How to use adhesives effectively

There are many different adhesives on the market designed specifically for scrapbooking. Most scrapbookers will end up having a variety of adhesives in their collection. Here is information on some of the more popular ones, and instructions on how to use them.

Permanent VS Repositionable adhesives

Repositionable adhesive products form a lightweight bond that allows you to easily move an element on your page layout. A beginning scrapbooker is drawn to this type of adhesive. While this might seem to be a nice feature, experienced scrapbookers don't generally use repositionable adhesives. There is the possibility that over time, photos and embellishments might come loose. If you want your pages to stand the test of time, use permanent adhesives whenever possible.

Adhesive Dispensers: This is my favorite! Handheld roll-on tape dispensers are available in both permanent and repositionable and many are refillable.

These are quick, easy and if used correctly, cost effective. You simply roll the dispenser across the back of your paper, cardstock or photo and a thin line of double-sided tape is applied. There is no mess what-so-ever!

I recommend the refillable, permanent dispensers. The thrifty buyer will look for a refillable dispenser that also includes a refill cartridge for their initial purchase. Shop around for the most cost effective brand that is available in the hobby store near you. My local Hobby Lobby store recently started to carry the Wackytac Runner. It comes with 40 feet of tape, and the refills are very reasonably priced. The refills are a snap to install and it also is very ergonomically shaped! For someone that might have a hard time gripping, due to carpal tunnel or arthritis, this dispenser is just right.

The biggest drawback with tape dispensers is you tend to apply more tape than is necessary and will quickly run out. The trick is to apply a small strip (aprox. 1") in each corner, and a small strip in the center. It is not necessary to put tape around the entire parameter of your piece.

Glue Sticks: These Washable all-purpose glue sticks are stored in a tube and spread directly on to the paper from the tube. They also come in "disappearing" colors. Glue sticks are easy to use and a thrifty buy. One problem with using a glue stick is that they can lose their adhesion over time. Ribbons, cardstock, and photos might eventually lift off. I use glue sticks when creating my projects and have not found this to be a problem, but there are others that have reported this as an issue. If not used carefully, glue sticks can wrinkle your paper and will be messy when working with small items.

I DO NOT recommend the "disappearing" colored glue sticks. They function as described when new, but as you get to the end of the stick, the color is so intense that it DOES NOT disappear. (i.e. I used a purple disappearing glue stick when I was adhering white ribbon to a page. All was fine until I got to the end of the glue stick. The next day when I checked my page.... PURPLE was showing through the white ribbon!) Even so, Glue sticks are a thrifty alternative to other adhesives. If you purchase your glue sticks at a dollar store be sure they say "acid free" on the tube.

Photo Mounting Squares: These are Acid-free, double-faced, self-sticking squares designed to easily attach to the back of your photos. Mounting squares are removed individually from the box, making it easy to place them exactly where they are needed. The backing tabs are generally easy to remove, however it is not uncommon to get one that just won't come off. These type of mounting squares can also be expensive to use, since there is only one size in a box, you may end up purchasing several boxes of different sizes. I also don't like cleaning up all the little squares of backing that mysteriously end up on the floor.

Photo Corners: Here is another adhesive you will want to have. These self-adhesive corners attach to your layout and you slip the corners of your photos underneath the little flap. They come in a multitude of sizes, colors, and styles. I love using these on pages that have many photos since I don't need the extra room that frames and mats require. Because the adhesive never touches the photographs, you are assured that "one-of-a-kind photographs are doubly safe. They can be tricky to use at first. I had them stuck to the desk, my hands, the paper, etc. until I learned how to control them.

Adhesive Dots: If you need to adhere oversized or thick embellishments such as metal, wood, or buttons, then consider using Adhesive Dots. The larger sized dots also give your page a 3-D look. These double-sided pressure-sensitive sticky dots are available in various sizes. Most adhesive dots are NOT repositionable so be sure you know exactly where you want the embellishment positioned before you stick it to your page. These dots are so sticky that you will initially have them stuck to your fingers! To avoid this problem, apply the dot to the back of your embellishment BEFORE you remove them from the paper backing.

Hot Glue: Hot glue is not recommended for adhering photos to pages, however, it has other uses when scrapbooking your pages. i.e. You have created a "pocket" out of cardstock, poster board, or even fabric, then use hot glue to adhere the pocket to your background paper. I find it much better than using foam mounting tapes. The only trick is to make sure you press down firmly while the glue is hot, especially when using fabric, or you will not get a good bond.

Foam Mounting Tape & Squares: This is a double-sided raised foam which adheres an item completely, after the backing is removed. Foam adheres to most items including embellishments and paper. Mounting foam gives a wonderful 3-D effect. Large pieces of mounting foam can be cut to the desired length, however most mounting foam is sold in convenient pre-cut circles, squares and rectangles. Mounting foam is a little sticky while getting it off the paper and leaves little tabs of paper backing to clean up afterwards. Some foam is colored and more suited for items that are not transparent.

Adhesive Sprays: Adhesive spray comes in a can, similar to spray paint. It is totally invisible when dry. The biggest advantages of these sprays are that they are temporarily repositionable and they are able to adhere vellum or transparencies without leaving marks. For the best results wait a minute after spraying before positioning your item to the page. This will minimize any showing of the wet adhesive. The can is expensive but will last a long time. Spraying should always be done in a well-ventilated area.

As you experiment more with your page layouts you will eventually have a need for other types of adhesives, such as Liquid Glues, adhesive sheets, Glue Pens, even Staples. Remember to shop wisely, use coupons, and always think thrifty!

Happy "Thrifty" Scrapbooking!

Be sure to visit The Thrifty Scrapbook Store for economical scrapbook products.

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