Glue Guide: Best Glue for Paper Crafts & Junk Journaling

Not sure which glue to use for your junk journal projects? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the best glues for paper crafting and junk journaling — and which ones to skip.

If you’ve ever stood in the glue aisle feeling completely overwhelmed… you’re not alone. With so many bottles, brands, and bold claims, it’s hard to know what actually works — especially when you’re crafting with delicate papers, lace, trims, and all the little bits that make junk journaling so magical.

And maybe you’ve already had a glue mishap or two — a buckled background, sticky fingers, or a pocket that just wouldn’t stay put. That’s okay. It’s all part of the learning curve.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the glues and adhesives I personally use and love. You’ll learn which glue is best for what kind of project, how to avoid wrinkly pages, and what to keep in your stash for stress-free crafting.

This is the glue guide I wish I had when I started.

🧴 Why Glue Matters

When it comes to junk journaling, the glue you use can make a big difference — not just in how your project turns out today, but in how well it holds up over time.

Use the right glue, and your layers will stay flat, your embellishments secure, and your journal looking lovely for years. Use the wrong one… and you might end up with wrinkled pages, pieces that fall off, or discolored spots you didn’t expect.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing glue for paper crafts:

• Water content: Glues with a lot of water can cause your paper to ripple or warp. Many standard school glues fall into this category. Instead, look for adhesives that are low-moisture or quick-drying.
• Dry time: Some glues grab immediately, while others give you a little time to adjust. Both are useful — it just depends on your project and personal style.
• Long-term hold: Not all glues age well. Some can dry out or stop holding after a few years. For keepsakes and heirloom projects, look for acid-free, archival-safe options that won’t yellow or flake.
• Applicator matters: Fine-tip bottles, glue pens, and wide glue sticks each behave differently. The best choice often depends on what you’re gluing — and what feels good in your hand.
• Finish & visibility: Some glues dry clear and matte (perfect for layering), while others can leave a shine or texture that might peek through delicate paper.
• Climate sensitivity: Humidity and heat can affect how some glues cure or hold over time. If you’ve ever had pages come undone in summer, you’re not imagining it.

🧷 What Types of Glue Do You Even Need for Junk Journaling?

Before we look at specific glue brands, let’s talk about what kinds of things junk journalers actually need glue for.

Because it’s not just “glue is glue.” In junk journaling, we work with all sorts of beautiful materials — from delicate paper layers to fabric trims to chunky little buttons — and each one needs something a little different.

Here are the most common things you’ll be gluing:

✂️ Frequent Uses

• Paper-on-paper
  This is the one you’ll use the most. You want a glue that won’t wrinkle or warp your paper — but also one that holds well and stays flexible. Sometimes you’ll be gluing down a whole background page, and other times you’re sticking on tiny fussy cuts or journal labels.
• Fabric-on-paper
  Think lace, ribbon, muslin, or even embroidered details. A good fabric glue should hold without bleeding through or turning soft edges stiff and crunchy.
• Non-paper embellishments on paper
  Buttons, metal bits, wax seals, charms, flat-back pearls, wooden pieces — these fun little extras need a stronger glue that can grab and hold heavier or slick materials.
• Layering for dimension
  If you love building clusters or adding “lift” to your elements, a dimensional adhesive like double-sided foam tape or puffy dots can give your pieces that 3D look.

🪄 Occasional Uses

• Glossy or dimensional glue
  Some crafters love adding glossy accents to highlight a word or image. These glues aren’t for sticking things down — they’re more decorative, like a raised, clear varnish.
• Decoupage glue
  If you like working with napkins, tissue, or rice paper, a decoupage glue helps you adhere them smoothly without tearing or oversaturating the paper.

Every glue I recommend in the next section was chosen with these uses in mind. Some are all-rounders you’ll use for lots of things, and some are more specialized — but they’re all ones I actually use and love.

And just a gentle reminder: you don’t need to buy them all at once.

Start with one or two that fit the projects you’re doing now, and build your glue toolbox slowly. There’s no rush, and no pressure. Junk journaling should feel joyful — not overwhelming or expensive.

✨ The Glues I Use and Recommend

Let’s start with the glues I use the most in my own projects — and that I confidently recommend for your junk journaling toolbox. These are reliable, versatile, and give great results whether you’re assembling a printable folio or adding finishing touches to a handmade tag.

🧴 Art Glitter Glue

(Water-based, precision glue)

Despite the name, there’s no actual glitter in this glue — “Art Glitter” is just the brand name. This is one of my go-to glues for paper-to-paper work, especially when I need clean, crisp adhesion and a fast drying time.

It has an ultra-fine precision tip that’s perfect for gluing down tiny embellishments or creating clean seams on things like pockets, envelopes, and narrow folds. The glue grabs fast, dries clear, and doesn’t stay sticky.

You only need the tiniest amount — a little goes a long way.

