Glues

When it comes to mini making there are many opinions on glues! The four most common glues are above, standard PVA, Tacky glue, wood PVA and craft glue.

At Club there are some common glue options that we will see coming out of people tool kits. We’ve listed some places we have found them, instore and online. No sponsorship here, just help for finding some good glue!

Selleys Wood PVA

For most, there is no topping Seallys Aquadhere. Available in interior and exterior, Selleys Aquadhere PVA wood glue is suitable for everything from woodwork to craft.

• Suitable for end grain gluing – white in colour, but dries clear.
• Non-toxic
• Dries clear, won’t stain timber
• Easy clean up with water

Easy to find and reasonably priced, its stocked in most hardware supply stores, including Mitre10 and Bunnings.

Aleene’s Tacky Glue

There’s a reason Aleene’s Tacky Glue has been around for 50 years! It’s one of the most trusted all-purpose adhesives you can find. Its thick, tacky formula grabs items on contact and dries super strong and permanent, making it great for crafts and hobbies!

• Premium all-purpose adhesive
• Nontoxic but super strong
• Incredibly versatile – works on most surfaces
• Dries permanent and clear – won’t yellow over time
• Cleans up easily with soap and water before drying

Aleene’s Tacky is also available in Fast Grab and Quick Dry. You can buy it at Gordon Harris in Wellington, or the Sewing Supplies Depot in Petone. It’s also available online at Ribbon Rose, Paper Poppy and others.

Helmar Tiger Glue

Another favourite among miniaturists and crafters alike is Helmar Tiger Grip. This all purpose glue doesn’t is designed for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. It bonds a wide range of materials with ease, making it the ultimate tool for all your bonding needs. Works on paper, card, wood, plastics, cork, fabric, carpets, leather, canvas and more—perfect for general use around the home, crafting, hobbies etc.

• Provides a strong bond that holds materials securely in place.
• Flexible and durible.
• Smooth and easy application

Helmar Tiger Grip is available instore at Spotlight, Pete’s Emporium, and online at Ribbon Rose and others.

Helmar Craft Glue

Helmar Craft Glue is a common choice. Readily available, Helmar glue sets quickly, and dries crystal clear. It bonds to almost all types of Fabrics, ribbons, plastic, leather, balsa and other soft woods, paper, cane, most hand craft materials and more.

• Dries clear
• Sets quickly
• Washable

Helmar also has a range of craft and tacky glues, including a quick set glue. Easily found at Spotlight, Pete’s Emporium and also online at Ribbon Rose and others.

E6000 Range

Our last popular find is the E6000 range of glues. An industrial strength adhesive for your craft projects. Paintable and waterproof, it has a permanent bond that is perfect for adding glitter, embellishments and more. This glue is extremely flexible and versatile, it can be used on numerous surfaces such as fabric, metal, wood, glass and ceramics.

• Industrial strength
• Flexible
• sticks to less common surfaces

The down side is it’s slower drying and if the lid isn’t put on properly, it will dry out in the tube. E6000 is available at Spotlight, Mitre 10 and Bunnings, as well as online at Ribbon Rose and other stores.

What to choose?

Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. A good tacky, or Tiger Grip is what you will reach for the most. Some will swear by Aleene’s, others by Tiger Grip. You will figure out what works best for you and your budget. Some glues will work better than others in different situations, so it can help to have a few different kinds on hand.

Our number one advice: Don’t ever reach for the hot glue gun! While it might be quick and easy at the time, it will not last, can look unsightly and will not do as good of a job than any of the glues listed above.