Best Adhesive for paper crafts - Stick With It: Choosing the Right Adhesive for Your Crafting Needs

Not all glues are created equal, and if you've ever had a carefully layered card peel apart or a delicate paper warp under the wrong adhesive, you know the struggle is real. So, which is the best adhesive for paper crafts? There is no one correct answer. With so many options—PVA glues, silicone-based formulas, tapes, dots, and specialty adhesives—finding the right one for the job can feel like a craft supply obstacle course. Let’s break it down so you can pick the perfect glue without the guesswork.

PVA Glues: The Reliable Workhorses

PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue is the gold standard for paper crafting—strong, flexible, and dries clear. Great for layering ephemera, assembling journals, and attaching cardstock without making a mess.

• Bearly Art Glue – Precision tip, smooth application, and dries clear. Perfect for paper layering and intricate die-cuts. No wrinkling, which is a win.

• Tombow Liquid Glue – Dual-tip applicator, quick-drying, and a solid choice for paper-to-paper adhesion. Just don’t go overboard—it can get sticky fast.

• Art Institute Glitter Glue – Not just for glitter! This one’s great for fine details, dries quickly, and won’t buckle lightweight papers.

Silicone-Based Glues: Strength & Flexibility

Silicone glues are magic for heavy embellishments, non-porous surfaces, and dimensional elements. They stay flexible and don’t dry brittle, making them a go-to for mixed media projects.

• Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Glue – A favorite for a reason! It’s strong, dries fast, and works on fabric, metal, and heavier embellishments. Fantastic for junk journals and collages.

• Goop 3000 – Industrial strength, a little wild to work with, but unbeatable when you need something to stay put on tricky surfaces.

Dry Adhesives: Mess-Free & Instant Grip

Sometimes, liquid glue isn’t the answer. Dry adhesives like tapes and dots work wonders when you need an instant, no-dry-time bond.

• Scor-Tape (Soogwang) – Double-sided tape that holds like a dream. Tearable, strong, and great for bookbinding, interactive cards, and layered elements that need zero drying time.

• Glue Dots – A lifesaver for adding embellishments, adhering ribbon, or attaching elements without warping delicate paper.

Specialty Glues: When the Project Demands More

Some glues are in a league of their own, designed for specific crafting needs.

• Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue – The old faithful. Thick, strong, and versatile, but takes longer to dry. Great for bookbinding and heavier papers.

• Nuvo Glue – Super strong, dries clear, and works beautifully for fine details. A little goes a long way.

• Hero Arts Precision Pen – Ideal for tiny details and intricate die cuts. Doesn’t leave gunky residue.

• Zig 2-Way Glue – Goes on blue, dries clear, and is repositionable when left to dry first. A favorite for foiling and delicate paper projects.

• Lineco – Archival-quality PVA, perfect for bookbinding and long-lasting paper projects. Won’t yellow over time.

• Mod Podge – Classic for decoupage, sealing, and adding a protective topcoat. Works on paper, fabric, and even wood.

Finding the Best Adhesive for Paper Crafts

Choosing the right adhesive depends on what you're working with. Need a strong but flexible hold? Silicone glue’s got you. Working with delicate papers? A precision-tip PVA like Bearly Art Glue is the way to go. Want instant bonding with no drying time? Scor-Tape or Glue Dots are your best bet.

No more peeling corners, warped papers, or sticky disasters—just the perfect hold for every project.