Adhesives 101 for Card Makers, Part 3: The Best Liquid Glues — PVA, Tacky, Solvent, and Decoupage Explained
Welcome to Part 3, the final chapter of my Adhesives 101 series. If you have been following along, you already know everything you need to know about double-sided tapes and red-line tape from Part 1, and tape runners and repositionable tapes from Part 2. Now it is time to get into the world of liquid glues. This is the category that surprises card makers the most, because there is so much more variety and nuance here than people realize.
Let's break it all down!
Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Glues — What's the Difference?
Before we get into specific products, I want to explain something that will help everything else make sense. Liquid glues generally fall into two categories — water-based and solvent-based — and understanding the difference changes how you choose the right glue for the right job.
Water-based glues use water as their carrier, which means they can cause paper fibers to absorb moisture as they dry. This is why you sometimes see paper warp or buckle when you use certain glues — the water in the adhesive is affecting the paper fibers. Water-based glues are fantastic for porous surfaces and general crafting, but you do need to be mindful of how and where you apply them, especially on thinner papers.
Solvent-based glues use a chemical solvent instead of water as their carrier. Because there is no water involved, they do not introduce moisture to the paper fibers, which means your paper stays flat and smooth as the glue dries. They also tend to bond really strongly to surfaces that water-based glues struggle with — like plastic-coated materials, laminated surfaces, and other non-porous substrates. Solvent glues are often associated with a strong smell, but more on that in a moment!
PVA Glue — The Versatile Workhorse
PVA is one of the most versatile glues in the craft room, and it is probably the one you have used in some form without even realizing it. The store offers a variety of PVA glues to include — Art Glitter Glue, Bearly Art Glue, Tombow Mono Aqua (the blue and clear bottle), and Tonic Studio Glue — and each one has its place depending on the project.
PVA is a water-based glue, so keep that moisture factor in mind when you're working with it. One thing I want to mention about PVA specifically — it does not always dry clear, and this varies by brand and formulation. Always check the label before you use a new PVA glue, and when in doubt do a test on a scrap piece first. The last thing you want is a watermark or cloudy finish on a project you've worked hard on!
One of the places PVA really shines is book binding — and I want to share something really interesting here that I think a lot of crafters will find useful even beyond traditional book binding. When you brush PVA onto a surface rather than applying it in lines or dots, the moisture distributes evenly across the entire page. This results in a smoother, more even finished surface once it dries. Applying glue in lines or heavy dots concentrates the moisture in specific spots, which can lead to uneven bonding or texture.
💡 BOOK BINDING TIP: The Double-Side Application Trick
If you are using PVA to adhere paper to chipboard — for book binding, album covers, folio construction, or any structured project — here is a technique worth trying. Apply the glue quickly to one side of the paper first, and then immediately apply to the second side before pressing them together. The idea is that when both sides of the paper fibers are wet at the same time, the moisture is more evenly distributed and warping is less severe. This is a technique I have heard really great things about, and it makes a lot of sense when you think about how paper fibers respond to moisture!
Tacky Glue — When You Need a Strong, Flexible Bond
Tacky glue is thicker than PVA and has a stronger initial grab, which makes it really useful for certain applications. The one I carry and recommend is the Tombow Multi Mono Glue — the green and white bottle. This one dries tacky and white, which is important to know going in — it is not a clear-drying glue, so always be mindful of where it might squeeze out or show on your project.
Where the Tombow Multi Mono really earns its place is on non-porous surfaces — things like glitter cardstock, acetate, and other surfaces where a standard PVA or tape just can't get a grip. The tacky formulation gives it the ability to bond where other adhesives fail, which makes it a really valuable tool in your adhesive kit.
Solvent-Based Glue — The Game Changer for Tricky Surfaces
Okay, I have to talk about the Beacon 3-in-1 because I have been using it for a couple of weeks — and my first impressions are really positive!
First, a little context. Solvent-based glues are generally considered excellent all-around performers because they penetrate and grip surfaces that water-based adhesives simply can't. They are especially good for non-porous, plastic-coated, or laminated surfaces — exactly the kind of surfaces that give card makers and folio album crafters so much trouble.
Here's what I noticed right away — it flows really smoothly, which makes it easy to apply with control. It dries quickly, and because there is no water in the formula, it keeps your paper completely flat. No warping, no buckling. For anyone who has fought with paper warping from water-based glues, that alone is a big deal!
Solvent glues do have a reputation for a strong smell, but honestly — I didn't notice anything significant when I used it. That was a pleasant surprise!
Please note that the Beacon 3-in-1 is currently available in store only.
Decoupage Glue — Sealing, Layering, and Finishing
Decoupage glue is a little different from the other glues in this post because it serves a dual purpose — it works as both an adhesive AND a sealant or varnish. This makes it really useful for mixed media projects, layering tissue paper or printed elements, and sealing finished surfaces for protection and a polished look.
The decoupage product I carry and absolutely love is the Dutch Doobadoo DDBD Varnish Decoupage Glue — and it is a really impressive product. If you have never tried a dedicated decoupage glue and have been making do with Mod Podge, I would encourage you to give this one a try. It is a step up in quality and the finished result shows!
A Quick Liquid Glue Cheat Sheet for Card Makers
Art Glitter Glue, Tombow Mono Aqua (blue and clear bottle), Tonic Studios Glue — PVA glues, great for general card making, book binding, and layering on porous surfaces. Always check whether your specific PVA dries clear or white before using on your project.
Tombow Multi Mono (green and white bottle) — tacky glue, dries tacky and white, best for non-porous surfaces like glitter cardstock and acetate where other adhesives will not grip.
Beacon 3-in-1 — solvent-based, excellent for non-porous and laminated surfaces, dries fast, keeps paper flat, clean ooze-off with no residue. Available in store only.
Dutch Doobadoo DDBD Varnish Decoupage Glue — adhesive and sealant in one, perfect for mixed media, layering, and finishing projects with a polished surface.
Want to go deeper on glue? Treasure Books put together a thorough video that is well worth your time. Watch it here and let us know in the comments what your favorite take away is. Watch here.
Pro Tip 1: When working with any liquid glue, always do a test on a scrap piece of the same material first — especially with a new product or a specialty paper. Check whether it dries clear or white, how it affects the paper texture, and how long it takes to set. Thirty seconds of testing can save you a lot of heartache on a project you've spent hours on!
Pro Tip 2: Some glues work well with a fine tip applicator needle, which is a real advantage when working with intricate die cut pieces, check the manufacturer recommendation for your specific glue, and always use stainless steel needles. Other metals will rust.
We have covered a lot of ground across these three posts, from double-sided tapes all the way through to solvent-based glues and decoupage. Adhesives 101 was the starting point, not the finish line. There is a whole world of specialty adhesives, application techniques, and product combinations still to explore.
Missed part 1 and 2 or want to recap? Visit the links below to get connected.