tape or glue?

I've always used tape. I use CM tape most of the time, or any other adhesive used for scrapbooking. I used glue for my very first scrapbook page and it "curled" everything. It was a glue specifically meant for scrapbooking too. I tossed it.

Just my opinion! Brandi

Ever hear the phrase "the right tool for the right job"?

I like using tape squares when tacking down my photos -- I trust them and I have to "touch" less of my photo to secure it. I'm probably use to many. At first, I would tack all 4 corners. I'm getting better by using only two or one based upon the photo size. I believe I use the Herma Vario square tabs. I've only tried the CM once. I think the CMs where better if you have to reposition. I think they are advertised that you can tack & pull up to reposition. With the Vario tabs, they are stuck good once in place.

When tacking cardstock or patterned paper together, I don't like the expense of using tape so I use glue sticks. Because I use top loading page protectors, I feel they do a bit to prevent curling, holding things in place, etc. I often scrap at my desk that has a large desk protector. I often glue things and then stick them under the desk protector to dry. It wasn't for curling, but to ensure a solid binding. The glue sticks are very cheep, but you have to be generous with the glue. I've check my albums that are two years old. I had ONE boarder that was about 1/8" that popped off because it was at the top of the page and the protector just caught the edge. Everything else is holding up well. I've used a variety of brands and not seen any difference in quality yet.

If I didn't use page protectors, would I still use glue sticks? Hmmm, I'm not really sure. (thought to ponder later)

I LOVE the Zig 2-way glue pens. You get better control on small pieces, but I have the seen the same concern as the glue stick if you don't apply enough glue. I typically use the Zig so that I tack things while the glue is wet. I wasn't confident about the dry method. Because I'm a frugal scrapper, I don't have a Zig very often. I typically have to settle for the glue stick.

I have not tried the glue dots, but plan too. I think those would be best for embellishments.

I also want a Xyron machine for my letters and smaller die cuts. You get better surface coverage. In other words, the entire letter is tacky, not just 2-3 spots or a strip down the middle.

Hope this helps!

-- ~~ Amy Springboro, OH AIM- AmyLxsNxs

I noticed that too.

I live in a very humid climate, and that may make a difference... But I used a Zig 2 way pen to stick down some small cardstock pieces to a cardstock background, and after several months, they started falling off.

Maybe I didn't use enough glue? I thought I did, I didn't want to overdo it and make a mess... But I suppose I just didn't use enough. Or maybe it was the humidity...

I wound up giving my Zigs to a friend who has had much better luck with them.

For big pieces of paper and photos, I use squares. For medium, I sometimes use the hermafix "dot" runner. For small pieces I have some other glue, which is a clear craft type glue but safe for scrapbooking (I can't remember the brand, maybe an Elmer's product?).

Tracy

I was informed at a Creative Memories convention of sorts... my friend was the consultant I just went along... anyhow they told us all that the glue sticks eventually completely dry out and everything falls off the page. I quit using glue sticks and use mostly tape CM tape runner and photo splits.

for just about everything, I use my Xyron. All others are usually tape or I have a metal glue pen also.

I use.... CM photo tabs CM tape runner Glue dots ...all sizes Zig Glue Pens Xyron Machine

all on a regular basis and I love all of them! I have used Wacky Tacky (from QVC) and do not care for it at all and it was quite expensive. I have also used the Herma Dotto once or twice and like it but it is a bit pricey and the other things work just as well. :)

Hannah

I use CM tape runners, Dotto, and I've even tried Xyron's tape runners. I use them for different things and like all of them. I have also used photo squares and I like them too. I have the Zig 2 way pens (skinny and fat) and I use them for some things too. I also have the Tombo adhesive for dimensional stuff. They seem to hold very well but are wet so I wouldn't use them for adhering cardstock, paper, diecuts, etc.

I don't like glue sticks at all. Every time I have used them they have dried out and whatever I glued comes undone. I let my daughter use them for her scrapbooks (she's 5) but I put adhesive on the back of her pictures for her.

You are right Lynne. And once you put it down you do have a little time to reposition things but as it sits there it does become more permanent. .

