Top 5 Craft Glues (That Aren't E6000)

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Typically when I'm searching for glue recommendations, all I find are people gushing about E6000.  Now don't get me wrong, I like E6000, a lot actually.  It's pretty great.  But there are so many other glues out there that deserve some love too.

So in honor of National Craft Month, here's my list of 5 Craft Glues that are amazing and aren't E6000.

1) Mod Podge

This one is probably an obvious one, but Mod Podge is really the greatest.  I use it on almost every project I have to a certain extent.  If you want to attach paper or fabric to anything that's not paper or fabric. you need Mod Podge!

I love that it has the sealer built into the formulas, which makes it so much better than watered down Elmer's Glue and worth the extra few bucks.  There's a formula for every project you could imagine, including Dishwasher Safe and Outdoor formulas.

If you're just getting started, the Matte formula is the best.  Other formulas can sometimes stay a bit tacky and require spray sealer, but I've never experienced that with the Matte formula, so it's the one I use the most.  Also, invest in some disposable brushes so you don't have to try to wash glue out of a good brush.



I also highly recommend the Mod Podge tool kit.  It comes with a roller and a squeegee, and I use that squeegee on every project I decoupage.   It's super useful for smoothing things out and getting into corners.  I don't use the roller as much, but it's for larger projects and most of mine are small.  It's nice to have for those furniture projects, though!



If you need some help with Mod Podge, Amy over at Mod Podge Rocks has some great tutorials.  It's a great place to start if you've never used it before.

2) Glue Gun

Another obvious addition, but so many people overlook the greatness of the simple glue gun.  There are several times that I've seen people try a super fancy glue when a glue gun with a strong glue stick will work perfectly well, and be easier to use!

And I love all the colors and styles glue guns come in!  Personally, I have the cordless one pictured below, but in the past I've had a purple and a yellow corded one that I used for years. Now that I have a cordless one though, I'll never go back.  The convenience is wonderful.  Ryobi even has one that uses a battery pack instead of a charging stand!



I also love all the accessories that you can get for glue sticks, like different tips for more detailed applications.

 

Glue sticks also come in a million different strengths, sizes, and colors, making them super versatile craft companions.  Gotta love all that glitter!



My personal favorite are the Surebonder Best Stiks.  They're stronger than regular glue sticks, and I use them for quite a few different types of projects.

3) Bond 527

This is one you may not have heard of, but it's one of my favs.  Bond 527 is somewhat thick, slighty runny, and super clear when it dries, so it's great for things like marble magnets and attaching clear pieces to paper for jewelry.  It cleans up easily with acetone and dries really fast.

4) Resin or Epoxy Glues

Need an unbreakable bond?  Use resin.  Resin glues, or two part epoxies, are crazy strong adhesives that provide a shatterproof and waterproof bond on everything from wood to metal to tile.  It's great for repairs and super for jewelry making.  The syringe versions like the one on the left are fine, but I've always found the two part tubes to be easier and less messy to use.  Just know you have to have something to mix it on that you don't mind throwing away! 

5) Gorilla Glue

A strong bond that doesn't require mixing can usually come from my last favorite, Gorilla Glue.  I typically use this type of glue for repairs around the house, but several of my DIY projects lately have used Gorilla Glue in some way and it's super handy to have around.



Gorilla Glue in it's original form is a type of super glue, but it comes in all kinds of forms now, including glue sticks, two part epoxies, contact cement, and construction adhesive.



That's my list!  So what are your favorite types of glue?  Let me know!

Want to check out more posts from National Craft Month?  Click here for the list!