Bella’s Corner: Adhesives for Paper and Mixed Media

Filed under Bella's Corner, Tutorials

The following are adhesives that are currently carried by Alpha Stamps for paper and mixed media. (Note: there is an earlier post about Adhesives for Metal/Jewelry.) Know of a really good adhesive not shown here? Then please, let me know!

 
3D Glue Dots

Works on paper, paper-mache, cardboard, as well as a on a variety of mixed-media surfaces. Gives a great backdrop “shadow” to your projects too! (Like in Shannon Sawyer’s Palmistry shadow box at right.)

 
Pros

• Easy to use.
• No waiting for items to dry.
• Permanent adhesive on both sides.

 
Cons

• Glue Dots are not re-positionable.

 
Diamond Glaze

An acrylic sealant that’s thick and gives a nice clear finish to small artwork. No special tools needed (but a little patience while waiting for it to dry). Use for glazing photos, collage sheets, scrapbook papers, fabrics, inclusions (beads & other elements).

You can mix dyes into the glaze to create faux stained glass. More info and how-to tips are here. Avoid shaking bottle to minimize bubbles. Water soluble, but permanent when dry. Dries in 2-4 hours and comes in a 2 ounce bottle.

 
Pros

• Easy, easy, easy to use!
• Non-toxic, but please don’t drink it.
• Self-leveling.
• Dries to a crystal clear and smooth permanent finish.
• Add color with dye-based inks, watercolor, pearlescent pigments, and pastel chalks.

 
Cons

• Can have a REALLY strong reaction to copper, creating a dark/blue tint where the glaze comes in contact with the metal. (However sometimes this can look cool!)
• It is NOT waterproof.

 
Glossy Accents

Glossy Accents is a dimensional, water-based, clear gloss medium. It’s perfect for adding dimension and magnifying distinct areas on any scrapbook page, album cover, rubber stamp or paper craft project.

 
Pros

• Glossy Accents dries to a hard, clear glossy finish.
• Used under embellishments it makes them stick.
• The very thin tip allows for precise placement and it is fast drying.
• Can be used to fill in bezels, pendants, cabochons and small charms.

 
Cons

• Can be prone to having air bubbles, so watch carefully and don’t shake product.

 
Glue N’Seal

Glue N’ Seal is an all-purpose glue and sealer that is waterproof. Use for decoupage, collage sheets, scrapbook papers, card making, collage or any craft project where gluing or a sealing top coat is needed.

 
Pros

• Available in Matte and Gloss formulas.
• Convenient application brush attached to inside of lid.
• Easy to use.
• Waterproof.

 
Cons

• None so far!

 
Incredi-Sheets

Crystal clear, double-sided adhesive sheets.

 
Pros

• Acid free.
• Permanent.
• Heat resistant.
• Works great with vellum, foils, flock, glitter, embossing powder, beads, etc.
• Package contains THREE 6″x8″ sheets!

 
Cons

• If I find any, I’ll let you know! (Well, maybe that it’s not re-positionable.)