These are the adhesives I use and recommend for all of my crafting projects.
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.
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 micro 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. Whenever I use this largest bottle of Matte Medium, I always use these Disposable Micro Brushes to apply it to small areas.
For precise application of any liquid glues, I prefer to use these Darice Ultrafine Tip Applicator Bottles. They come 4 to a pack for $4.79 and work much better than the Quilled Creations tips I used to use. They are easier to squeeze and you get a very fine application which is perfect for small die cuts and tiny areas of your projects.
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 to my list this year is Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue Gun with their new “Less Mess” Glue Sticks. This is the first glue gun I’ve ever used without those pesky “glue strings” getting everywhere! The secret is in the glue stick I’m sure but I use and love the matching glue gun as well.
Elmer’s Less Mess Glue Sticks – As I mentioned above, there are less glue strings to deal with truly a miraculous invention by Elmers!
Also new to my list this year are Dodz Glue Dots by Scrapbook Adhesives. 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.
For sequins and other small embellishments, I till use the Glue Dots brand Micro Dots. They are so tiny they are perfect for itsy bitsy embellishments like sequins, etc.
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.
Scor-Tape – This is a super strong, double sided adhesive! When working on mini albums or other projects, I always use Scor-Tape. I usually use 1/4″ or 1/2″ but it comes in many different sizes, even 6×6 sheets!
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.
Linda Vich says
Thanks for the great roundup of products, Kat!
Marilyn says
Thanks for the information. I just purchased some scor tape, and had been wondering about some of the others you mentioned. Now I will know what to shop for when I get back to a crafty store.
Anita Rhynes says
How do you keep the /darice-ultrafine-tip-applicator-bottle pin from rusting in the metal tip. I liked the bottle but the pin rusted in my bottle and I couldn’t get it out. Thanks for any suggestions you can give me. Anita
Kat says
It doesn’t rust, it’s made to not rust.