DIY Paper Crafting · 2 comments ·

6 Craft Adhesives Every Crafter Needs!

by Altenew LLC - 6 minute read

Last Updated: January 10, 2022

The craft world is full of craft adhesive products, and we can't live without them! We use these adhesives in every crafting project, from your everyday white glue and double-sided tape to hot glue sticks and E-6000 glue. It's always hard to find the perfect craft adhesive tape for your DIY projects, but we're here to help! We've compiled a list of six adhesives that every crafter needs in their crafting arsenal. This post is full of helpful tips to ensure your DIY crafts stay put!

Let's take a look at six craft adhesives every crafter needs!

Instant dimension tape from Altenew

Instant Dimension Foam Tape

What Is a Craft Adhesive?

A craft adhesive refers to the non-toxic white or clear glue used for many crafting and DIY projects on various surfaces like paper, fabric, foam, and wood.

The art of crafting involves creating, making, or putting various materials and elements together. This is where craft adhesive products come in handy. Most seasoned crafters and DIY enthusiasts probably have a collection of different types of adhesives in their tool kit. This could range from tacky and removable glue to something stronger and permanent.

The most important thing to remember when choosing the best craft adhesive tape is to determine what type of glue works well for each surface. Specific surfaces and DIY projects require a particular type of adhesive. For example, some projects need liquid adhesive; others require something removable or repositionable. It all boils down to your personal preference and the type of surface you’re using.

Craft adhesives from Altenew

Sticky Essentials Foam Tape, Masking Paper, & Adhesive Sheets Bundle

6 Craft Adhesives You Need Right Now

With all the different types of adhesives out there, it can be a bit challenging to find which craft adhesive products are best for you. But that’s what we’re here for! We've narrowed it down to six types of adhesives that will make your crafting life easier.

Type of Craft Adhesives

Features

Compatible Materials

Use it for
Glue Dots
  • Each sticky glue dot’s size ranges between 0.25” to 1” in diameter.
  • Some are available in various colors.
  • It is a double-sided adhesive craft tape.
  • It is safe to use in photographs.
  • It is easy to use and provides instant bonding.
  • It doesn’t leave a stain or sticky residue.
  • Some are removable and repositionable; some are permanent. 
  • It is acid-free and lignin-free.
  • It comes in a convenient roll or sheet.
  • It is a mess-free option, and it dries quickly.
  • Foam
  • Wood
  • Glass
  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Fabric
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • DIY home decor
  • DIY gift tags
  • Ideal for smaller pieces and elements
Double-Sided Adhesives
  • It has pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) on both sides.
  • It has a peel-away backing.
  • It comes in either a sheet or a roll.
  • It comes in different sizes.
  • It doesn’t leave any residue behind.
  • It is hassle-free.
  • It is mess-free.
  • It is acid-free.
  • It provides a permanent bond.
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Plastic 
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Fabric
  • Cork
  • Felt
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • Mixed media art
  • DIY home decor
  • Hanging wall decor
  • Ideal for intricate and small die-cuts 
  • Other DIY projects
Foam Tape
  • It is a double-sided adhesive craft tape.
  • It is made from foam.
  • It provides more dimension than a regular tape.
  • It provides a permanent bond.
  • It comes in various thicknesses, widths, and lengths.
  • It provides versatility since you can cut out the foam tape pieces according to the shape or size that you need.
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Plastic 
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Photos
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • Mixed media art
  • DIY home decor
  • Hanging wall decor
  • Picture frames
  • Other DIY Projects
Liquid Glue
  • It is water-based.
  • It is non-toxic.
  • It is a cheap craft glue.
  • Some come in a squeeze bottle with an applicator or a pen with a fine tip. 
  • It is eco-friendly.
  • It is often white, but it dries clear.
  • It can be permanent or removable.
  • It often comes as clear craft glue.
  • Some dry quickly; others don’t.
  • Paper
  • Plastic 
  • Wood
  • Ceramic
  • Metal
  • Fabric
  • Cork
  • Beads
  • Sequins
  • Felt
  • Perfect for detailed die-cuts and small embellishments.
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • Mixed media art
  • DIY home decor
  • Other DIY projects
Glue Tape
  • It is also known as a tape runner.
  • It is a roll of sticky tape that comes in a plastic case.
  • It is a cheap craft glue.
  • It is easy to use.
  • It comes in various sizes and shapes.
  • It works well on smooth surfaces.
  • It provides a continuous line of double-sided adhesive.
  • It is only ideal for lightweight bonding.
  • It is refillable.
  • It dries quickly.
  • Some dry clear, others dry colored.
  • The bond can be permanent or removable.
  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Ribbon
  • Photos
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • Mixed media art
  • Some lightweight DIY projects
Tacky Glue
  • It is a thick white glue with high viscosity.
  • It is a type of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue. 
  • It sticks to items on contact.
  • It is a very sticky clear craft glue.
  • It is easy to use and kid-friendly.
  • It gives more time to move things around before drying permanently.
  • Some brands aren’t acid-free.
  • It is a strong glue that can provide a permanent bond.
  • Paper
  • Lightwood
  • Fabric
  • Plastic
  • Photos
  • Cork
  • Beads
  • Sequins
  • Felt
  • Cardmaking
  • Scrapbooking
  • Journaling
  • Mixed media art
  • DIY home decor
  • Other DIY projects

