Adhesives 101 for Card Makers, Part 1: Double-Sided Tapes, Redline Tape, and Why Your Adhesive Might Not Be as Good as You Think
Let's talk adhesives — because this is one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough attention, and I've been seeing some really common frustrations pop up in the crafting community that I want to address head on.
First things first: not all adhesives are created equal. And when it comes to card making and paper crafting, the adhesive you choose can genuinely make or break your finished project. Today we're starting with tapes — the workhorses of the craft room. And trust me, there is more to talk about here than you might think! This is Part 1 of a three-part series, so if you're a total adhesive nerd like me, stay tuned — we've got repositionable tapes and tape runners coming in Part 2, and a full liquid glue breakdown in Part 3!
The Dollar Store Tape Situation
I totally get it — double-sided tape can get pricey, especially when you're going through roll after roll. So when you spot something at the dollar store that looks just like your ScorTape or Sookwang tape, it's really tempting to grab it. But here's the thing: that dollar store tape is not the same product, even if it looks identical in the package.
Before we go further, here's something worth knowing — ScorTape, Be Creative Tape, and Sookwang are all actually the same tape! Sookwang is a Korean-based manufacturer, and both ScorTape and Be Creative Tape are North American distributors packaging the same quality product. So if you spot any of these names while you're shopping, you know exactly what you're getting — and you can shop confidently for the best price!
These tapes are specifically formulated to bond paper, cardstock, and embellishments permanently and cleanly. Dollar store versions might look the same on the outside, but they often use lower-grade adhesives that can fail over time, leave residue, cause bubbling, or simply never bond as strongly. You might not notice right away — but weeks or months later, your layers start lifting, your embellishments pop off, and your beautiful card is falling apart. It is heartbreaking, and it is not worth the savings!
Adhesive Loses Its Tack Over Time — Yes, Really
Here's something a lot of crafters don't realize: adhesives have a shelf life. Even a good quality tape or glue can lose its tack over time, especially if it's been stored in a hot craft room, left open, or just been sitting in your stash for a while. If you've ever pulled out a roll of tape and noticed it just isn't sticking like it used to — that's why. It's not you, it's the adhesive! When in doubt, test it on a scrap piece before using it on a project you've spent hours on. And if it's not grabbing the way it should, it's time to replace it.
Redline Tape — When You Need a Really Strong Hold
Redline tape is a step up from your standard double-sided tape in terms of strength and aggression. It creates an incredibly strong, permanent bond — which makes it fantastic for certain applications. I carry the Craft Perfect Redline Tape and reach for it regularly when I'm making boxes or party favor boxes. I use it on the bottom and sides wherever I need that construction to really hold together. It is not going anywhere!
That said, I want to be honest with you — redline tape is a little thicker than standard paper tape, and that thickness can sometimes leave a ridge or impression through lighter weight papers. So I tend to save it for structural applications where the tape won't be visible or felt through the surface, rather than using it on card fronts or delicate layers. It's all about using the right tool for the right job!
The Folio Album Problem — And Why Your Adhesive Isn't Sticking
This one is SO common right now, and I want to make sure everyone understands what's happening. If you've tried to adhere pockets, pages, or embellishments to a folio album and nothing will stick — even your good tape — the album itself may be the issue.
Many folio albums are made with a plastic-coated or laminated material. That surface has a coating on it that most standard adhesives simply cannot bond to. Regular double-sided tape, even the good stuff, is designed to adhere to porous surfaces like paper and cardstock. A laminated or plastic-coated surface is non-porous, which means the adhesive has nothing to grip onto — it just can't get a foothold. We'll be talking about liquid and solvent-based glues that handle these tricky surfaces really well in Part 3, so make sure you don't miss that one!
💡 FOLIO ALBUM TIP: The Two-Adhesive Trick
Here's a technique I use on my own folio albums that makes a big difference — I apply my ScorTape first, and then add a light layer of PVA glue right over the top of it before pressing the pieces together.
This does two things. First, the PVA acts as a lubricant while you're aligning your pieces — even though the ScorTape is there, the glue gives you a little working time to shift and position everything before it locks down. Anyone who has ever had their tape grab before they were ready knows how valuable that extra moment is! Second, once the PVA dries, it adds an extra layer of bonding security — which is especially important for folio pages that are going to get a lot of handling and movement over time.
One important thing to always check with any glue you use — does it dry clear or does it dry white? This varies by brand and formulation, so never assume. Always check the label, and when in doubt, do a quick test on a scrap piece first. The last thing you want is a milky finish showing up on your beautiful project!
A Quick Tape Cheat Sheet for Card Makers
Double-sided tape (ScorTape / Be Creative Tape / Sookwang — all the same tape!) — paper, cardstock, vellum, layering, assembling cards. Your everyday workhorse for clean, flat bonds.
Craft Perfect Redline Tape — boxes, party favor boxes, folio construction, anywhere you need an aggressive permanent hold and the tape thickness won't be an issue.
Foam tape — adding dimension, lifting layers, shadow dies paired with inlay dies.
Hot glue — bulkier embellishments, flowers, bows, 3D elements where precision isn't critical.
Pro Tip: Always test your adhesive on a scrap piece of the same material before committing to your actual project — especially with folio albums, specialty papers, or any new product you haven't used before. And if an old roll of tape isn't grabbing like it should, replace it. Fresh adhesive is always worth it!
Tapes are a great foundation, but they're really only the beginning of the adhesive conversation! In Part 2, we're getting into repositionable tapes and tape runners — including when a repositionable adhesive can actually save your project. And in Part 3, we're going deep on liquid glues — tacky glue, PVA, solvent-based adhesives, and which surfaces each one is really meant for. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss either one! 🎉