Are you looking for the best glue for cardboard? It is good to know that we can find many types of glue but not of them are available for the same function. For example, if you use glue for plastic, it does not work best for cardboard. But, if you are looking for a glue that works best for cardboard, the glues surely adhere well for wood or paper. It is because wood, paper, and cardboard have porous materials.
Also, you need glue for cardboards when you are doing some DIY projects. What will happen if you are choosing the wrong glue? Of course, it is wasting your time, energy, and money when you see that the glue does not stick at all. You cannot bond the cardboards together.
For this reason, it is not something too much when you try to find the best glue for cardboard and paper. Even some people try to compare it by testing some brands. Today, we are here to make your life easier, at least.
What we can do is to collect these ten products. At the end of this post, we provide you the buying guide to find the right glue for your cardboards and papers. Also, we provide you our top three choices we think better to choose.
Top 10 Best Glue for Cardboard
1. Elmer’s All-Purpose School Glue Sticks
This is the right choice of the best glue for cardboard and paper. The washable glue stick is functional since you can use it for paper, cardboard, display board, foam board, and others. Also, it is safe for your kids since the glues are made of acid-free and non-toxic materials.
After using this glue, you can help your kids wash their hands. Simply, apply it and it will dry quickly with no clumps. Therefore, it is what you need if you are looking for glues to create school projects, crafts, and arts. It is not for heavy things like craft sticks or card stocks.
Pros:
- This is what you need for matte paper and it is a great choice for school projects.
- Good for the price
Cons:
- It is not the ideal choice for paper with printed images since the image area looks smooth
2. Basics Purple Washable School Glue Sticks
In this package, you will get 30 small glue sticks for school projects. The glue dries clear and adheres to items effectively. If you need the best glue for cardboard and paper, this can do more. For example, you can use it for fabric and photos.
Additionally, the formula is safe because it is non-toxic. So, it is the ideal choice for arts and crafts at home or school. Once you have completed the projects with your kids, you can wash your hands. In another word, it is easy to clean.
Pros:
- Adhere to envelops quite well
- Fine for kids
Cons:
- It takes more effort to apply this glue to the glass because the coating finish does not look good.
3. Avery Washable, Nontoxic, Glue Stick for Cardboard
Just like the first option, this is a stick glue designed for paper, photos, foam board, glass, fabric, and cardboard. It goes smoothly and at the same time can minimize wrinkle or clump. Note that each of the sticks is available with permanent and strong adhesive.
Besides, it is good to know that the glue stick is safe for kids. This product is made of acid-free and nontoxic materials. It means that you can ask your kids for washing their hands after using this glue for their projects.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean with water
Cons:
- It is good using the glue to hold pieces of cloth together when you make rugs. But, you need to wet the joints.
4. Mod Podge CS11303 Waterbase Sealer
Alternatively, crafters can take this innovative brand. It offers good flexibility and versatility for all ages. Additionally, this glue dries well, quick and clear. You will need this glue if you are working with satin, antique, glitter, matte, and gloss.
It is simple if you want to clean the glue while wet. You can wash your hands and then clean with soap. Remember that you cannot remove the glue once it dries. The last thing to know about this product is that you will need it to glue paper, fabric, and porous materials. Or, you can use it as a sealer for prints, paper, and wood.
Pros:
- The favorite option among crafters since you can use it as a protective layer for a photo project.
- Easy to work
- Looks good and dries clear
Cons:
- Packaging issue
5. Aleene’s Original 3 Pack, 8 oz Tacky Glue, 3 Count
Net, Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue can be your choice. This is a classic and unique glue for crafters. The glue offers versatile, strong, and non-toxic to glue different crafts. Additionally, it is what you need if you are looking for all-purpose glue for crafts and household projects.
Besides, the glue works well on different materials, such as foam, felt, wood, paper, metal, fabrics, and even ceramics. Since it is ultra-tacky, it would never make you regret using it for different projects.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Even though it does not dry as quickly as you may think, but the glue is quite strong.
Cons:
- It is not for washable wearable
6. 3M Super 77 Permanent Spray Glue for Cardboard
Do you need more options? Well, you can take this one. It is a versatile adhesive to apply for different materials. Crafters are using this product as it’s the best glue for cardboard to plastic. So, it is the ideal choice if you need glue for paper, cardboard, plastic, fabric, and metal. Also, it is what you need to apply on insulation, felt, leather, foam, and fiberglass.
Other interesting features of this product are the presence of photo-safe spray formula. This formula lets the glue easy to dispense. Therefore, it is easy to apply directly to the surface or materials you need. Interestingly, this product can bond in just 15 seconds or 30 minutes, depends on the materials.
Pros:
- The cloth is well attached once the glue dried completely
- Smooth and professional, even though the glue looks white at first but once it dried, it looks clear.
Cons:
- Does not work for a faux leather
7. Tesa Glue Stick Odourless Glue Stick for Cardboard
Presented by universal glue, this is what you need for anything. For example, you can use it for DIY crafts at home, office, or school. Besides, it is the right choice if you want to use it on paper, cardboard, and other materials.
Another thing you should know about this glue is that the materials. The glue is safe because it is odorless and it does not contain solvent. Anytime the glue gets on the cloth, it is easy to clean. Simply, wash the stains by hand. Additionally, the glue is from 100% recycled plastics and 60% natural materials.
