Have you ever wondered why your papercraft project didn’t go as you planned? You found the glue dried quickly. Sometimes, it might dry, leaving an ugly yellow mark. This type of unexpected incident happens to a lot of crafters’ work.
Having a good plan and all the required tools aren’t enough if you can’t select the suitable glue for your papercraft. Moreover, not every glue equally works with all types of paper projects. For this, you need to understand which glue works best for a particular material.
In this article, we will discuss every aspect of selecting the best glue for paper crafts.
Top 3 Products
Here are the best three glues; compared to price, quality, durability, and strength they are better than their competitors. Go through the comparison list and get the most appropriate glue for your papercraft projects.
Best Strength  Paper to Paper
| Best Overall  For Cardboard
THE BEST | Best Durability  Paper to Wood
|
What is Paper Craft Glue?
Paper craft is the art of making various objects from paper. It’s popular because paper is an inexpensive and tactile material. One of the components of paper crafts is glue.
Papercraft glues are formulated for papers with definite prospects, including drying clear, not runny, and fast tacking.
What Kind of Glue Do You Need for Paper Craft Projects?
Not all glue is suitable for papercrafts; for example, the glue that works well for bonding rubber might not work with papercrafts. Depending on the size and type of your project, you need to use different glue for paper crafts.
Craft glue is the most suitable for smaller paper crafts because it is clear when it dries. Moreover, it is flexible too. Therefore, this glue allows you to make the best use of your creativity. As for an extra effect, you can blend in fillers like glitter and food coloring.
Spray adhesive is suitable for covering a large area in a short time. So you can use it for larger projects, such as creating a photo collage.
Things You Should Know Before Choosing Glue for Paper Craft
You may think of a “one glue that fits all” solution. But before you hop on Amazon or Walmart to buy glue for your paper crafts, you should consider some things.
First, think! Are you joining paper to wood, plastic, glass, or felt in your papercrafts? Next, you need to consider what material and surface you use with paper because rubber and glass have different qualities.
After that, you can think of formulations of glue. For example, does your project need water-based glue, hot glue, or polyurethane glue? Polyurethane glue is the strongest craft glue, but it won’t be a good fit if your project demands flexibility.
Carefully thinking will help you avoid a mess on your next DIY papercraft project.
1. Best Glue for Paper to Paper
- Great for memory books and paper crafts
- Acid-free
- Photo-safe
- Dual tips
- Washable
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue has a tipped applicator to glue with precision. And a sponge-tipped applicator to spray to cover a large area. This glue is best used for photos, gift wrapping, school projects, memory keeping, creative notebooks, card making, and albums because it’s acid-free. So it won’t damage your memories with reaction.
Pros:
- Tombow glue is a PVA adhesive; the bond is pretty strong.
- Considering glue for papercraft, which has to be clear when it dries, this can be the best choice.
- It dries with a matte finish. So won’t spoil your painting or papercraft with a shiny outline.
- This glue doesn’t smell and dries fast, so it’s excellent for card-making or scrapbooking.
Cons:
- It is not recommended to use it with glass or other heavy stuff.
2. Best Glue for Cardboard
- The glue goes transparent after drying, would not affect overall appearance of artistic...
- The bottleneck is sealed with foam stick, to prevent the glue spilling out
- The fine tip enclosed with transparent cap, replace it after use to prevent the glue dry-...
- The Mont Marte PVA Craft Glue is made of safety and reliable materials, acid free and...
- The Mont Marte PVA Craft Glue Fine Tip is the best for school projects, handmade art...
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mont Marte PVA Craft glue is an allrounder when gluing papercraft. You can use it on almost every type of porous surface, like wood, paper, cardboard, fabric, etc.
Pros:
- It works with glitter quickly.
- The best advantage is that it doesn’t leave an ugly yellow mark when it dries.
- It is acid-free. But it is advised to work in a place where there is good airflow.
- You can use this papercraft glue for decoupage.
- This papercraft glue isn’t runny. And the fine tip makes it the best choice when you need to glue with precision.
Cons:
- It is not edible and skin sensitive. But you can wash it off easily from your skin by pouring some water over it.