Double-sided adhesive craft tape from Altenew

40 Double-Sided Adhesive Sheets Unlimited Bundle (4 Sets of 10 Sheets)

What is craft glue?

A craft glue refers to any quick-drying and non-industrial adhesive used for simple arts and crafts. It is an excellent go-to for crafters and a staple in every home. Do you remember creating simple art projects and DIY crafts in school? You’ve probably used clear craft glue in those projects. Here are some of its characteristics:

  • It is water-based.
  • It is quick-drying.
  • It is non-toxic.
  • It is non-industrial.
  • It can be in a solid or liquid form.
  • It can be clear or white.
  • It can either be removable or permanent adhesive.

Liquid adhesive pen from Altenew

2 in 1 Precision Glue Pen

What is the best craft glue?

The best craft glue is the one that works for you and your project. 

Not all craft adhesive products are created equal. You will find that some are stronger than others. Depending on your needs, you’ll find craft glues that are waterproof, removable, smooth, liquid, dry fast, dry clear, dry solid, etc. It’s easy to find cheap craft glue for your DIY projects - from glue tape and tacky glue to foam tape and double-sided adhesives - you just need to make sure that it is compatible with the material or surface you’re using.

Craft Glue tape on stencil

3 Pack Glue Tape

What is craft glue made of?

When you combine polyvinyl acetate (PVA), water, ethanol, acetone, and other substances, you create synthetic glue or craft glue. Water is an essential ingredient in controlling the consistency of the glue, while the other substances control the drying time of the glue.  

Handmade card made with washi tape and liquid craft glue

Golden Strokes Washi Tape

What is the difference between glue and adhesive?

The difference lies in the definition, but they are often used interchangeably. Basically, glue is a type of adhesive. It is typically hard gelatin made by boiling bones and hides or derived from natural plants and used as an adhesive. So anything that is sticky and can adhere things together is a glue. Adhesive is any substance that provides adhesion. It is a general term that refers to glue, tape, epoxy, paste, etc.

FUN FACT! All glues and adhesives are polymers and bond to surfaces not by chemical reaction but by filling irregularities on the bonding surfaces; the glue sticks to itself chemically and surfaces physically. (Source)  

Double-sided adhesive craft foam tape from Altenew

Sticky Essentials Foam Tape, Masking Paper, & Adhesive Sheets Bundle

There are many different craft adhesives on the market today; it can be challenging to know which one is the best for your next paper crafting project. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites and highly recommended adhesives that will help you get started with all your DIY needs! The good news is that there are plenty of great options out there - you just need to find what works best for you and your projects. Which ones have you used in the past? Do you have a go-to clear craft glue? Let us know by commenting below! 

Visit our All About Crafting page if you need more paper crafting inspiration, ideas, and hacks! 

2 comments

  • Altenew

    Hello, Patricia! Thank you so much for this wonderful suggestion! We appreciate it. We will definitely consider this. :)

  • Patricia Brown

    Altenew,
    I have a Question:
    Do you have these inspirations printed out on paper/paplet?
    Like the (Different types of
    Glue/adhesives, markers, etc & what to use them on) or anyway to make it printable so we can print it out? Because I’m a
    hands-on person and there’s so much to read over and remember it all. I’d rather have it printed to have on hand if I ever need it.

    Thanks, Patricia

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