Pros:
- The adhesive is strong enough
Cons:
- Only good for paper
8. AdTech 10 Inch Hot Sticks Full-Size Multi-Temp
Try this if you are in love doing some crafts or DIY projects at the home, office, or school. This hot glue can bond everything in just 30 seconds. Using this glue means that you only need a glue gun. Additionally, the glue is safe for kids because it does not contain toxic, non-yellowing materials, and it is clear.
This is one of the best glue for cardboard to plastic. Simply, apply it on wood, cardboard, metal, glass, paper, cardstock, and others.
Pros:
- Put the hot glue sticks in a Ziploc bag so it does not harden.
Cons:
- It counts 95 sticks, not 100 sticks
9. Adtech Mini Hi-Temp Hot Glue Gun Combo Pack
This package contains a glue gun and glue sticks. There are 10 hot glue sticks in this package and the sticks can bond with various materials. The glue shows crystal clear when it dries. Also, it offers a convenient and portable case to store it when you have completed the projects.
Using this glue means that you can apply it on metal, paper, plastic, wood, ceramic, fabric, and others. Besides, the glue takes 30 seconds to dry. Amazingly, the glue is easy to use. No matter you are using it in low, dual, and multi-temperature, it works best.
Pros:
- Perfect for crafts
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The glue stick runs too fast
10. Loctite Super Glue Perfect Pen Gel Non-drip Glue
This is the last option to take when it comes to glue for cardboard and other material. Since it comes with non-dripping formula, the glue is easy to use. It is like you are using the glue just like the way you are holding a pen.
Additionally, there are various materials to apply for this glue. You can use it on paper, metal, plastic, leather, wood, and porcelain. Also, it is the ideal choice on non-porous surfaces.
Pros:
- The glue is squeezable, so you can control the glue
- Perfect for gluing a little tricky part
Cons:
- The glue does not set after 30 minutes
How To Choose The Best Glue For Cardboards
Now, it is the time to know what things to consider since the choices of best glue for cardboard is quite many. Take these tips anytime you need to buy glue for cardboards.
1. PVA Glue
You will need PVA Glue or polyvinyl Acetates if you want clear glue to paint cardboard or paper. It is important to know that Elmer’s Glue and PVA glue are not the same types. Elmer’s glue offers a yellowish look at the time.
If you want to bind cardboards, you can use PVA. Also, PVA is the right choice to make your cardboard becomes water-resistant. Therefore, it is possible to spray PVA over cardboard, instead of using it for gluing.
PVA is available in three types. First, PVA works for bookbinding, cardboard paints, and sealing cardboards. Next, it is PVA wood glue if you want to use glue to bond two pieces of wood together. However, it leaves a yellowish look. The last type of PVA glue is PVA water-resistant glue. You can use this glue on cardboard boxes. Other than that, you can spray it over cardboard to create a water-resistant layer. Note that it is not waterproof.
2. Rubber Cement Glue
This glue is made of liquefied rubber combined with some chemical solvents. It works pretty well for most cardboard products. Also, the glue is perfect for those who need a weather-resistant option. However, it is good to know that it is time-sensitive. So, it can break after a long run.
What makes it different from other adhesives; it does not damage the board after you are applying it on the surface of the board. When the gum is still wet, it is still possible for you to adjust the joined board.
However, it is not the ideal choice if you need glue for professional work, like photographs or paintings. It is because the glue type will leave a residue that will damage the substrate. Since it is also time-sensitive, the adhesive quality will decrease by time.
3. Spray Adhesive
Spray adhesives mean that you will spray the adhesive on the substrate. This is a canned product and it is easy to apply. Also, it does not create much mess. Even though there are four options available, technically this kind of glue is what you need to glue cardboard.
4. Super Glue
Super glue is also popular as cyanoacrylate. It works fast and permanently on the substrates. Of course, it can be dangerous if it has contact with your skin. Additionally, this adhesive is the favorite choice for model builders and crafters.
You can use this type of glue for many objects. It works for rubber, glass, and plastic. But, you cannot use it on porous materials like corrugated cardboard. Nevertheless, you can still use it for a rigid cardboard box. This is what you need if you are looking for the best glue for cardboard and plastic.
5. Tacky Glue
Tacky glue is also the right option for a craft glue. It has a functional application on papers, cardboard, wood, fabric, metal, and other crafts. Also, it is different from other adhesives because it is thicker compared to other glues. Even better, it has some varieties to dry up.
You will need this kind of glue for crafts. This tacky glue is perfect for kids because they are safe and non-toxic. You can clean the glue easily with the water. However, it leaves a little mess on kids’ crafts.
Those are all things you should know about what types of glue before buying any products for your DIY projects. If you cannot remember the type of glue you are going to buy at the store, it does not a matter. You can ask for the seller by telling your needs. The seller can help you find the right product for you.
Conclusion
After giving you the complete information about the best glue for cardboard, we think it can be confusing to find the best. For this reason, we have considered the top three options below;
1. Elmer’s All-Purpose School Glue Sticks – We think it is one of the best options because the glue has a good price. Additionally, it works on cardboard and papers. For this reason, it is a good product topic. However, it does not give you a perfect solution if you need glue for paper with printed images. It will only damage the image area.
2. Mod Podge CS11303 Waterbase Sealer – With a versatile and flexible design, this glue can be your next option. It is the favorite choice for many crafters because it is easy to work. Also, it looks good for many projects at schools and at home.
3. Loctite Super Glue Perfect Pen / Extra Strong Gel Non-drip Glue – We have to admit that the glue pen has something different. It comes with a unique design that will make you glue everything, even for small tricky parts. Additionally, the glue pen is squeezable. So, you can control the glue. However, you need to wait for quite a long to let it set.