Glue sticks are a handy thing to have in one’s tools when taking on DIY projects or simply when one needs to stick two pieces together.
If you have little ones who like to get “crafty”, these are especially good to have as they can further their skill. But how is one to go about getting the best glue for cardboard for oneself?
There is an abundance of such products in the market, but most of them do a lackluster job of doing the one thing they are made for.
It is not only frustrating but also something that impedes your work when things that are stuck together don’t stay stuck. To tackle that issue, we have curated this review of the best glue available in the market with the hope that it nudges you in the right direction.
Though buying glue may look like a simple enough task that requires little thought, there are actually a few things that ought to be taken into account if you don’t want to be duped out of your money.
To that end, we have also included a buyer’s guide that looks to answer the most basic queries.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Adhesive Spray AdhesiveBest Adhesive Spray for Cardboard
This heavy-duty adhesive by Gorilla is one of the premium products that one can purchase for arts and crafts. If you are in the market for a glue that is reliable and sworn by hundreds of people, then you cannot go wrong with this product.
Materials and Performance
There is a lot that this glue gets right. It bonds various surfaces, including cardboard, wood, fabric, plastic, and even metal. As soon as it dries, which in itself doesn’t take long, the glue stays stuck permanently.
Even if the bonded joint is exposed to water, there is no need to worry since it is highly waterproof, which allows you to work with it both indoors and outdoors. If you want to get a multi-purpose glue that is easy to use, then it is hard to beat Gorilla adhesives.
Design and Ease of Use
Those who are looking to apply adhesive on larger surface areas with a fine mist that provides even application will benefit greatly from the wide pad and comfort nozzle of this spray adhesive.
One could reposition the objects for up to 10 minutes after application, which provides enough time to make any alterations required. It even meets the VOC standards, which ensure that the quality of every piece is guaranteed.
Issues
Note that this adhesive is not compatible with vinyl materials or polyethylene. Additionally, it cannot be used to bond weighted materials. The surfaces also need to be free of dirt, grease, and oil to ensure a permanent bond.
- Water-resistant
- Bonds various surfaces including metal and wood
- Repositionable up to 10 minutes after application
- Has a wide nozzle
- Meets VOC standards
- Ideal for crafting and repairs
- Cannot bond weighed materials
- It has a cure time of 24 hours
Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA AdhesiveBest PVA Glue
Next up, we have an adhesive that can be altered in its binding strength depending upon your needs. Books by Hand is one of the leading manufacturers in the field of arts and crafts, and if you require a glue stick for your DIY projects, then look no further than this acid-free adhesive.
Performance
Artists who are aware of how much adhesive is required for their craft can easily dilute it with water as it is fully water-soluble. This can provide one the convenience of extending the drying time if it is desired. It is also completely acid-free, which ensures that your fingers won’t get damaged through constant use.
Application
Its strong binding quality is designed for people who like to take full control of their projects, be it bookbinding or paper projects. Other than cardboards, they can stick even to porous surfaces and won’t get brittle with age.
Furthermore, users won’t have to worry about the adhesive turning yellow after a few years. Many people even maintain that it creates bonds that are stronger even than commercial cement. At this price, you will be hard-pressed to find a better adhesive than this.
Issues
The only issue that comes up time and time again is its inability to work on metals. Also, if you aren’t used to it, it might take some time for one to understand how much water is required to extend its binding time.
- Is water-soluble
- Is acid-free
- Has a strong bind
- Works on porous surfaces
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t work well on metals
Aleene’s 17843 Quick Dry Tacky GlueBest Fast Dry Glue
If you want to get over your projects quickly, this adhesive by Aleene’s will come in quite handy. It is well known that most artists who are looking to get their work done fast make use of this quick-dry tacky glue.
Performance
This adhesive binds 50% faster than any craft glue available in the market, which makes it one of the most sought-after glues. There is no yellowing that occurs even on thin fabrics after many years.
One of the best things about this adhesive is that it remains flexible and won’t make your joints feel too thick. The adhesive is also non-toxic, which ensures that users are safe while working with it.
Application
This all-purpose glue can take care of all your arts and crafts projects. It can bind many different surfaces, including cardboard, wood, plastic, and plastic. It takes a maximum of 30 seconds for the adhesive to dry, which is the fastest drying that you could expect from a product in this price range.
Issues
The adhesive might take longer to dry if it’s humid. Additionally, the tip isn’t quite the ideal size for squeezing, which can make it hard to pour it without wasting it. It is best to use a brush to bypass this problem.
- Binds fast
- Bindings remain flexible
- Non-toxic
- Works on many different surfaces
- The tip size isn’t ideal
Scotch Quick Dry Tacky GlueBest Quick Dry Glue
Users who are dexterous and require complete control over their craft would do good to check out this adhesive by Scotch. It is best known for the control that one gets while application, which has made it a veritable household name.
Performance
This Scotch adhesive is quick to dry and takes less than a minute to do so, which ought to cheer many artists who don’t want to wait too long for the joints to dry. It ensures that the aesthetics of your project are maintained as it doesn’t wrinkle the surface, nor does it bleed through papers.
Application
The tip of this adhesive is its main marketing point, as it provides artists the ability to be precise in their application.
It also ensures that you aren’t making a mess while applying it and thereby your workplace clean and tidy. This makes it ideal for most office and home projects.
The adhesive can be applied on various surfaces, including papers, cardboard, and card stock.
- Has a precision tip
- Dries in less than a minute
- Can work on multiple surfaces
- Doesn’t wrinkle nor bleeds through
- May dry slower in humid conditions
Lineco Neutral pH Polyvinyl Adhesive GlueBest Multi-Purpose Glue
Lineco is well known for manufacturing adhesives that serve a variety of purposes. This makes them one of the best adhesives since they get most of the job done, be it at home doing DIY or for office projects.
Performance
The adhesive ensures that artists can maintain their aesthetic standards since the glue doesn’t show through, nor does it become brittle with age. It is soluble in water, which allows you to extend the dry time.
Application
Artists will run into no trouble whatsoever while working with this adhesive since it is completely acid-free. It also sticks on most porous surfaces, which makes it possible for users to apply it to surfaces other than cardboard and wood.
Issues
The only issue that comes up with this adhesive is that it doesn’t stick to metal or plastics. It can also seem quite pricey for users who are used to getting a decent adhesive for under $10.
- Doesn’t become brittle with age
- Soluble in water
- Sticks to most surfaces
- Is acid-free
- Doesn’t stick to metal or plastics
Best Glue for Cardboard – Buyer’s Guide/FAQs
What is the Best Glue for Cardboard?
2. Lineco Neutral
3. Scotch Quick-Drying Tacky Glue
4. Aleene’s Tacky Glue
5. Gorilla Spray Adhesive
6. Elmer’s Liquid School Glue
Does Gorilla Glue work on cardboard?
Does hot glue work on cardboard?
How do you glue corrugated cardboard?
Does PVA glue stick cardboard?
Best Glue for Cardboard – Final Word
Doesn’t matter which type of project from carboard you are working on. For sure, you will use the best option for you in our review.
In case you still don’t know which one to choose, you can always use classic. The classic for cardboard glue is PVA, so you can always choose Books by Hand PVA glue or Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive, and be sure that you made the right decision.
Did you like our Best Glue for Cardboard review? Please comment! And in case you some stronger adhesive, check ou Flex Tape Review!