Sticky Stuff

This is a continuation of the Gel Medium post the other day, a nice segue into glues. First I will start with the simplest glue, the old basic homemade stuff. There are actually several different recipes so try a few until you hit upon one you like- start with these:

Wheat Paste Recipe
There are two ways to make wheat paste. Both involve the same ingredients of flour and water. In one version you use hot water and boil the mixture. This offers a stronger adhesive quality, which is ideal for putting up posters, but is not as important for paper-mache.

The cold-water version uses a ratio of one part flour and one to three parts water. You'll need to test the ratio yourself until you get the consistency of thick glue. About.com recommends adding a few tablespoons of salt to the mixture to help prevent mold, and I have also seen a few drops of bleach added for this- but NOT if it's going to be used by young children who may eat it. In any case, you can't beat wheat paste as an inexpensive, fast, and kid-friendly craft tool.

Make your Own Glues Here are some more formulas for making your own.

Of course you can buy 'school glue' too, the white stuff that was rumored to be made from cow's hooves that we all ate. Here's one example of that kiind of paste, but even better at this level would be gluesticks. These come in various formulas, some are permenent bonds, others you can separate easily even after time. Again, read the lables for the information you need. (oops, lost the picture of the paste, but use your imagination!)

A step up would be Elmer's, or any other white all-purpose glue. It comes in several strengths so consider both the white glue or the carpenters wood glue which may be stronger for particular materials.






This to That (Glue Advice) This is the definitive link for figuring out what glue works to stick two items together. Save this link because you will refer to it time and again.

A more specialized product wiht a neutral pH might be necessary for fine art or crafts like collage or decoupage, so here is one that would work for that.

Next in order may be a glue gun. These range in seriousness and use by the temperature that melts the glue sticks. You can buy sticks that fit it at hobby shops (usually cooler melting) or hardware stores for more industrial use. Make sure and read the packaging so you don't get one that is unsuitable for your particular uses.

These particular gluesticks are available for fabrics so search them out if this is what you'll be glueing.

Sticky Problem A good reason to know your tools and materials!

Material Safety Data Sheet Sites Here's a site that has links to every imaginable manufacturers safety data specs- another good source to keep on hand.

For more specialty applications spray glue comes in several formulations. It can be reposionable, or permanent according to how it's applied, usually if one side is sprayed it can be repositionable for a few minutes and results in a more temporary bond. For permanent bonding, both surfaces are sprayed and allowd to tack up a minute, when joined they are permanent. Remember though that a glue or adhesive is only as strong as the objects they are bonding so test first. There are also acid-free sprays available for more archival applications- for that you may need to contact a drafting supply store if it's not available in the art store. Krylon makes this one.

The final product mentions are for finishing sprays that will help protect the item from UV rays, make it water resistant and possibly more fade proof. There are several choices available- read lables and do some research on what suits your needs. This one is 'Preserve It' by Krylon.

And last but not least, here is the famous, and now defunct, website called Glue Piece of Ham! There was an Arabic song that was translated phoenetically by a couple of Swedish guys, which was then translated into English---at least I think that's the right sequence. So, rather than having to wash up, go laugh at the nonsence for a bit.

UPDATE **UPDATE **UPDATE **UPDATE **UPDATE** UPDATE** UPDATE

Wouldn't you know, as soon as I got all my html tags closed, not a tiny feat for a woman without brain cells, I checked my QuiltArt list and someone had posted Collagists Glue Info Page SO, go there for lots of information I didn't include, especially if you deal mostly with paper.