3. Best Glue for Paper to Wood
- Crystal Clear
- Non-Foaming
- Water Resistant
- Incredibly Strong
- Easy to Use.Bonds Virtually Everything: Wood, Stone, Metal, Ceramic, Foam, Glass and More
Last update on 2022-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want glue for papercraft with a super-strong permanent bond, Gorilla Clear Glue (5.75 Ounce Bottle) is a perfect choice. It bonds virtually everything from porous surfaces to non-porous surfaces. But Gorilla Clear Glue is the ultimate champion for gluing paper to wood.
Pros:
- This glue remains clear and does not yellow over time. It is UV resistant.
- Unlike other rough glues, it is slightly flexible.
- Other than wood to paper, it is a strong glue that also works for ceramics and every kind of metal.
- You can work with it both inside and outside because it is water-resistant. But it is not fully waterproof. So be careful to use it on things that face water-shedding all the time.
- Clear Gorilla Glue will not foam or expand. So it is best used on wood.
- It can withstand extreme weather. It is suitable for temperatures ranging from -20 to -180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- Gorilla Clear Glue takes a little bit longer to dry and adhere.
- A little bit greasy.
4. Best Glue for Paper Mache
- Great for memory books and paper crafts
- Acid-free
- Photo-safe
- Dual tips
- Washable
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tombow 62191 MONO Multi Liquid Glue is specially formulated for lightweight papercraft stuff. This glue is multi-dimensional; you can use it for scrapbooking, gift wrapping, paper crafting, memory keeping, creative notebooks, card making, and school projects. For your next paper mache project, you can use Tombow 62191 MONO Multi Liquid Glue without a second thought.
Pros:
- Tombow 62191 MONO Multi Liquid Glue has a dual-tip applicator that serves multiple purposes. With a pen tip, you can glue with precision to smaller areas of your paper mache. And the broad tip to complete surface coverage.
- It is toxin-free and non-acidic, making it suitable for everything from wedding invitations to today’s journals. You will be tension-free that it won’t damage your photos and mementos.
- The best part is that the adhesive formula is for multiple purposes. Depending on how you use it, you can get a temporary or permanent bond.
For a temporary bond, attach after the glue has dried. And for permanent bonding, adhere when the adhesive is still wet.
- It shines a little when dried, so it’s the best glue for papercrafts that have glitter.
- It is washable. So never worry if the glue spatters on your skin or clothes.
- This glue is transparent and dries quickly.
Cons:
- This glue is not suitable for heavy pieces of stuff.
- Sometimes it gets difficult to squeeze out glue.
5. Best Glue for Paper Sculpture
- It will adhere to the following: paper art, acetate transparency, cling vinyl, acrylic,...
- When applied correctly, glitter does not come off
- Glitter Glue is permanent and dries clear
- Water based and acid free
- Make sure to close lid to avoid drying of glitter glue
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Art Institute Glitter glue is an ideal candidate gum for making paper sculptures. Though this glue is marketed as glitter glue, it is suitable for almost every kind of crafting, from journaling, paper quilling, mixed media canvases to handmade journals. So, for your next paper sculpture project, Art Institute Glitter may be the best fit for you.
Pros:
- Except for waxy and silicone-based surfaces, this glue works on every surface, such as wood, ceramics, leather, fabric, metal, and so on.
- If the glue oozes out a bit at the edges of your paper, you can easily wipe it off without leaving a sticky residue. So don’t worry about hassling with extra adhesive removal.
- One of the best features of this glue is that it dries quickly. But it gives you enough time to adjust and straighten your craft.
- Glitter rarely comes off from the paper craft.
- It dries with a shiny outline, so your papercraft doesn’t get a pale matter outlook.
- This glue is water-based and toxin-free. So the children of your home can use it too.
- If you worry too much about wrinkles and bubbles in your paper sculpture, then this glue is for you. It dries without leaving bubbles and warps.
Cons:
- It does not have any tip or pouring spout/nozzle. So you may have to buy a different size if you want more precision when gluing.