• Characteristics of the glue: Water-based, ultra-fine tip, dries clear and fast, non-tacky finish
• What I love about it: Strong, nearly instant hold; doesn’t make the paper stiff; projects stay flexible and clean-looking; lasts for years
• What I use it for: Paper-on-paper work, layering, fussy cuts, embellishments, pockets, lace, lightweight trims
• Things to watch out for: Can cause slight buckling if over-applied; the tip can clog if left open; only available during warmer months (not sold in winter due to freezing during shipping)
• Works best with: Paper, lightweight lace and ribbon, intricate elements that need precise glue placement

🧪 Beacon 3-in-1 & Fabri-Tac

(Solvent-based, multi-surface glues)

If I had to pick just one glue for all the non-paper elements in junk journaling, it would be Beacon. Whether you’re working with fabric, metal embellishments, or chunky collage pieces — these glues can handle it.

Both Beacon 3-in-1 and Fabri-Tac are nearly identical. They’re acetone-based (so, not water-based), and that means no wrinkling, no warping, and no waiting forever for things to dry. They do have a bit of a smell, but they give a super strong hold and are incredibly versatile.

3-in-1 is often slightly cheaper than Fabri-Tac and easier to find — which is why I tend to reach for it more often.

• Characteristics of the glue: Solvent-based, strong hold, dries fast and clear, slightly glossy finish, medium nozzle
• What I love about it: No paper warping at all, works with non-paper items, great for folio assembly and heavier embellishments
• What I use it for: Attaching fabric, lace, ribbon, metal charms, wood, plastic — and gluing large paper elements like folio covers
• Things to watch out for: It dries fast and has a thick, gooey texture — hard to reposition once placed, so work in small areas
  Can leave a slightly raised or stiff area if over-applied
  Has a noticeable (but not overwhelming) odor
• Works best with: Mixed materials, fabric-to-paper, thick embellishments, assembling structural parts of junk journals

🖍️ Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are an unsung hero in junk journaling — they’re quick, tidy, and so easy to use. I reach for mine all the time when working on larger surfaces, like gluing down background papers, assembling collage boards, or attaching ephemera onto a journal page.

They’re not suitable for everything (I wouldn’t use a glue stick for assembling envelopes or attaching a pocket), but for paper-on-paper work, especially over large areas, they’re brilliant.

You’ll find lots of brands out there, and many of them work just fine. I personally like Pritt Original, Scotch, UHU, and even Elmer’s — it really comes down to what’s available to you and your budget.

💡 A few tips for choosing a good glue stick:

• Look for “strong hold” or “extra strength” formulas — they’ll last longer and keep everything in place.
• Avoid repositionable glue sticks, which can slip and take ages to dry.
• Purple glue sticks (which go on purple and dry clear) can be really helpful if you struggle to see where you’ve applied glue.

Glue sticks are best for:

• Attaching large pieces of paper
• Gluing background pages
• Creating collages
• Adding light layers or ephemera (when precise adhesion isn’t needed)

🧻 Double-Sided Tape

Another staple in my adhesive drawer is double-sided tape. It’s thin, mess-free, and grabs instantly — perfect for projects where you don’t want to wait around for glue to dry.

I use it for all kinds of tasks: attaching flaps to folios, gluing pockets in place, assembling envelopes, even building journal pages. It’s especially handy for narrow seams where liquid glue might ooze out or wrinkle the paper.

🛒 When shopping for double-sided tape, I recommend:

• Choosing acid-free or archival-safe versions, especially for keepsake journals
• Getting thin tape (not foam tape) — 3mm is perfect for precision work, and 10mm works great for larger surfaces
• Buying in rolls with peel-off backing, which makes it easier to control

One thing to note: it sticks fast. You don’t get much wiggle room once you place something down. But with practice, it becomes second nature.

🧼 If your scissors get gummed up from cutting tape, just wash them with warm, soapy water and they’ll be good as new.

✨ Special Effects & Occasional Glues

Not every project calls for these — but when they do come in handy, these adhesives can add something truly special. Whether you’re looking for speed, shine, dimension, or a way to work with mixed media, these are my go-to choices for more creative or unusual situations.

They’re not everyday staples like Art Glitter Glue or Beacon, but they’re wonderful to have in your stash when you want to experiment or elevate a piece.

• 📎 Tape Runner
  Super convenient and perfect when you want to work quickly. Great for light paper-on-paper work like attaching ephemera, fussy cuts, photos, or labels.
  Look for strong-hold options for better longevity.
• 🧵 Puffy Tape
  Great for adding height and visual interest to your layers. Ideal for 3D effects on journal pages, collages, and cards. Comes in strips, rolls, or little squares — easy to trim to size.
• 💧 Glossy Accents / Dimensional Glue
  Adds a super shiny, glass-like finish — almost like a thin coat of resin. I love using it to highlight images or make certain elements pop.
  My favorites are: [placeholder], [placeholder], [placeholder]
• 🎨 Gel Mediums
  Technically not a glue, but can be used as one! Originally made for mixing with acrylics, gel medium also works beautifully for mixed media, collage layers, and sealing your work.
  My favorites are: [placeholder], [placeholder], [placeholder]
• 🔥 Hot Glue
  Bonds quickly and strongly — great for chunky embellishments like buttons, charms, or wood.
  That said, it can discolor delicate papers and doesn’t flex well (so avoid it on journal pages). I prefer Beacon 3-in-1 for most things, but I do like clear glue sticks for making faux wax seals.

