An often overlooked but craft workbox essential is adhesive. The search for the best glue quickly turns serious when all the other elements of your cardstock project are planned and perfected.
Whether you are making creative name-tags or handmade greeting cards, the best glue for cardstock projects differs depending on what you wish to do with them. The next most important element to consider is how the project will be used: will it be kept as a memento? From handmade cards to sparkly creations, here is the ultimate glue guide you will need to seal the deal on your cardstock project.
Best Glue For Cardstock Paper and Cards
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What is the best glue for card making? If you are mostly doing a lot of papercraft, cardstock to cardstock, then investing in a simple papercraft glue will be the best choice.
Any PVA craft glue will do if you are making your own cardstock cards, such as cardstock invitations. Make sure the label says that it is a clear drying glue. For glue that goes on clear and dries that way without running, many crafters prefer Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel. If adding photos, permanent roller tapes are handy for keeping the edges down without awkward leaks or ugly bulk. If you need to remove the adhesive, the composition is very forgiving. One affordable option for a slim adhesive to cover large areas is Zip Dry Glue. You can assemble cardstock invitations in a short time, and if any seeps out, you can rub it away easily without causing damage to the paper. A little smelly, it is similar to Rubber Cement, but it does not cause ripples in the paper. |
For gluing large pieces, some crafters prefer a traditional glue paste applied with a brush as the best adhesive. However, you should keep a bone tool nearby to ensure a smooth surface.
You may be surprised to learn glue sticks have staying power when it comes to cardstock cards, but if you are attempting a 3D papercraft project, you will need an adhesive that is a little tackier. The glue stick shape itself can also present difficulty when you have to rely on precise angles and applications.
Best Glue For Cardstock Cake Toppers and Flowers
| What if you are working with embellishments, such as bright color cardstock flowers or cardstock cake toppers? Different paper types each present their own challenges for gluing in terms of texture.
Using a brush to apply a tacky glue or Mod Podge sealant is a sure way to make sure these more 3D pieces stick, but you must have a careful hand. These glues are strong enough to take on the thickest cardstock and heaviest of trinkets. However, the drying time can also take much longer. When working with embellishments such as cardstock flowers, you are often gluing small pieces. In this instance, glue dots are ideal to add such details as plastics, lace, or jewels. |
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Best Glue For Cardstock To Wood
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One challenge of applying cardstock to wood is ensuring that air bubbles do not form underneath the paper. Stick with a PVA, tacky glue over watery glue. While wood glue can work, it is more prone to wrinkling than tacky glue. However, its paste-like texture is more similar to tacky glue than hot glue or super glue which will definitely cause wrinkles.
For a cleaner finish, use a wood sealant to smooth out the surface of the wood. Before you begin, sand down the wood until smooth, and then apply a polyurethane wood sealant until dry. It’s not necessary, but it is an excellent preventative measure so materials don’t go to waste. When you want the paper to perfectly adhere to wood, pour a consistent, thick line of tacky glue. Do not doodle with the glue, as you will use a foam brush to ensure an even application all the way to the edges. You can purchase tacky glue in white or clear varieties. |
Once you have applied the glue, line up the paper’s edge at an angle with the wood. Start with one corner and smooth it out across the wood’s surface slowly to avoid air bubbles.
Best Glue For Glitter Cardstock
| Getting glue to stick to shiny glitter cardstock paper can prove difficult to stick as its surface is not smooth at all.
Fortunately, one simple hack makes glue stick right to glitter cardstock. Rub the cardstock with a bone tool or lightly with sandpaper to knock off the excess glitter. Then, apply a multipurpose glue such as Beacon 3-in-1 or a permanent adhesive like Xyron. For detail work, a glue pen will provide more control over the amount of glue you are placing down as well as precision. Keep in mind that too much liquid glue applied will curl the paper, so in this instance, you should avoid tacky glue. |
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Another glue to consider is silicon glue, which is sturdy and clear. A pliable, clear liquid glue is the best choice to make such an uneven surface as glitter cardstock paper stay down.
“Glue” Tape Is the Back-Up Plan You Need
In a pinch, you can also rely on double-sided tape for thinner glitter cardstock. When working with cardstock on cardstock, a slim application is best.
Consider a tape glider or tape runner, which comes in both general-purpose and archival bond purpose. Different brands of roll-on glue tape give you the permanent adhesive stick you need without the mess, but when it comes to heavier elements, liquid glue is still the best go-to.
Closing Thoughts
While it seems that gluing various pieces together is pretty straightforward, the task can get tricky quickly. Always check the label on the glue bottle to ensure that the surfaces and materials involved are correct.
Even then, there are additional considerations to take into account. What are you making? Is it temporary or meant to be a keepsake? You will want to ensure that the adhesive will not discolor or break down over time. While liquid glue takes longer to dry, it provides more assurance of permanence. If the project is temporary and fun, then you may feel less worried about such properties.
Choosing the best glue for cardstock projects comes down to asking yourself a few simple questions. Will you glue a 3D or flat object, a small area or a large area? Will the project be kept as a memento or thrown away after a brief period? Will the glue need to try hard or tacky? In the end, selecting the correct adhesive for your craft project is just as important as picking the right paper.