12 Types Of Glue For Crafting – Popular Adhesives

There are so many types of glue for crafting that it can be difficult to figure out which one you need. Glue is needed for most crafting projects, so, which one do you use.

Every crafter needs to have the correct type of glue in their crafter’s toolkit to complete their projects and to get the results they want.

Not all types of glue are suitable for all projects that’s why you need to know the difference between the glues available.

What Happens If You Use The Wrong Glue On Paper

If you’re into card making or any other crafting niche, you will know it’s not the cheapest hobby to have, it has its costs.

The tools and supplies you need for your projects can cost a lot of money, especially when you first start.

It’s important to avoid basic mistakes.  One of the most common mistakes crafters make in the beginning is using the wrong glue for their craft projects. 

For example, if you are making wedding invitations and you use liquid glue to stick multiple cards together the glue will wrinkle your cardstock when it dries.  in this example, you would be better off using double-sided tape or a glue runner.  A mistake like this can eat into your profits.

Always read the instructions for the glue you plan to use and double-check that it is suitable for your project.  What I do is, if I’m using a glue that I have never used before, I would test it on some scrap paper first before applying it to my project.

Some glues are suitable for a wide range of materials such as PVA glue and double-sided tape.

Below is a list of the most popular glues and adhesives used by crafters.

PVA Glue

Materials: paper, card, wood, fabric, etc.
Drying time: from 15 mins.

We have all used PVA glue at one time or another.  My first memory of using this glue was in school.

PVA glue is one of the most versatile glues available for crafters. Its uses are endless, and it is so easy to work with.

It is safe to be used by children but like I mentioned before “always read the instructions”.

This type of glue isn’t only used as an adhesive but can also be used as a sealer for projects such as paper mache.

There are different types of PVA glue for certain materials and projects.

School PVA
This type of PVA glue is easy to use, is washable, and dries clear.  It’s safe to be used by kids.

Fabric Glue
This glue is specially made for fabrics and it’s waterproof.  It can also be used on any projects that require to be cleaned after completion.

Tacky Glue
This glue dries clear and remains tacky therefore the given name.  If you need glue for your project that remains tacky for foiling etc then this is the glue for you.  

It’s known for its reliable adhesion and being an all-purpose glue. It can be used with many materials such as paper, cards, foam, wood, and most plastics, etc.                         

Craft PVA
This glue is slightly stronger for the times you need your glue to have a firm bond.  It can be used with cards, wood, foams, and fabrics.  It is designed in a way that makes it easy to wash off clothes and hands.

Clear PVA
This glue is clear even before it dries.  If you are following a pattern or guidelines you would still be able to see them.

Glue Dots

Materials: paper, card, foam, etc.
Drying time: instant.

Glue dots usually come in a roller dispenser making them very easy to apply to your projects.

If placed in the wrong position they can easily be removed without leaving any sticky residue behind. 

If you make cards, then this is a must-have for your papercraft toolkit.  They are available in different sizes which makes them even more effective.

Glue dots are perfect for sticking embellishments to your projects and like I said before if placed in the wrong position they can easily be peeled off and placed elsewhere without damaging the surface.

Glue Stick

Materials: paper, card.
Drying time: 10 minutes.

We all know glue sticks are awesome.  This style of glue makes it easy to stick layers together without the mess.  They dispense solid glue in push-up or twist tubes, similar motion to lipsticks.

Like any other glue, always make sure you have placed the lid back on securely as this type of glue is known to quickly dry out.

Glue Runner

Materials: paper, cardstock, foams, ribbons, etc.
Drying time: instant.

A glue runner is basically a double-sided tape that is dispensed from a small plastic case.  There is no need to peel off any backing paper, which makes it quick and easy to use. 

This is a fantastic tool to have in your crafting toolkit that can be used with many materials such as

• paper,
• foam,
• ribbons,
• wood, and more.

It is designed in a way that it dispenses a continuous line of double-sided tape.  It comes in different sizes making it perfect for most adhesive jobs.

Double-Sided Tape

Materials: paper, cardstock, foams, ribbons, etc.
Drying time: instant.

Double-sided tape lets you stick 2 surfaces together without the tape being visible in the finished product. 

Suppose you want to attach 2 cards together, you first apply it to the first card, then peel off the backing paper and attached the second card. It comes in a roll of tape, so all you need to do is cut it to size and use it.

