Glue,
often called an adhesive, is used to stick and hold things
together. It's probably one of the most important things
you do and it's normally never seen. Selecting the right
type of glue for a design ensures your creation lasts, and
is a durable design.
Always
check the information provided on the packet or bottle,
glues need to be handled safely. Be very careful when children
use glues and do not allow them to work unsupervised and
check that the glue you have selected is suitable for their
use.
Selecting
the right glue is important:
PVA
Glue
PVA glue is one of the most versatile and commonly used
glues. It can be used for paper, card, fabric, wood, plaster
and much more. It is a thick white liquid in the bottle
but it dries clear.
A mixture
of 50:50 PVA glue and water (equal proportions) makes a
excellent sealant for papier-mâché, plaster
and other absorbent materials when you need to prepare them
for painting or other decorative coverings. A similar mixture
can also be used as the glue for papier-mâché
work.
PVA
also forms the basis of many other glues such as wood glue
and washable fabric glues. These glues are versions of PVA
glues, which have been treated to give them additional qualities
for specific purposes. Wood glue used in joinery is a much
stronger glue than standard PVA and can be used for bigger
jobs where wood and similar material need to be glued together.
Silicone
Adhesive
Silicone Adhesive is ideally used in 3D Decoupage to create
the layered effect. It is available in an acid free version
in the stix3 range making it more suitable for cardmaking
and scrapbooking.
Glue
Sticks
These are a simple type of glue often supplied in a handy
stick which makes application easy. They are useful for
gluing most light cards and papers. They are quick, easy,
clean and washable making them suitable for card making
and scrapbooking.
Hot/Cool
Melt Glue Guns
Glue guns use hot or cold glue sticks as their adhesive
medium. While they are available in a range of sizes and
with a range of glues, they are often large and can be difficult
to use for small delicate work with so it depends on what
you are creating if you need to use them.
Hot
melt glue guns and sticks offer the strongest and most long-lasting
of the glues available but they call for care in their use
as they are 'hot'!
Cool
melt glue guns and sticks run a lower temperature than hot
melt guns. They are not as strong as hot melt glues but
offer a good adhesion for most art and craft applications.
Glitter
Glues
Glitter glues come in solid stick/pen form or in liquid
form and are very easy to use. The glue they use is clear
glue containing coloured glitter and is perfect for adding
that finishing touch to a greetings card or embellishment.
Spray
Glues
Spray glues are supplied in aerosol containers and are generally
used for mounting pictures and artwork. They are available
in permanent and removable versions allowing re-mounting.
Other
Types of Fixings
A wide array of adhesive dots, discs, shapes, tapes and
pads are available which are coated with glue on both surfaces.
They are ideal for fixing artwork, pictures and other objects.