Scrapbooking Adhesives 101
Scrapbookers have so many choices in scrapbooking adhesives. Manufacturers are offering more and more options to meet the needs of this hobby. Scrapbooking techniques have continued to change over time, and now scrapbookers need adhesives that can handle the newest techniques and trends.
Photo safe is the most important quality when choosing a scrapbooking adhesive. Make sure any adhesive you choose is archival sage, especially when using them on the back of your photographs. Scrapbookers have so many choices when it comes to adhesives.
Photo Corners: These are the pioneer adhesives of scrapbooking, and they still remain a popular choice for many scrapbookers. When scrapbooking first began, photo corners were used because they would allow you to attach photographs to a page and still remove them. Because photo corners are not permanent adhesives, they are ideal for heritage photographs and anything you don’t want to permanently mount to a page. They now come in a variety of colors and materials.
Glue: Whether in pens, bottles or tubes, glue is the most versatile adhesive option for scrapbookers. Glue pens allow you to put a tiny dot of glue where ever you need it. They come in permanent and repositionable varieties, as well as specialized glues made for fabric or metal.
Tape Runners: These are a basic supply for most scrapbookers. Tape runners are double-sided adhesives and come in dispensers or on a roll. Like glue, they are available in permanent and repositionable tape. Tape runners are convenient and fast for quick page layouts. As you run the tape along a surface, it leaves behind a continuous line of adhesive. You use only as much as you need for each item.
Glue Dots: A must-have for heavy embellishments, glue dots allow for a strong bond and are perfect for fabric and ribbons. They come in a range of sizes, mounted on either a roll or sheet.
Glue Sticks: If you don’t want the mess of glue, glue sticks are a convenient alternative. They glide on easily and allow you to cover a large area quickly. You can still use them on small embellishments too. Use only glue sticks that specifically state they are photo-safe. Stay away from the ones that are for school use.
Adhesive Spray: The advantages of adhesive spray are even coverage and transparency. They work well with vellum, unlike some adhesives that will show through the paper. You do have to be very careful with over spray. Always put down paper to cover your work surface before using adhesive spray.
Tape: Most scrapbookers prefer double-sided tape for adhering scrapbooking page elements. However, one-sided tape is useful on the back of brads or eyelets to keep paper from catching on the prongs.
Foam Tape: Dots and squares are common shapes for foam tape. Double-sided, this adhesive gives your page elements a dimensional effect. Try using them with letters and titles and add some interest to your pages.
Scrapbookers can never have enough adhesive. Always stock up on your favorites and bring plenty with you when you go to a crop or workshop. It helps to have a variety of adhesives available as you work on a project. Consider your choices and choose the ones that best fit your scrapbooking style.
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