Maybe junkie isn’t the best word. Â I just think that sticking stuff to other stuff feels good. Â Why is that? Â I don’t know. Â I have tried many different adhesives and sealants in my day, and these are my faves that make up the contents of my shelf/crafting kit. There is nothing worse than being so ready to finish a project, then not having the right glue or spray, so I keep these in stock at all time. Â Please if you have one I’ve overlooked or you think I need to try, share it in the comments! Â Get the full low down on the Best Crafting Adhesives and Sealants after the jump…
World’s Best Crafty Adhesives and Sealants That Should Be In Your Kit
*in my humble opinion*
Glue
Aleene’s is one of those brands that you just know makes good stuff. Â If you’re ever in doubt just get Aleene’s and you’ll be fine. Â No, they don’t pay us to say things like that. Â But if you work for Aleene’s and you want to send me a giant box of magical glues and sprays, please go right ahead. Â The ones I can’t live without:
Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue, $1.72 for four ounces. Â The fall back glue for when you don’t know what to use. Â Super strong and it’s very useful that it is clear when your attention to detail is poor like mine.
Aleene’s Crystal Clear Tacky Spray, $4.49. Â Spray Adhesive is one of those things you don’t think you need until you use it, then you’re like, oh i should have always had this. Â It allows you to glue paper to paper (or other non-pourous stuff) with no lumps and bumps, and dries almost instantly. Â I like this one the best because you also have a few seconds to lift the item and re-position it before it dries.
Aleene’s Stop Fraying, $2.88 for four ounces. This is a white glue that dries clear that you use for fabric edges to keep them from fraying. Â It is handy if you serge to place a dot where two stitch lines meet. Â Also useful if you have a tiny hole in something and you want to keep it from getting bigger. Â I also use it on the edges of cotton webbing (like when I made the replacement Doll Stroller seat). Â It’s just a great thing to have if you sew.
Aleene’s Fabric Stiffening and Draping Liquid, $5.70. Â This isn’t something you MUST HAVE but it’s pretty fun. Â It hardens fabric, from a little hard to hard-as-a-rock depending on how you use it. Â You can make firm bows and doily bowls and snowflakes, which make lovely gifts and cost so little. Â Just a fun thing to have!
Best Test Rubber Cement – $7.19.  Honestly I just love this because it reminds me of being a kid in school and getting it on my fingers and peeling it off into a little ball.
And of course a Hot Glue Gun, $4.85.  I’ve had a super cheap mini one for over six years and it’s all I’ve ever needed – from little paper projects to my king size headboard.
Sealants
Krylon Clear Polyurethane, $4.79. This sealer basically puts a plastic coating on top of whatever you spray it on. Â It’s very thin but it protects your finished project from moisture and the elements. Â I have noticed over time that it turns a slight shade of yellow, possibly only visible to me, but I have stopped using it for mod podge projects that are white or bright. Â I think it is best for wood projects and things meant to go outdoors and get rained on, in which case it is invaluable. Â I just picked up the can and it says “adds a warm luster” so I think that means “turns it slightly yellow” ha.
Aleene’s Spray Acrylic Sealer, $7.02. Â This is what I now use to seal all those Mod Podge coasters and vases and step stools any other decoupage project. Â Dries quickly, easy to apply, keeps the moisture out and retains the original color. Â If you decoupage you NEED THIS. Â If you don’t use it your decoupaged items can suffer water damage, or worst of all, melt.
Mod Podge. Â I’m not going to bore you by explaining why you need this again. Â Just get some in glossy and matte and make some stuff! Â Search “mod podge” in our search box for projects.
So, do you agree with my selections? Â And what am i missing??
