large projects
My Tip:
Keep multiple widths on hand. Narrow tape is perfect for small embellishments while wider tape works well for larger panels.
Tape Runners
Tape runners are a staple in many craft rooms and also my most go to.
Best For:
- Scrapbooking
- Card making
- Quick projects
- Classes and crops
Pros:
- Fast
- Clean
- Portable
- Easy for beginners
Cons:
- Refills can be costly
- Some brands are stronger than others
My Tip:
Tape runners are wonderful for crops and retreats because they travel well and don't leak.
Foam Adhesive
When you want dimension, foam adhesive is your best friend.
Best For:
- Layered cards
- Shaker cards
- 3D projects
- Sentiments
- Focal images
Pros:
- Creates depth
- Adds visual interest
- Easy to use
Cons:
- More expensive than flat adhesives
- Adds bulk for mailing
My Tip:
Mix foam adhesive with flat adhesive on the same project to create multiple levels of dimension.
Red Line Tape
Many paper crafters consider red line tape the heavyweight champion of adhesives.
Best For:
- Boxes
- Mini albums
- Folios
- Heavy cardstock projects
- Projects that need extra durability
Pros:
- Extremely strong
- Long-lasting hold
- Great for structural elements
Cons:
- Difficult to reposition
- Can be unforgiving if placed incorrectly
My Tip:
When building folios or journals that will be opened and closed repeatedly, red line tape is often my first choice.
Specialty Adhesives
Depending on your crafting style, you may also find these useful:
Glue Dots
Perfect for:
- Small embellishments
- Buttons
- Bows
- Charms
Spray Adhesive
Perfect for:
- Large surfaces
- Specialty papers
- Mixed media backgrounds
Fabric Glue
Perfect for:
- Lace
- Ribbon
- Fabric-covered journals
My Personal Craft Table Setup
If you looked at my craft desk right now, you'd usually find:
- A quality glue stick
- Liquid glue
- Double-sided tape
- Tape Runner
These four adhesives handle almost every paper crafting project I create, from Paper Craft Socials kits to junk journals and mixed media projects that combine paper and chainmaille.
Final Thoughts
If you're new to paper crafting, don't feel like you need to buy every adhesive available. Start with a good glue stick, a quality liquid glue, and some double-sided tape.
As your crafting style grows, you'll naturally discover which adhesives become your favorites.
The best glue isn't always the strongest glue. It's the one that helps you create confidently and enjoy the creative process.
What adhesive can you not craft without? I'd love to hear your favorite in the comments.
Happy Crafting,
Christi's E Creations
Where metal rings and paper stories come to life.