6. Best Super Glue for Paper
- 2 ways to dispense for greater control and versatility
- Fine bristle brush for controlled coverage with less mess
- Precision tip nozzle for quick, easy dispensing
- Impact tough: Unique rubber particles increase impact resistance and strength
- Fast-setting: Dries in 10-30 seconds, no clamping required
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gorilla Super Glue is an impact-tough glue that stands up to wear and tear, unlike any other super glue. In addition, this glue is reinforced with rubber for increased impact resistance. You can use this glue for everything from woods, metals to ceramic. And if you are looking for super glue that specially fits paper, nothing can beat this glue.
Pros:
- Gorilla Super Glue with Brush & Nozzle Applicator serves dual purposes. With its brush applicator, you can apply glue to a large area in a short amount of time. And for precise gluing without any mess, it has a nozzle applicator.
- Most of the super glue becomes obsolete after only one or two uses. But this glue has an anti-clog cap with a metal pin inside to ensure an airtight seal for maximum reusability.
- This glue is water resistant, so you can use it outside. But don’t use it on things that face regular water flow. It isn’t fully waterproof.
- It dries fast within about 20-30 seconds.
Cons:
- If dropped on the skin or eye, Gorilla Super Glue may create an allergic reaction.
- Dries with an amber color.
7. Elmer’s Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue
- They are ideal for home decor projects, holiday ornaments and decorations, or handmade...
- Good item for making many types of arts and crafts projects
- Manufactured in united states
- Package dimensions : 1.61 inches (H) x 5.71 inches (L) x 1.61 inches (W)
- Ideal for all fabric and paper projects
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can’t use just any adhesive to glue fabric. Fabric gets torn apart or may lose its color if you use glue that isn’t applicable. Elmer’s craft bond fabric and paper glue is the best glue compatible with both fabric and paper. It keeps your fabric appliances intact without any mess. Other than fabric, you can use it as a paper craft glue.
Pros:
- It is PVA glue, so don’t worry about its strength.
- Acids react with fabric to make it torn or discolored. This glue is acid-free. So you can use it on your clothes without worrying about discoloring.
- It dries clear, so no one will even notice you used glue on your fabric.
- This glue dries permanently with tacky adhere when it’s wet, so you don’t have to worry about washing your fabric.
Cons:
- The bottle sometimes gets a bit stiff, so you may have to squeeze it harder for the glue to come out.
- The glue smells faint before drying.
8. Best Glue for Card Stock Glue
- CLEAR-DRYING PREMIUM ART & CRAFT GLUE: Create a professional-level look for all styles of...
- MULTIPLE-SIZED TIPS: Provides more choices in application! Get better accuracy, freedom,...
- WRINKLE & CLUMP RESISTANT: Specially formulated to stay smooth and minimize warping or...
- MADE IN USA: Proudly made in USA and safe to use on a variety of projects with an...
- FREEZE/THAW STABLE: Can ship year ‘round and has been tested to be freeze/thaw stable...
Last update on 2022-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nothing is more painful than a poked-up bubble or a wrinkle after you finish gluing your project. You may have tried a lot of glue to avoid these. But have you ever tried Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue? If you haven’t, then you should. Because this glue is specially formulated to avoid warp and wrinkles.
Pros:
- Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue has multiple-sized tips; it lets you work on any surface with pinpoint precision.
- Other than that, as fine tips are prone to clogging, the manufacturer included a cleaning pin. You won’t have to hassle with a clogged tip since you can clear it with a pin.
- This glue is flexible (resists cracking), tough (stronghold), and durable (long-lasting).
Cons:
- It is pretty runny, so it is easy to squeeze out but also easy to use too much.
- Setting time is extended; you might have to clamp or hold your pieces for several minutes after applying glue.
9. Best Glue for Poster Board
- Includes: Dot N' Go dispenser with 200 0.375'' diameter Glue Dots
- Glue Dot: A safe and easy adhesive solution, our sticky dots are double-sided...
- Safe For Surfaces: Our Glue Dots for crafts and projects are safe to use on photos and...
- Removable Adhesive: Our clear Poster Dots require no solvent, water, or heat to activate...
- No Mess & Non-Toxic: Our non-toxic craft Glue Dots are acid, fume, and lignin-free; A...