It can be used with many accessories such as embellishments and ribbons.  It’s a great way to stick labels to your storage containers amongst many other things.  Another must-have for your crafting toolkit.

Hot Glue Gun

Materials: card, fabric, foam, wood, plastic.
Drying time: approximately 2 minutes.

Hot glue guns use hardened glue sticks that are melted within the glue gun and can be applied directly to your projects.

You can get many types of glue sticks such as;

• clear
• white
• colored
• glitter, etc.

This is also a must-have for your toolkit.  So, if you’re into popsicle modeling or making cards or any other project, which requires a strong bond then this will do the job nicely.

Not only will this tool save you time, but it’s also fun to use and the glue sticks are inexpensive, which is a bonus.

Glue Pens

Materials: paper, fabric, cardboard, etc.
Drying Time: 5 minutes.

One type of glue that you should have in your craft toolkit is glue pens.  Glue pens not only apply a fine layer of glue, but they are less messy than some of the other adhesives. 

If you really want to add a special touch to your projects, you can even get glue pens that have glitter mixed into it.

Glitter pens are great for scrapbooking and card making.  With many different colors available the creations and possibilities are endless.

Foam Tape

Materials:  paper, card & foams.
Drying time:  instant.

Foam Tape is great for all your papercrafts, adding dimension and giving your project a 3D effect. 

I love working with foam tape to create unique looks for scrapbook pages, but it is also great for creating your own unique greeting cards. 

I love receiving those unique cards (who wouldn’t) with that special effect of someone taking the time to be creative with foam tape. 

There are so many things that can be done with this tool to decorate your projects giving them a different and fun look.

It is very easy to use, all you need to do is cut it to the shape and size you need and place it where it is needed.

Mod Podge 

Materials:  paper, wood, fabric, glass, etc.
Drying time:  24+ hours. 

Mod Podge is not only used as a glue but it can also be used as a sealer and a finish. 

It has proven to be a popular choice as a sealer for those decoupage projects.

All you need to do is apply a coat of mod podge to your project and allow it time to dry.  If needed, give it a light sand and apply another layer.  You can repeat until you get the result you want.

There are so many projects you can use mod podge for such as:

• Transferring images onto wood.
• Collage wall art.
• Decorate candles and jars, etc.

Adhesive Spray

Materials:  paper, cardboard, foams.
Drying time:  approximately 30 minutes.

The adhesive spray is great for gluing bond paper, cardboard, and foam.  Many prefer using this type of glue when working with photos, although one of the drawbacks to this type of adhesive is once an item is in place it cannot be removed.

It needs to be sprayed in a well-ventilated area.  For those projects that you want permanently sealed together forever this is a perfect adhesive. 

When using this spray glue you need to take precautions with your work area and other materials around, as it can cause damage.

This spray adhesive also dries clear and does not bleed through paper.

Super Glue

Materials: metal, glass, ceramic, wood, and plastic.
Drying time:  instant.

Super glue is the perfect glue for small repairs.  It can also be used in many crafting projects such as:

• Model making.
• DIY Jewellery.

It is a good glue to have around when you need to repair something very quickly as it dries instantly.

Use super glue sparingly and try to avoid getting any on your fingers.

Super glue can be used on metals, glass, ceramic, wood, and plastic surfaces.  It dries clear which is a benefit when working on these types of projects.

E6000 Craft Adhesive

Materials:  wood, fabric, paper, glass, etc.
Drying time:  approximately 10 minutes.

This type of glue is used by many crafters.  It is great on wood, fabric, paper, glass, ceramic, metals to mention a few. 

A couple of the negative sides to using E6000 is that it doesn’t smell the best, and it dries white.  So, if you are looking for a clear finish this would not be the best one to use.

A plus side to this though is that the glue is waterproof and can be painted over once it dries. 

Final Thoughts

So, while we have compiled this list of various types of glues for your craft projects this is not an exhaustive list but one that we have found to be helpful in our crafting journey.

Crafting is an art that requires a lot of trial and error, and this is the case with glues that you will be using in your projects.  

With so many types of glue for crafting, we hope this article has given you a better idea which glue you can use in your projects.

If you have any tips or advice on crafting glues please share them in the comments.

Happy Crafting!