Other glues

What About White Glue and Other Common Glues?

If you’ve already got a bottle of Elmer’s in your drawer, you might be wondering: Can I use this in my junk journal? The answer is — maybe, but with a few cautions.

Let’s look at a few common adhesives crafters often ask about:

• Elmer’s Glue / School Glue
  Technically a PVA glue, but quite watered down. It tends to wrinkle paper easily, especially when applied over large areas. While it works in a pinch, it’s not my first choice for junk journaling.
• Archival PVA Glue (e.g. Lineco)
  These are higher-quality white glues with less water and a more flexible finish. They’re a good option for gluing down journal pages or adhering paper to journal covers. Just avoid over-applying — even good PVA glue can cause wrinkling if used too generously.
• Contact Adhesives (Superglue, Gorilla Glue, E6000, 9000, Beacon 527)
  These industrial-strength adhesives are too harsh for paper. They contain acidic solvents and can damage or discolor delicate elements over time. I don’t recommend them for junk journaling — stick with glues made for craft use.
• Rubber Cement
  Once popular for scrapbooking, but it’s not archival-safe and tends to yellow, crack, or lose adhesion over time. Best avoided for journals meant to last.
• Spray Adhesives
  Great for large surfaces, but messy to use, hard to control, and definitely not beginner-friendly. They can also bleed through lightweight paper. I’d only recommend them for very specific advanced projects — and always with proper ventilation.

🧴 What About Mod Podge?

Mod Podge — the classic decoupage glue that seems to show up in every craft aisle. While it definitely has its place in crafting, I use it very sparingly in junk journaling.

Here’s why:

• It’s a wet, white glue with a high water content — and that means it can easily warp or wrinkle paper, especially when applied in thick layers.
• It can stay tacky in humid climates, since it tends to attract moisture from the air.
• Over time, it may yellow, particularly if your journal is exposed to sunlight.

That said, Mod Podge does come in handy for certain projects:

• It works well for decoupage, especially with thicker papers like napkins, tissue, or rice paper.
• It can be used as a top coat, and I love that it’s available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.
• If you already know how it behaves and like the results, by all means — use it!

Tip: If you’re sealing your work and want to avoid tackiness, consider using a gel medium or a clear acrylic spray sealer instead. They’re less likely to stay sticky and usually give more professional results.

🛠️ Handy Tools

To Make Glueing Easier (and Less Messy)

A good glue can do wonders — but the right tools make the whole process smoother, tidier, and a lot more fun. Here are a few of my tried-and-true helpers that make sticky fingers and gluey disasters a thing of the past:

• 🟪 Silicone Craft Mat
  This simple mat protects your table, wipes clean in seconds, and keeps your project from sticking where it shouldn’t. No more peeling paper off your desk!
• 🧽 Glue Eraser
  Ever had a little glue sneak out the sides? This magical tool rubs it right off once it’s dry — no tearing, no fuss.
• 🖊️ Fine-Tip Applicator Bottles
  Some glues (like Fabri-Tac) are brilliant but a bit blobby. Decanting them into a small precision bottle gives you way more control and makes detail work so much easier.
• 🎫 Old Gift Card or Glue Spreader
  Great for covering larger surfaces evenly — no brush needed. I use mine when gluing background papers or covers.
• 🧻 Baby Wipes or Damp Cloth
  Quick clean-up for fingers, bottles, or smudges. Especially helpful if you’re working with fast-drying glue.
• 🔎 Craft Tweezers or Pick
  Ideal for placing tiny paper bits or delicate fussy cuts — keeps your fingers (and glue smears) out of the way.
• 📄 Scrap Paper or Paper Towel Stack
  Tuck one under your work while gluing to protect your journal and blot excess. Bonus: pressing down your glued piece with a clean paper helps it dry flat and smooth.

FAQ

Next Steps

Take What You Need (And Leave the Rest)

Phew — that was a lot of glue talk! If your head’s spinning just a little, take a breath and remember: you don’t need all the glues. Just one or two solid choices can take you far.

If you already have a glue that works well for your projects, that’s wonderful — keep using it! This guide is here to offer support, not pressure. And if you're still experimenting, have fun with it. Over time, you'll find your go-to favorites, just like I did.

👉 Looking for more help? You might also enjoy:

• The Ultimate Paper Guide for Junk Journaling
• Printing Tips: How to Get the Best Results with Printables
• How to Download and Open Digital Files

And remember: every page you glue down is a step forward in your creative journey.

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx