Many people think glue sticks are just cheap kids’ glue. They have a weak hold and don’t last very long. Discount store generic glue sticks have a well-deserved reputation for ruining photographs.
That is why you need to find high-quality glue sticks – glue sticks that have a long-lasting, secure hold—one which doesn’t ruin photographs or acid-free paper.
Quality glue sticks can fill a role in your craft box. They are neat and easy to use. They are a good substitute for contact cement. And they can even take the place of hot glue.
Aubry’s Choice For Best Glue Stick
My choice is Elmer’s CraftBond Glue Sticks. They come in both repositionable and permanent formulations. I like the way they apply smoothly. Since they are acid-free, they are papercraft and photo-friendly. Because they are washable, cleanup is more manageable. Their non-toxic glue makes them kid-safe. Plus, they are widely available.
Things To Think About
Glue sticks deliver a wet adhesive in a convenient and mess-free package. So you want to consider two main things when selecting one.
The first is the case. It does two jobs because it is an applicator and a storage jar. It should fit your hand, so it is easy to use. Also, it needs to protect the glue when you put it away. And it should seal tightly, so the glue doesn’t dry out.
The second is the adhesive. Even though it comes in a solid form, it works like a wet adhesive. So you should think about it just like any other liquid glue.
What Is A Glue Stick
A glue stick looks and works like a lipstick tube. It is a combination applicator and storage container for a solid adhesive stick. You apply it like lipstick by gently rubbing the adhesive on the project’s surface.
Who Invented Them
Dr. Wolfgang Dierichs, a Henkel researcher, proposed the glue stick in 1967.
He thought you could deliver glue with the ease and convenience of lipstick. There was just one small problem. Nobody had created a solid stick of water-soluble glue. He and his team solved the problem by mixing soap gel and a water-soluble adhesive.
After two years of work, the Pritt glue stick debuted in 1969.
When Do You Use Them
They are a neat and convenient replacement for contact cement. So you can use it for mounting things like photos when scrapbooking or cardmaking. They can also replace hot glue for small embellishments.
Glue Stick Shelf Life
A good quality glue stick with a tight case that you store carefully can last one to two years. Like anything with high water content, it will eventually dry out.
Three things influence shelf life.
The first is glue formulation. Manufacturers can add stabilizers to the glue that extend shelf life. Inexpensive generic glue sticks seldom have these additives, which is why they last a few weeks after they are opened.
The second is case design. Evaporation is a big reason glue sticks dry out, so you want a case that seals well. Make sure the cap snaps on tightly and the twist base fits firmly.
The third is how you store them. For extended storage, put them and a piece of damp sponge in a ziplock bag. Just make sure you squeeze the air out before you seal it.
Acid-Free Adhesives
If you are doing any archival paper crafts like scrapbooking, bookbinding, card making, or working with photographs, you need acid-free adhesives.
Acid-free adhesives don’t yellow or grow brittle with age. They won’t damage your paper or other project elements.
So look for ‘acid-free,’ ‘pH neutral,’ or ‘archival safe’ in the glue stick’s product description.
Some projects have a short life, like many school projects done by children. So you could choose less expensive glue sticks that are not acid-free.
Permanent VS Repositionable Bond
Once you glue a piece to your project with permanent adhesives, you cannot move it without damaging the work. These adhesives dry quickly. So you have just a few seconds to make any final adjustments.
Extra strength permanent adhesives can take the place of hot glues. This can be very helpful when working with embellishments. You don’t run the risk of burning your fingers or damaging the decorations.
Repositionable adhesives let you remove and replace pieces. They are great for stenciling and layouts. Just remember, you will have to use a permanent bond to finalize your design.
Child-Friendly Formulation
Glue sticks are a popular choice for children. They make it easy to put just the right amount of glue exactly where you need it. Plus, the case helps keep fingers away from messy glue.
Clean-up is an essential part of crafting. So you want to make sure you select washable formulations. A little soap and water wash hands quickly. A damp sponge easily cleans the work area. Regular washing takes care of clothes.
I like glue sticks that go on one color and then dry colorless. This really helps crafters of all ages see where they put the glue.
Also, I think non-toxic formulations are a must for anyone, especially children.
