For those who were not able to attend our March Letter Social…Karen Sanson provided her notes regarding different types of adhesives. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. 

---

 

Hello everyone, I am Karen Sanson (for those of you who do not know me) and I live in Tucson, Arizona.

Back in April 2022 at our Correspondence meeting, the question came up from Renee to everyone “What kind of glue would you recommend to bond two sheets of lightweight paper together?”

That got me thinking –  I would use glue sticks most of the time for paper when I would mail something. I also would use tape – usually double-sided tape. But glue sticks are easy and inexpensive. I bought a bunch at Goodwill and they weren’t dried out. I thought they worked great – until ….

I worked on a project during the summer here in Tucson. We moved in July – just 4 miles and I wanted to send Just Moved postcards to our Christmas database (of 200). Postcards are less expensive, of course, so I got to work. I ordered mostly ‘blank’ postcards. Then added cut out pictures of desert scenes including references to The University of Arizona (where I work). On the correspondence side, I added our name and new address. Then I would hand write the address to the recipient.

Here is an example of a postcard I sent to Peggy:

As you can see, using glue sticks on the postcard didn’t work. Everything fell off and I’m sure the post office is not too happy with me. I also had mailed back to me many of these postcards. I guess the post office confused my address with the recipient. Weird. My project was an epic fail. Living in the desert has its limitations such as mailing chocolate or gummy bears in the summer months and apparently using glue stick on a postcard.

Glue Sticks:

• Triangular Glue. I purchased this at Cutie . I love this glue stick – does not roll off the table and using on the corners of paper is easy.
• Officemate letter stick. Works great but probably the one I used on my postcard project.
• Staples Large Glue stick – Lisa purchased this for me. Terrific product. East to use.
• Elmer’s Scented Glue Stick. I think Renee gave this to me. Watermelon scent. Smells great but whose bright idea was it to add scent to glue? You watched me open and smell. Who wouldn’t do that?

Leila mentioned using Cooked Rice. A few grains mashed into the paper.

Instructions making paste glue:

1. Add 1/2 cup of flour and a pinch of salt to a bowl.
2. Pour 1/3 cup of water into the bowl.
3. Mix the ingredients well until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. …
4. Your no-cook glue is complete!
5. Have fun using your no-cook homemade glue.

 

French paste:

• I think Renee mentioned this, but I found jewelry instead of glue.

Coccoina Adhesive Paste:

I found this on a Gourmet Pens Blog

• Safe if ingested: non-toxic and solvent-free.

• Not messy to apply because brush makes application uniform, consistent, and precise
• you can get right to the edges without glue blobbing out when you press down.
• Photographs do not warp/bubble.
• Ingredients sourced in Europe – Italian.
• Dries quickly and if glue hardens, it can be melted.

• Short Life span of 12 months.
• Smells like almond. 

Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Spray Adhesive:

• Non-toxic, solvent-free, extra-strong and formulated for mounting items to nearly any surface, including plastics.

 

Promarx Multi-Purpose Spray Glue:

• This all-purpose spray adhesive creates a strong, flexible, and wrinkle-free bond.
• Acid-free and has extra strength, making it ideal for various projects – not just paper.

Tombow Aqua Mono Liquid Glue:

• This glue works well for paper and all non-paper embellishments and is super strong.
• Has two sides – pen like and wide
• Dries tacky, so be careful not to use more than you need to avoid it seeping out around the edges.

 

Glue Dots:

• Strong and easy to use and work especially well for non-paper embellishments such as wax seals.

 

Tape Runner:

• Elmer’s Craft Bond Permanent Tape Runner (refill) (oops, I purchased the refill – not the tape runner)
• Tape runners are super quick and easy to use. They come in Permanent Archival Bond and General Purpose options but can be expensive depending on the brand.

Scotch Permanent Tape Runner

• The adhesive applies precisely and smoothly. This is my favorite at this point.

 

Mod Podge:

• Puzzle saver. I used this on a puzzle after I used a sticky back product for puzzles that did not work.
• Mod Podge is glue and a sealer – and there are varnishes, etc. in the formula that don’t exist in craft glues. The bonding properties of Mod Podge are way stronger than that of (most) craft or school glues. A bit messy and a paint brush is needed.

Beacon Zip Dry Paper Art Glue:

• Affordable and easy way to assemble lots of paper products in a short time.
• Easily rub off any excess with your fingers if it seeps out around the edge without damaging the paper.
• Glue is smelly, reminiscent of Rubber Cement.

Scor Tape:

• Double-sided adhesive tape that is incredibly sticky, heat resistant and acid free.
• Paper backed which means you can tear it with your thumb & finger.
• Being paper, the backing is eco-friendly.

Prices of some glue

GLUING SMALL PIECES OF PAPER (PERMANENT)

There are many glues on the market that are advertised as “paper crafting glue.”