How to Choose and Use Adhesives in Paper Crafting
From securing pictures to your scrapbook pages to adding embellishments to your handmade card designs, crafters need a way to keep things together. As one of the most overlooked and undervalued crafting supplies, adhesives make a big difference in your crafting. Whether you’re a beginner or have been papercrafting for years, choosing the right adhesive for your project can set you up for success.
HOW TO CHOOSE ADHESIVES FOR PAPERCRAFTING PROJECTS
Stampin’ Up! offers a variety of adhesives with different applications to add personality and polish to your papercrafting projects. Let’s review some of the most common adhesives you’ll work with as you design and create cards, gift tags, decorations, and more!
STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS
Dimensionals are double-sided foam adhesives that add depth and dimension to layers of your project. When applied, a dimensional will lift whatever element you apply it to. Our dimensionals come in various shapes and sizes—from hexagon-shaped dots to strips and sheets. These adhesives work best with lightweight paper elements and embellishments.
MINI GLUE DOTS
These adhesive dots are a great no-mess adhesive for any project. Mini Glue Dots are flat, transparent, and stick instantly, making them perfect for adhering small elements securely without showing. They’re ideal for use with cardstock, embellishments, ribbon, and detailed die cuts. Mini Glue Dots can be a little tricky to use, so here are a couple of ways to make it easier. Using a fingernail or a Take Your Pick tool, pick the dot off the backing and place it on your project. You can also remove the backing and bring the piece you would like to adhere directly to the roll and transfer the adhesive to your project in that way.
TEAR & TAPE
This double-sided tape adhesive comes on a roll and allows you to tear off the size you need for any project. Simply pull a strip off the roll, tear, lay the strip where you need it, and remove the backing and stick. Tear & Tape is a strong, acid-free double-sided tape adhesive that is perfect for adhering paper and other materials to your projects.
STAMPIN’ SEAL AND STAMPIN’ SEAL+
These permanent tape runner adhesives come in a refillable applicator case with a cap for an easy, mess-free adhesive option. Using them is easy. Simply pop the cap and roll gently while tilting your wrist up. To finish, just lift the applicator for a clean break. Stampin’ Seal is perfect for light-duty projects that still need a good bond. Stampin’ Seal+ is stronger for heavy-duty or 3D crafting projects. Choose the one that fits your project, and your crafts will stick around in the best way.
Want to see all of these adhesives in action so you can decide which is best for your project? Check out the video below:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHOOSING ADHESIVES
If you’re new to paper crafting or simply want to be better versed in choosing the right adhesives, you’re not alone! We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you choose the right adhesive for your papercraft project.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADHESIVE FOR ADDING DIMENSION TO PAPER CRAFT PROJECTS?
To add dimension to your papercraft project, you will want to select an adhesive that provides depth. Our Foam Adhesive Strips, Foam Adhesive Sheets, and Stampin’ Dimensionals all help lift elements and embellishments while providing a secure bond.
CAN I USE THE SAME ADHESIVE FOR ALL ELEMENTS IN A KIT?
While all Stampin’ Up! adhesives offer a secure bond, we specifically offer different tools for different jobs to set you and your projects up for success. In the case of our crafting kits, we provide you with the adhesive you need for the project. (Except in the case of 3D projects such as our Haunted Home kit, where we recommend crafters use a hot glue gun for the best results.)
ARE STAMPIN’ UP! ADHESIVES SAFE FOR PHOTOS OR SCRAPBOOKING?
Yes! Stampin’ Up! adhesives like Stampin’ Seal and Multipurpose Glue provide a strong, acid-free bond that is safe for photos and other scrapbooking preservation projects.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEAR & TAPE AND OTHER DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVES?
Tear & Tape is one of several double-sided adhesive options from Stampin’ Up! This thin but strong traditional tape adhesive comes in a traditional roll format that can be cut or torn to the desired size for a seamless application. The Stampin’ Seal is a double-sided tape adhesive that comes in a roll with an applicator.
HOW DO I KEEP EMBELLISHMENTS SECURELY ATTACHED WITHOUT GLUE?
Stampin’ Up! offers a wide variety of adhesives that keep embellishments securely attached without the need for glue. These include foam adhesives like Stampin’ Dimensionals, double-sided tape options like Stampin’ Seal, and flat adhesive options like Mini Glue Dots.
FEELING STUCK ON ADHESIVES? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Hopefully, this quick adhesives guide gives you the confidence needed to choose the right adhesives for your next papercraft project. If you’re a beginner and still feeling unsure about when and where to use our adhesives, try one of our kits! From instructions to paper to adhesives, each kit comes with everything you need to get crafty. The Stampin’ Up! YouTube channel is also a great resource for tutorials and guides.
Still feeling stuck? Our community of friendly Stampin’ Up! demonstrators is standing by and ready to help. Connect with one today!