The 5 Best Glue Sticks
1. Elmer’s CraftBond Glue Sticks
These glue sticks make an acid-free photo-safe bond for scrapbooking, card making, and papercrafts.
They are also kid-safe because they are non-toxic and washable.
CraftBond glue sticks glide smoothly over surfaces.
Elmer’s CraftBond Glue Stick—Extra Strength
The extra strength formula is great for paper crafting projects that need extra hold. You can permanently attach embellishments without the mess of hot glue.
The disappearing color makes it easy to see where glue has been applied.
Elmer’s CraftBond Glue Stick—Repositionable
This glue stick does double duty. It can either be repositionable or permanent.
You can create a repositionable bond. Apply the glue, wait 60 seconds, then apply materials to it. You can remove an element by starting at a corner and gently pulling it away.
You can also create a permanent bond. Apply the glue and then immediately apply materials to it.
2. Scotch Glue Sticks
Scotch glue sticks are acid-free. They are safe for paper crafts and photographs.
They are also kid-safe because they are non-toxic and washable.
Soap and water easily clean your hands and work surfaces.
Scotch Permanent Glue Stick
This is a strong, fast-bonding formulation that goes on smoothly. Like other permanent glue sticks, it has limited working time. So you don’t get much time to make final adjustments.
Scotch Repositionable Glue Stick
This repositionable formulation lets you move things around. It works well for layouts, scrapbooking, and papercrafts.
Scotch Purple Glue Stick
The glue goes on purple so you can see where it is. When it is dry, it is clear and colorless. It works well for scrapbooking, especially if you are using fabric.
While it is not labeled permanent, it is not repositionable. So you have limited working time to make any final adjustments.
3. UHU glue sticks
This glue stick features a unique screw cap that prevents it from drying out. The solvent-free formula is made from 98 % natural ingredients.
This permanent adhesive is non-toxic and acid-free. So it is papercraft and photograph-friendly. Also, it is cold water washable and kid-safe.
UHU Stic
The is the original Stic. It glues paper, cardboard, and photos. Also, it can glue Styrofoam and textiles to paper. The case is made from 50% recycled plastic.
UHU Stic Magic Blue
This uses the same glue as the original Stic, with one significant difference. It goes on blue and then dries clear and colorless. So it makes it easier to see where the glue is.
UHU Stic Renature
The glue formulation is the same as the original Stic. However, it features a case made from 58% plant-based raw materials, which will reduce its carbon footprint.
UHU Photo Stic
This solvent-free clear glue stick is intended to glue photos to all types of paper and cardboard.
4. Pritt Glue Sticks
This is the original glue stick.
The German company Henkel introduced the Pritt brand in its lipstick case in 1969.
It only comes in a permanent formulation.
Pritt Original Glue Stick
This solvent-free kid’s craft glue works for paper, cardboard, fabric, felt, and photos. Children can use it for arts and crafts or as school glue. The low-water formulation all but eliminates wrinkled paper.
It washes out at low temperatures.
5. AmazonBasics Glue Sticks
These glue sticks are made of kid-safe non-toxic washable glue. They are not papercraft or photograph friendly because they are not acid-free.
AmazonBasics Glue Sticks
This is a permanent white glue stick. It is available in several different sizes. Also, you can purchase multi-packs.
AmazonBasics Purple Glue Stick
This permanent glue stick goes on purple, then dries clear. You can buy multi-packs. Also, there are several different sizes.
Final Thoughts
Today’s adhesive formulations have made the glue stick an essential tool for paper crafters.
You can use them for mounting in scrapbooking and cardmaking. Also, it can take the place of hot glue when you are adding delicate embellishments.
Improved case design means glue doesn’t dry out quickly. You can even store your sticks in ziplock bags for over a year.
Whether it is a jumbo or a regular-sized stick, you can find something the right size for your project. I think they are easy to keep track of on my work mat. I like the way they fit neatly into my crafters’ toolbox.
Explore Further
Want to learn more about papercraft adhesives? Take a look at Aubry’s Guide To Paper Craft Adhesives. It covers my recommendations for all kinds of dry and wet adhesives you will need for papercrafts.