Several of the adhesives from last year are still on my list, because they remain my favorites, however, there are a few changes and new additions to the list so be sure to read all the way through. If something is new or has changed, I will let you know by typing “*NEW*” at the beginning of the section.
*NEW – To hold my dies in place when die cutting, I’ve tried washi tape, micropore tape and post it tape and while I like both post it and micropore tapes, I’ve found something that works even better and is more economical because you can use it over and over and over again. That is, 1/2″ Aqua Color-Code Writeable Labeling Tape | Removable Adhesive, 0.5 x 500 in. Roll. This tape is removable and like I said, I can use one piece for die cutting forever. It is more sturdy than any of the above mentioned tapes and comes in 21 colors! It’s $5.99 a roll (right now) with free Prime Shipping and you get 500″! I can’t recommend this tape enough.
Tombow Mono Adhesive Dots Dispenser Permanent – This is by far, the best (small) tape runner I’ve ever used. I like the dot adhesive, they make it easier to apply to anything including paper, wood veneer, small embellishments, etc. This adhesive is stronger than my old dot runner adhesive yet you have time to pull it up and move your paper around before it’s permanently stuck. I like that! I also like that it’s SIMPLE to refill! You just pop in the new refill and you are ready to go!
Tombow Mono Dot Pattern Adhesive Runner Refill, Clear, 3-Pack – These are the refill packs I buy (less expensive than single ones)
Scotch ATG 700 – Yellow, 1/2″ Tape – My Trusty ATG is my next favorite and most used adhesive. I do a lot of mailing and adding printed postage to packages and I use this for all of my packing needs, as well as for scrapbooking and card making. When I need something stuck really well, I use my ATG.
For refills, I use the 1/2″ acid free atg tape from Kat Scrappiness but they also have 1/4″ acid free atg tape for those of you who use the pink ATG.
Tombow Xtreme Adhesive Runner – When you want something to stick the first time and never move again, this is the adhesive for you! This adhesive is so strong that when you are finished running it across your paper/project, you have to “break” it off by pulling it sideways (horizontally) off of your project. (I hope that makes sense). I don’t use this as often as the first two adhesives but when I know I need something to stick and stay stuck, this is what I use.
Ranger Multi Medium Bottle, 0.5-Ounce, Matte – This has been my favorite liquid adhesive for a couple of years now. I use this almost every time I craft. It is an acrylic gel medium that dries clear and is waterproof. This adhesive is extremely strong and since it dries clear with a matte finish, if it “oozes” out from behind the product you are gluing down, it won’t show! I also use this for sequins when I’m not using mini glue dots.
It comes in two larger sizes as well:
Ranger Multi Medium Matte – 1oz W/Brush Applicator – Larger bottle with a brush applicator.
Ranger Multi Medium 3.8 oz, Matte – This is the same product, just in a larger, more economical bottle.
*NEW* – I have a small paint brush that I use specifically for matte medium. I just keep it wet until I’m ready to wash it out. That way the glue doesn’t dry on it.
*NEW* Ranger Fine Tip Applicator .5oz – I use this tip for precise application of my ranger matte medium in the small bottle. It has a little needle that keeps it from getting clogged.
Last year I used Darice Ultrafine Tip Applicator Bottles and I have no complaints about them except that they close with a needle and I lost my needle several times (lol). I recommend both but if you are like me and lose tiny things, the Ranger tip is probably better for you.
Ranger also sells a larger tip for full size (2 oz) bottles of adhesive such as “Glossy Accents”, etc. You can find that tip here.
Stick it! Adhesives Sheets – This is a double sided adhesive sheet that is used for die cutting. This comes in two sizes, “handy” and “large”. I have both sizes and don’t have a preference really. Either is fine by me. Which one I use is determined by the size of what I’m die cutting.
This is how I use these sheets. I stick the “Stick It!” to one side of my paper and then die cut the paper. When I pull out the die cut, it’s already a “sticker” and because Stick It! was made for die cutting, it works with the most intricate dies. This stuff is amazing! If you hate adding liquid adhesive to intricate die cuts, you must try this! It will make your life much easier!
3M Scotch 1/2-Inch by 36-Yard Double-Sided Foam Tape – This roll of foam tape is economical and is also great because you can cut it to any size/shape that you want. Great for larger projects!
Sometimes you just want a small foam square! When I do, I use these Foam Squares by 3L Scrapbook Adhesives. They are just tall enough to add dimension without being too tall if you know what I mean. They are in a great shape and size and I find them extremely useful for smaller projects.
*NEW* Glue Gun – Surebonder H-195 Mini Detailed Glue Gun – This is my new favorite glue gun. The things I love about it are the fine tip and the fact that it has an on/off switch! Those two things are very important to me and I love this glue gun!
Glue Sticks – I use the same glue sticks I used last year, but with a new glue gun. Last year I used the Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue Gun, however, the tip wasn’t fine enough for me and it didn’t have an on/off switch. However, I fell in love with the “Less Mess” Glue Sticks and that’s what I use with my new glue gun. The great thing about these glue sticks is that there are significantly less “strings”when you use it. I hate those things lol
*NEW* – Dodz Glue Dots by Scrapbook Adhesives
For sequins and other small embellishments, I use the Dodz MINI glue dots. They are the perfect size for sequins and small embellies. I also use the small and medium sizes for other projects.
These come on a roll but are individually wrapped at the same time which keeps them from getting dried out and they are sticky every time! (Also less messy cause they don’t get stuck until you want them to!) I use both the small and medium dodz.
*NEW* – Nuvo Glue Pens – These are new products that came out this past year and I love them. They come in three different sizes which are perfect for any project. For small, intricate projects I use the fine tip pen. Then there is a medium and large for larger projects.
I use this Zig 2 Way Jumbo Tip Glue Pen to re-stick my cutting mats. It works better than any spray adhesive and is quick and easy to use! No messes to clean up either! To learn more about this click here.
*NEW* This double sided tape from Kaisercraft is my new favorite! I use both the 1/4″ and 1/2″ sizes. I used to use Scor-tape which is great, but the Kaisercraft tape is a fraction of the cost of Scor-tape and works just as well, if not better. You can also tear it with your fingers, you don’t need scissors to cut it. This tape is a real money saver for me.
*NEW* Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive – I use this for tiny, intricate die cuts. Especially words that I’ve die cut. I find it the easiest way to adhere them to my projects. It does not have a strong smell and I use it inside, in my craft room without any issues.
All of the products mentioned on this page are listed and linked below for your convenience. If you have any questions about anything on this page, please leave a comment or contact me and I’ll get back to you asap.
I have several on your list, and totally agree with all you said. The kaisercraft, the matte multi, stick-it and the elmers spray specifically. And the 3L dotz are great.
I have a question on the tombow adhesive dots? Do the refill fit in the same dispenser as the tombow tape? Hope that makes sense.
Yes, the refills pop right in.