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you need paper craft glue for your poster, nothing can beat Glue Dots N’ Go Dispenser. Its tip is specially designed for easy use on posters. The adhesive is clean and safe; and an excellent alternative to liquid glue, hot-melt glue guns, and tape. It comes in easy-to-use disposable applicators, rolls, and sheets.
Pros:
- It’s acid and toxin-free. Use it for school projects, photo albums without a second thought.
- Glue Dots N’ Go Dispenser glue works well on paper and various materials such as paper, glass, metal, plastic, wood, foam, and cardstock.
- Poster Glue Dots are temporary; they can be removed or repositioned. And you will find a mess-free wall after you remove your crafts and posters.
Cons:
- Not strong enough for laminated products.
- This glue is not suitable for heavy posters.
10. Best Glue for Card Making
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue Pen is a papercraft glue that is a proven tool for card making. The specialized glue is equally compatible with porous and semi-porous materials, from paper to fabric.
It has slow drying, which gives you enough time to straighten and reshape your project. As a result, it is the best glue for papercraft.
Pros:
- This glue is non-toxic, which makes it safe for children. But it’s best to supervise them when they are using the glue.
- This glue is neither too thick nor too thin. So you won’t have a problem gluing on the edge of your cards.
- The pen-like shape makes it easier to hold when crafting.
- You can be sure of neatness as the glue dries clear with a simple matte finish.
Cons:
- It may warp the paper a little bit.
How To Make Paper Mache Paste?
Paper mache is a crafting technique for making two or three-dimensional objects using composite material made of paper pieces and an adhesive like glue.
Using glue and water as a paste is the easiest way to make paper mache. Many people use flour for paste, but glue creates a more substantial structure. And it’s also less likely to rot. So let’s dive into the techniques and steps for making paper mache with glue.
Preparing the paste: The first task is to make a paper mache paste using glue and water. Take 1 cup of glue and 3/4 of water, then stir together for 2-3 minutes. If you want the paste to be runny, add some water. This ratio is suitable for smaller projects. You can make a paste for any larger project by multiplying the percentage.
After making the paste, follow these steps.
- First, tear the papers into smaller pieces. However, for big projects, you can keep the paper intact.
- Wrap the object in plastic wrap. Try to suck out as much air as possible.
- Dip the paper pieces into the paste and then place them on the object.
- Keep the cast in a dry place. Check it after 8-12 hours. If it’s still wet, then it will need some more time. It takes more time if you add more layers.
- After drying, use a butter knife or something similar to loosen the cast.
Now you have got your paper mache with glue.
How to Glue Paper to Wood?
Tacky glue doesn’t create bubbles like other glues; that’s why it’s a better option for gluing paper to wood. Another option is the mod podge formula that is best for crafts and arts use. The main advantage of it is that it dries clear and holds tight. First, we will describe the general steps to gluing paper to wood.
- Smooth the surface of the wood with sandpaper. Fewer bubbles will pop up if the surface is smooth.
- Pour the glue into the wood and use a foam brush to spread it evenly all over the surface.
- After covering the surface with even layers of glue, line up the paper on the wood. To get rid of bubbles underneath papers, press the paper from one edge to another.
- Let the glue dry. It will generally take one or two hours.
How to Glue Paper without Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused by the expansion of paper when it’s exposed to moisture from gluing. It makes your papercraft ugly and unattractive. For avoiding wrinkles, the best glue is spray adhesive.
Let’s take you to step by step process:
First, spray both sides of the paper two to three times and let them dry. In this way, the sealer acts as a makeshift barrier, and the paper’s surface gets glued perfectly.
Slightly mist the paper with water, but do not soak it. After that, use a roller gently.
After it has dried, reapply the spray adhesive.
How to Glue Paper to Canvas?
To paint pictures or set already painted portraits, you might need to affix the paper to canvas. Most of the time, things don’t go as planned, such as paper getting wrinkled or paper pieces falling off from canvas. To avoid such disasters, you can follow these steps.
- First, select a paper that matches the size of your canvas. You can trim down the paper if needed. Then put sealant over the canvas.
