How to Choose Safe Adhesives for Your Craft Project
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Clean, reliable and non-toxic glues for paper, fabric, and embellishments
When you’re creating something beautiful with your hands, you shouldn’t have to worry about chemical fumes, harmful residues, or long-term damage to your health — or to the materials you're using.
At Scrapbooky, we believe that beauty should never be toxic.
So here’s a guide to safe and non-toxic adhesives, based on material type and craft need.
📝 Paper to Paper (Photos, Cards, Journaling, Designer Paper)
For paper projects, especially if they’re archival (meant to last), you need:
✅ Acid-free
✅ pH-neutral
✅ Non-toxic
Best options:
🟢 Glue stick – Look for labels like acid-free and archival-safe (e.g., UHU, Pritt archival versions)
🟢 Liquid archival glue – Like Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive or Tombow Mono Liquid Glue
🟢 Double-sided adhesive tape – solvent-free versions (e.g., Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L)
❗ Avoid white school glues and cheap craft glues – they often contain acids and will yellow or degrade paper over time.
🧵 For Fabric & Textiles (Flowers, Ribbons, Lace)
Hot glue is not the safest option – it emits fumes and can burn delicate materials.
Safer alternatives:
🟢 Non-toxic fabric glue – Beacon Fabri-Tac is a classic, but always check for "non-toxic" certification
🟢 Sewline Fabric Glue Pen – perfect for light fabric placement, dries clear and safe
🟢 ECO textile glues – water-based options that are solvent-free (search for GOTS certified adhesives)
📦 For Chipboard, Heavy Paper, Bookbinding
If you’re gluing thicker materials like chipboard or album bases:
Safe and strong choices:
🟢 pH-neutral bookbinding glue – e.g., Lineco Bookbinding Adhesive, Kola
🟢 Aleene’s Tacky Glue – labeled as non-toxic, acid-free and flexible
🟢 Wheat paste or methylcellulose glue – 100% archival, used in conservation
✨ For Metal, Acrylic, Small Embellishments
Here it gets trickier — many strong glues (like E6000 or hot glue) are not safe: they contain industrial solvents, strong VOCs, and release dangerous fumes.
Safer options:
🟡 Use only when necessary, in well-ventilated areas, and always wear protection
🟢 Glossy Accents by Ranger – safe for small accents, dries hard and clear
🟢 Mini glue dots – great for attaching metal charms or sequins without liquid glue
🎨 Mixed Media & Journals (Layering, Texture, Fabric & Paper)
Top safe picks:
🟢 Gel Medium (Matte) – water-based, acid-free, non-toxic
🟢 Mod Podge (Water-based Sealer & Glue) – look for the “Non-toxic” label
🟢 Eco glue sticks – for lightweight layers, paper napkins, and journaling bits
❌ What to Avoid (even if it’s popular)
| Product | Why to avoid |
|---|---|
| Hot glue | High temperature, VOCs, unsafe for children, not archival |
| E6000 | Industrial, contains carcinogens, toxic fumes |
| Super glue (cyanoacrylate) | Fumes, bonds skin, not suitable for porous surfaces |
| Standard PVA (white school glue) | Acidic, yellows over time, not archival |
✅ Safe Adhesives Summary
| Material | Recommended Safe Adhesives |
|---|---|
| Paper | Acid-free glue stick, pH-neutral liquid glue, archival tape |
| Fabric | Fabric glue (non-toxic), textile glue pen |
| Chipboard | Bookbinding glue (Lineco, Kola), tacky glue |
| Metal | Glossy Accents (small items), glue dots |
| Mixed Media | Gel medium, Mod Podge (non-toxic) |
🧡 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right glue isn’t just about holding things together – it’s about doing it responsibly. For your own safety. For your customers. And for the longevity of your creations.
Look for:
-
Acid-free
-
pH-neutral
-
Non-toxic / solvent-free
-
Archival-safe
At Scrapbooky, we test and select every material with care – and adhesives are no exception.
Because true artistry deserves to be safe, strong, and timeless.