Guide to Buying Adhesives
There is a bewildering array of different adhesives that can be used in scrapbooking, card making & papercrafting. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and some are better suited to a specific job, however it's largely down to personal choice. Just be sure to choose an acid-free glue when scrapbooking. To help steer you through the maze of products available, here is the Craft Superstore guide to craft adhesives.
The Stick It! Cool Melt Glue Gun is ideal for...
RRP £7.99
Our Price £6.99
Clean Adhesion Glues
The idea of 'dry' glue might sound a bit strange; you may be asking yourself how you can stick things if the glue isn't wet! Dry glue comes in many different forms, such as glue dots, tape dispensers and double-sided tape, and works in the same way as sticky tape. Double-sided tape is the strongest dry glue and is available in different widths. These adhesives are fantastic for taking to crops and classes or crafting on the move. They cannot spill or leak and come in neat packaging that slips easily into your craft tote. The tape dispensers are available with repositionable or permanent adhesive and their compact size means they are easy to store and portable.
3D Foam Effects
3D foam pads and 3D foam tape add an extra dimension to your card making and papercrafting projects. They are perfect for making your embellishments stand out and can really make your photos jump off the page when used for scrapbooking. Why not try sticking a dragonfly or butterfly peel-off onto plain card, cutting it out and decorating it before adding a couple of mini foam pads under the wings and some double-sided tape to the underneath of the body. Stick the body down first then gently press the wings into place for an embellishment that looks like it's just landed there! Finish with a little glitter glue and you have your own original embellishment that's easy to make an costs next to nothing.
Children's Craft Boxes
Classic glue sticks and PVA need not be confined to children's crafting. Many glue sticks are acid-free and can be used in scrapbooking and general papercrafting. The slippery glue glides on beautifully, making it ideal for covering large areas. PVA can be used to prime surfaces ready for decorating by diluting with water and painting onto your project. Once dry, this provides a non-porous surface on which to work on.
Glue & Adhesive Guide Table
With such a vast choice it can be difficult to know exactly what glue you need and where it can be used most effectively. Here is the Craft Superstore quick guide to find the best adhesive for the job.
| What I Need to Stick… |
What you Need to Buy… |
| Paper |
Glue Stick, Double-sided Tape, Permanent Tape or Glue Dots |
| Cardstock |
Permanent Tape or Double-sided Tape |
| Paper Embellishments |
Glue Dots or Glue Stick |
| Metal Embellishments |
Glue Dots or Double-sided Tape |
| Fabric and Ribbons |
Double-sided Tape |
| Vellum |
Vellum Tape |
| Glitter, Seed Beads |
Double-sided Tape, PVA, Glue Stick |
| Buttons |
Glue Dots, Double-sided Tape |
| Photographs |
Repositionable Tape, Permanent Tape, Double-sided Tape or Glue Dots |