Choosing the right adhesive for card making makes a big difference. The wrong adhesive can let layers slide, pop off, or show through your paper, while the right one holds everything in place and lets the card do the work.
This guide covers the nine adhesives I use most, what each one is best for, and how to pick the right one for the card you are making.
Adhesive for Card Making: Everyday Layers
Stampin’ Seal
Stampin’ Seal is my everyday adhesive for layering. It is quick, clean, and strong enough for everyday card making and general use. If you are layering cardstock and Designer Series Paper, start here.
Stampin’ Seal+
Stampin’ Seal+ is the stronger version. Use it for heavy cards or projects, heavier layers, and dimensional pieces that need an extra-strong hold.
Adhesive for Card Making: Small Embellishments and Dimension
Mini Glue Dots
Mini Glue Dots are best for tiny accents, gems, sequins, and small embellishments. They hold small pieces in place without the mess of liquid glue.
Dimensionals
Dimensionals raise layers and elements to create instant depth and dimension. Use them under a focal image, a sentiment layer, or any piece you want to lift off the card.
Foam Strips
Foam Strips create even, raised edges for shaker cards and more. They give you a consistent height all the way around, which is exactly what a shaker card needs.
Adhesive for Card Making: Boxes, Bags, and Liquid Glue
Tear & Tape Adhesive
Tear & Tape Adhesive is a super strong, double-sided adhesive for maximum hold. Use it when you are building boxes, bags, and treat holders that need to stay together.
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Multipurpose Liquid Glue works for paper, ribbon, and more. It gives you wiggle room for positioning, so you can slide a piece into place before it sets. That makes it a good choice when you need a little extra time to get a layer straight.
Fine-Tip Glue Pen
The Fine-Tip Glue Pen is for precision application on small pieces and detailed projects. The fine tip lets you put glue exactly where you need it, and nowhere else.
Adhesive for Card Making: Intricate Die Cuts
Adhesive Sheets
Adhesive Sheets give you full coverage adhesive with no mess. They are best for intricate die cuts and delicate pieces, where liquid glue would show or be hard to apply evenly.
How to Pick the Right Adhesive
Match the weight of what you are sticking to the strength of your adhesive. The heavier the project, the stronger the adhesive you need.
A light layer of paper only needs Stampin’ Seal. A heavy layer, a dimensional piece, or a box needs something stronger, like Stampin’ Seal+ or Tear & Tape Adhesive.
If you are just starting out, you do not need all nine adhesives at once. Start with Stampin’ Seal for everyday layers, Dimensionals for a little lift, and Mini Glue Dots for small embellishments. Add the others as you try new projects.
Free Adhesive Quick Guide
You can download my free one-page Adhesive Quick Guide to keep by your craft table. It lists all nine adhesives, what each one is best for, and the pro tip above.
Shop all nine adhesives in my Stampin’ Up! store .
If you are new to card making, start with How to Make a Handmade Card When You Don’t Know Where to Start.