- Select a glue that goes well with your work. Decoupage glue like Mod Podge works well as it is the cheapest. But decoupage glues have some disadvantages too. They are not waterproof and get tacky if wet. You can use the acrylic medium as it is waterproof and doesn’t get discolored and yellowed. a
- Apply a thin coat of glue on the front side of the canvas. Use a foam brush to glue evenly. Don’t apply too much glue. Otherwise, you will end up having wrinkled paper.
- Now carefully set the paper from edge to edge on the canvas. Use a roller or use your hand to smooth the paper down to the canvas.
Keep them for half an hour, and your canvas and paper are ready.
How to Remove Glue from Paper?
There are times when a blob of glue falls on your old NBA card or your painted picture. Removing glue demands some patience and a steady hand. The method of eliminating glue depends on the type of glue you have to remove. But there are some common steps you can follow.
- First, if the glue is underneath some stickers or paper, remove them gently.
- Take some alcohol in a bowl and some cotton swabs. Wet one end of the cotton swab by putting it into the alcohol.
- Rub the cotton swab on the glue carefully. But don’t make it soaked.
- Use a dry cotton swab to rub away the glue before the alcohol dries up. Repeat the process until you have removed all the residue.
How to Make Paper Crafts with Tissue Paper and Glue?
You can make various paper crafts and even a Christmas tree at home using only tissue paper and glue. Children love Christmas Trees any time of the year. And at Christmas, nothing can cheer them more than a paper Christmas Tree.
However, you can make it easily by following these steps.
- You will need a few white card stock, tissue paper, glue, Pom-poms, yellow glitter card, and brown paper.
- Trim the tissue paper (green) into small squares (about 1 inch by 1 inch) and a big triangle from the white card.
- Apply glue to the triangle and put the small squares on this.
- Cut a small rectangle from brown paper and glue it to the bottom of the structure.
- Trim the yellow glitter card into the shape of a star and put it on top of the triangle.
- Glue the pom-poms inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main problem with gluing paper to paper is wrinkles. Another one is yellowing. You can avoid these by gluing properly.
Spray the acrylic sealer across the paper. Then mist the sides with water, but never make it soaked. After that, apply the glue and carefully put both pieces together. Finally, rub the place with a roller or your hands and wait till the glue dries.
Most of the standard glues usually damage paper and photos. Because, over time, they degrade, making the paper wrinkle or warp. It is because some glues contain acid, which tends to react with paper.
Use glues that do not contain any acid. For example, you can use Dry Acid-Free glue (generally dries faster) or No-Wrinkle Rubber Cement glue. The best glue for papercraft is any type of acid-free spray adhesives.
For maximum effect, you can use tacky glue, hot glue, or any fabric glue. Tacky glue works well for attaching the felt to paper, like any other general craft. But tacky glue takes longer than others.
Hot glue dries faster and adheres to the felt more easily. But you have to be careful with it when kids use it.
Any fabric glue works well for the felt to paper projects. It dries quickly and adheres hard. But be careful with it because it may soak through the felt and harden it.
Avoid using ordinary white papercraft glue. Because white glues are runnier, they will soak through your layers of felt.
Glue sticks are mostly used for scrapbook paper projects. Aside from glue sticks, you can also consider some other types like wet adhesive or dry adhesives.
Wet Adhesive is a good option other than glue sticks. It is wet, so don’t put too much in one place, or you may end up with some wrinkles and lumps. Using a paintbrush or a small tip may help.
Dry Adhesives are popular for making photo corners. This craft glue is the best option if you want your projects to be a less sticky mess and without any fuss. But don’t use dry adhesives for chunky and heavy objects.
Never use any hot glue.
Final Words
Nothing can make a crafter happier than a no-fuss and well-crafted papercraft. And a perfectly oriented paper craft needs the perfect papercraft glue. In addition, different types of crafts demand different types of glue. For example, your current adhesive might have yielded the best results for your leather to the paper project earlier but may not deliver the same results for your scrapbook projects.
Most people think a single glue works for everything. Then they stumble upon an ugly or damaged craft. However, it only takes a few minutes to look for the best glue for your paper crafts.