Lynette in AL

I was trying to say as the glue stick dries out it becomes less permanent in that eventually in the near future that page will fall a part. My pages are still in tact the few I used a glue stick with. Another friend of mine did her album completely with a glue stick. It seemed so easy and she got me reluctantly started. Then the front of her album started coming a part within a year of gluing. Some embellishments were slipping out and even whole pages came unglued. At the time we didn't know what was going on. She just reglued them with the glue stick thinking she hadn't used enough. She's since had a 2nd baby and we've lost touch, but now I know what was going on with her album. I'm curious as to how it's doing now.

I'm sorry. The glue sticks will not last. I meant the CM adhesive's give you a little window of repositioning and then they are permanent.

Lynette in AL

I use the adhesive tech rollers and refills that you can get at walmart. I pay $3.49 for the dispensor filled with the tape and $2.97 for a pack of 2 refills for it. The tape rolls out so easy and refilling them is simple. I have never had anything come apart when I use this brand.

~Donna~ SAHM Val Gal 17, Wendy Woo 14, Seany 10 6 years of Stamping Bliss

I like my Tombow tape runner, I use it alot. I use Xryon and some zigs, photo squares...even glue sticks sometimes (which I have not had anything dry out in

This is a snip from my LSS Newsletter, mind you it is advertising what they sell BUT it is a good explanation of what each adhesive does:

HOW TO STICK IT SO IT STAYS STUCK

Adhesives - What do you use for what? Finding the right adhesive for your project is a bit like finding the perfect purse. There are dots and tabs and runners, wet glues and dry glues, sprays, permanent, repositionable.

You may want to consider these items--

Dry: Herma Vario tabs have a handy dispenser wheel, making it easy to use the adhesive squares individually or in a run. (refillable)

E-Z Runner by 3L has double-sided pre-cut slivers of adhesive tape for precision application, even in small areas. (non-refillable)

Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive runner applies a thin film of adhesive for a wrinkle-free instant bond. Also available in removable form. (refillable)

Magic Scraps Scrappy Tape comes in ¼", ½" and sheets. This stuff is really sticky and is fabulous for glitter, beads, sand, shaved ice or whatever else you want to adhere. If you need a straight line or crisp edge, tape is what you need. The sheets can be used for shapes.

Herma Dotto glue spot dots is my personal favorite in adhesives. It is also an option for vellum. Place a small amount of permanent dots on your vellum and adhere it to your page. Pick up the vellum, put it back down again, and you'll barely be able to see it. Comes in permanent and removable tack. (refillable)

Scotch Vellum Tape is another good choice. A little goes a long way and it virtually disappears on most vellums.

Glue Dots are super-strong for adhering metal accents, ribbon, fibers, buttons, etc., and come in various styles, like Memory Book and Mini.

Wet: Tombow Mono Adhesive Glue has a convenient pen tip and a broad tip in one dispenser, plus a handy permanent and respositionable bond feature.

We also carry ZIG Memory System 2 Way Glue in fine, chisel and jumbo tip sizes. The fine tip works well for detail work and sticking down mini punches. The chisel and jumbo are great for larger surfaces and kids love them. The ZIG glues have a color-change formula - use when wet (blue) for a permanent bond; let it dry clear for a temporary repositionable bond.

Magic Scraps Scrappy Glue dries quickly and clear. Use it for buttons, glitter, tinsel, jewels, etc.

NEW SPRAY. We are now carrying Helmar Vellum Adhesive spray. It is acid free, non-yellowing, pressure sensitive, dries clear and is repositionable. The smell won't knock you out either.

Last, but not least, we have Pop Dots and Mini Pop Dots. These double-sided sticky foam circles will give you just a little lift to make that special embellishment pop off your page. Try them and you'll be hooked.

(not sure of the author's name but they get the credit for writing this!)

Oh yeah I love the CM adhesives. That's one thing I'll hunt down a CM rep to get.

Lynne

I never use glue sticks...things tend to fall apart quickly when I had used them in the past. I like tape runners. I used to use CM tape runner but since they changed the design I have had problems with the tape runner itself....not the actual adhesive part. Since then I use the E-Z tape runner by 3L which is exactly like the "old style" CM tape runner and I love it. I also use CM photo splits, the Dotto Hermafix permanent tape runner, Hermafix tab runner, glue dots for heavy items like metal, buttons and fibers, Scotch vellum tape, and sticky adhesive sheets for small things. I do not use the zig glue pens anymore unless I am paper piecing, which they are perfect for.

I use the Xyrons in most sizes and the HermaFix tab and glue dots. The worst thing I've used is sticky dots, they make a terrible mess.

Teresa in MD