If you are tired of wet adhesives that run all over and need to be clamped forever, you may be looking for tacky glue.
It is thick, so it stays put. Plus, it is a fast-grab adhesive that lets you move on in a few seconds.
It is the choice for paper construction projects like putz houses and white card modeling.
Plus, it handles scrapbooking and cardmaking embellishments made of various materials, all without wrinkling your paper.
Please, take a look at my top selections of tacky glues.
Aubry’s Choice
My choice is Aleene’s Tacky Glue. It is hard to go wrong with the inventor of tacky glue. Today, they offer multiple formulations that fine-tune the original. Plus, they have added an acid-free photo-safe version. They have also made it much easier to use by delivering it in different packages.
Things To Think About
Tacky glue really solves two big problems for papercrafters. First, it is a fast-grab wet adhesive, so you don’t have to clamp things. Second, it is thick, so it stays put and doesn’t run.
What Is Tacky Glue
Tacky glue is a thick, fast-grabbing PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue that adheres at contact.
What Is The Difference Between Tacky Glue And Regular Glue
Tacky glue is thicker than regular PVA. So it grabs pieces faster and holds them better when drying.
Who Invented Tacky Glue
Florist Aleene Jackson(16 Sep 1935 – 7 Apr 2014) taught flower arranging classes in the early 1950s. At that time, she created a thick tacky white glue she called Glue d’Aleene. Because of its popularity, she started bottling and selling it. Eventually, renaming it Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue.
What Is It Used For
Tacky glue is an all-purpose glue used on paper, foamcore, posterboards, card stock, and cardboard. It is also used to attach embellishments made of wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and plastics.
How Long Does It Take To Dry
Because of its high tack, tacky glue adheres within seconds of application. However, it takes about 30 minutes for the glue to dry completely. Since it is PVA, it takes up to 48 hours to cure completely.
Can I Make It Dry Even Faster
Yes. Thin applications of tacky glue dry faster than thick ones. It drys more quickly in low humidity. Heat speeds up drying time. So use a blowdryer or a heat lamp to speed up the process.
How Do I Dilute Or Thin Tacky Glue
Since tacky glue is PVA, you can thin it with water. Make sure that you mix it thoroughly.
The 3 Best Tacky Glues
1. Aleene’s Tacky Glue
In the early 1950s, Aleene Jackson needed a thick, long-lasting glue for her floral arrangements. So she created the Original Tacky Glue because she couldn’t find one that met her expectations.
The thick tacky formula dries to a clear, colorless permanent bond. It doesn’t yellow over time.
It grabs items on contact. You can clean it up easily with soap and water before it dries. Plus, the nontoxic formula is kid-safe.
It comes in several formulations and packages.
There Are Multiple Formulations
Aleene fine-tunes its glue by adjusting its tack, drying time, and acidity.
- Original Tacky Glue – Original Tacky Glue is the one that started it all. It has a thick tacky formula. So it grabs items on contact and dries to a permanent bond.
- Quick Dry Tacky Glue – Quick Dry Tacky Glue is formulated to dry 50% faster than other craft glues. It dries to a permanent bond in as little as 35 minutes.
- Fast Grab Tacky Glue – Fast Grab Tacky Glue has an extra-thick, fast-tacking formula that grabs hard-to-hold items like beads and sequins on contact. So it is an excellent choice for irregular or highly figured embellishments.
- Turbo Tacky Glue – Turbo Tacky Glue dries up to 50% faster than other craft glues. The no-run formula creates a stronger bond because it has more resin.
- Clear Gel Tacky Glue – Clear Gel Tacky Glue goes on clear and colorless. So you can get perfect placement because you can see through the glue. Plus, it won’t turn yellow with age.
- Acid-Free Tacky Glue – Acid-Free Tacky Glue is the same formulation as the Original Tacky Glue but in an acid-free photo-safe formulation.
There Are Multple Packaging Options
They have packaged the glue in multiple containers for ease of use.
| Formulation | 2 oz Bottle | 3 oz Tube | 4 oz Bottle | 8 oz Bottle | 16 oz Bottle | Always Ready Bottle | Glue Pen | 16 oz Jar | Gal Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Quick Dry | X | X | X | ||||||
| Fast Grab | X | X | X | ||||||
| Turbo Tacky | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Clear Gel | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Acid-Free | X |
2. Elmer’s Craftbond Tacky Glue
Elmer’s Craftbond Tacky Glue uses a no-run formula, dries clear, and cleans with water.
It creates a permanent flexible bond.
This nontoxic tacky glue is available in 4 oz and 8 oz bottles.
3. Scotch Quick Drying Tacky Glue
Scotch Quick-Drying Tacky Glue uses a no-run formula that dries clear.
The permanent adhesive dries quickly and won’t wrinkle or bleed through papers.
This non-toxic, acid-free, and photo-safe tacky glue is available in a 4 oz bottle.
Final Thoughts
I think tacky glue is a must-have adhesive for papercrafting.
I love it for putz houses. Its ability to grab quickly and set fast makes paper construction projects much easier. I use a toothpick to make sure I have precision glue placement.
It really makes white card modeling and foamcore projects a snap. Plus, I don’t have to worry about bleed-through or wrinkling. Because it is thick, tacky glue stays put and doesn’t run all over my project.
I am not sure how I would handle embellishments when scrapbooking or cardmaking if there weren’t any tacky glue. It makes attaching irregular objects a breeze. Also, it dries clear, so I don’t have to worry about the glue showing through.
When using it on projects with a long lifetime, like scrapbooks, make sure you use an acid-free formula.
Explore Further
Aubry’s Guide To Paper Craft Adhesives covers my recommendations for all kinds of dry and wet adhesives you will need for papercrafts.