Which Glue is Best for Crafts? – A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Adhesive - Home-Crafts

Which Glue is Best for Crafts? – A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Adhesive

This page will guide you to the glue that will give you the best results. We have lots of different types of glue – hobby glue, school glue and glue sticks – and if you use our guide, you are sure to find the right glue for you and your creative project. Follow the guide to find out what kind of glue to use.

Choosing the Right Glue for Paper and Card Crafts

When it comes to paper crafting and card making, choosing the right glue can make all the difference to your finished project. At Home Crafts, we stock a variety of glues designed for different crafting needs.

  • School Glue – A classic liquid glue in a bottle, easy to use for everyday paper crafts.

  • Hobby Glue – A versatile option that works not only on paper and card but also on EVA foam, textiles, and polystyrene.

  • Glue Marker – Liquid glue in a pen format with a felt tip, perfect for precision work and small details.

  • Glue Stick – Less messy than liquid glue, easy to apply in thin layers, and ideal for avoiding bubbles in your designs.

For scrapbooking and photo albums, double-sided adhesive tape is another great choice. Just remember to use acid-free and lignin-free paper or card to prevent discolouration over time.

Glue for Decoupage and Papier-Mâché

If you enjoy decoupage or papier-mâché, choosing the right glue is essential for achieving durable and professional results. One of the best options is decoupage varnish, a specially developed product that acts as both glue and varnish. Once dry, it becomes water-resistant, allowing decorated items to be wiped clean with a damp cloth – a big advantage when crafting decorative objects, home accessories, or gifts.

Decoupage varnish is available in different qualities, so you can select the right type depending on the surface you are working with, such as cardboard, wood, textiles, glass, or porcelain.

If water resistance isn’t necessary, alternatives like lacquer glue or VTR glue are excellent options. These glues, along with wallpaper paste, are particularly well-suited for papier-mâché projects, where multiple layers of paper are glued together to create masks, bowls, ornaments, and more.

With the right adhesive, your decoupage and papier-mâché crafts will be both beautiful and long-lasting.

Glue for Jewellery Making and Repairs

When it comes to jewellery making and repair, the right glue is essential for strength and precision. For most projects, power glue is the ideal choice thanks to its extremely strong bond and fast drying time. This makes it perfect for delicate tasks such as attaching beads, gemstones, thin wires, chains, or silicone cord.

Power glue is available in several handy formats, including small bottles with a brush lid or a precision dispensing nozzle, both designed to make fine detail work easier and more controlled.

For a more affordable option, many crafters also choose Clear Multi Glue Gel. This popular glue works well for jewellery projects, though it has a longer drying time compared to power glue.

Whether you’re creating unique handmade pieces or repairing favourite accessories, the right adhesive ensures your jewellery is both durable and beautifully finished.

Glue for Smooth Surfaces such as Glass, Metal, and Ceramics

When working with smooth, hard surfaces like glass, metal, ceramics, or porcelain, it’s important to choose a very strong adhesive. These materials are heavier and more difficult to bond, so ordinary craft glue won’t be enough.

For example, if you’re repairing ceramic or porcelain pieces or attaching mosaic stones to glass or metal, you’ll need a glue designed to provide both strength and durability. Universal adhesives are suitable for most of these applications, but each type comes with its own advantages.

  • Clear Multi Glue Gel – the most environmentally friendly option. It’s slow-drying, which gives you extra time to adjust your project before it sets.

  • Mounting Glue – also a slower drying glue, but completely water-resistant once cured, making it perfect for items that may be exposed to moisture.

Choosing the right adhesive ensures your glass, ceramic, and metal crafts stay secure and long-lasting.

Glue for Natural Materials and Craft Figures

When working with natural or lightweight craft materials such as polystyrene, cotton wool, wood, chenille pipe cleaners, or plastic, the best choice is a universal slow-drying glue like Clear Multi Glue Gel. Supplied in a handy bottle, it provides a secure bond while giving you time to adjust your project before it sets.

For projects such as collages with natural elements like leaves, a slow-drying lacquer glue is also highly recommended, as it works well with delicate organic surfaces.

If you prefer a quicker drying time, a hot glue gun is a great alternative. Hot glue sticks are easy to use and provide strong adhesion. There are two types of glue guns:

  • Low-temperature glue guns – ideal for small, delicate craft items.

  • High-temperature glue guns – better for larger pieces, offering extra strength and durability (though with a slightly longer drying time).

With the right glue, your natural material crafts and handmade figures will be sturdy and long-lasting.

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