Three Household Glues You Can Use with Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is a wonderful medium that uses products from all over the craft store. Often times some of the things you can use with polymer clay you may even have in your home (or in your husband’s tool box) already. Here’s three glues that you likely already have that you can safely use in conjunction with polymer clay.
Polymer Clay & Glue
White Glue: Elmer’s Washable School Glue
Long ago, before the advent of liquid clay, polymer clay was attached to paper mache, tin, and other objects using white glue. To this day I will still use Elmer’s Washable School Glue when I cover paper mache boxes, joining clay to wood, or any other porous material. I use this in place of liquid clay.
PROPERTIES: This glue is great because it has a long work time, meaning it dries fairly slowly. It has a thin consistency, just like liquid clay so it is possible to use in thin coatings. It can safely be baked with your polymer clay pieces.
CAUTION: However, this glue is meant to be used PRIOR to baking. This is NOT a liquid clay substitute. This glue is NOT to be used to seal polymer clay or use as a coating in the same way that you can use liquid clay. Use this glue only as an undercoating.
Weldbond
Oh sure, I had heard about Weldbond before. In fact, my hubby had some in his tool box. I didn’t however even think to use this with polymer clay until it was pointed out to me by polymer clay artist, Laurie Mika during the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure. This glue can be used prior to baking in similar ways as mentioned above. I however prefer to use this glue in conjunction with metal. It is great to use to attach metal components to clay, place on the ends of headpins and eye pins to strengthen the hold, attach clay to metal objects like tins, canisters, or frames.
PROPERTIES: This glue is has a fast work time, meaning it dries fairly quickly. This means that you will want to work in small portions so the glue doesn’t dry before you attach that portion of clay. It has a medium-thin consistency. This glue is thicker than white school glue but is still thin enough that you can get just a thin coat from it, especially with the aid of a brush. It can safely be baked with your polymer clay pieces.
CAUTION: This glue is meant to be used PRIOR to baking. You can use this glue AFTER baking to attach non-polymer objects as this glue dries completely clear in thin coatings. Please note, like white school glue this is NOT a liquid clay substitute. This glue is NOT to be used to seal polymer clay or use as a coating in the same way that you can use liquid clay. Use this glue only as an undercoating.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla glue is a great option to use with polymer clay after baking your polymer clay item. I have found it durable to attach metal components like pin-backs or securing eye-pins/head-pins post-baking. I have also found it to be fantastic when gluing polymer to glass. I have found that the “sheen” of the clay post-baking does make a difference where adherence is concerned (see note below).
NOTE: I have had mixed results with this clay working with Premo! clay. I have had properly secured pin back (only glued on for testing purposes) come off during wear.
PROPERTIES: This glue is has a very long work time, meaning it dries very slowly. Once you use this glue, it will need to sit at least 12 hours (24-36 is better) before the glue has completely set. You MUST follow the instructions for good adherence by “wetting” each piece prior to applying the glue. This is a foaming glue that requires a very small amount to work. I have found that applying with a Q-tip is easier and does not allow the glue to foam as much.
If you are watching this video here on the site, the information below is the pertinent information that appears in the YouTube down-bar.
Referenced in the Video:
GET SUPPLIES ON AMAZON:
- Washable White School Glue : http://amzn.to/1W3EM1y
- Weldbond: http://amzn.to/23BIOUS
- Original Gorilla Glue: http://amzn.to/23BJ3PM
Sculpting Blessings,
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[…] You can use standard white glue to cover the paper mache and then add your clay directly on top. [Watch a video here]. Making boxes, frames, & unique home decor from paper maché have endless […]
this was extremely helpful, thank you!!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it so helpful.
Can I use Weldbond instead of bake and bond. Bake and Bond is completely sold out everybstore around me. I was hoping the weld bond would be a good alternative to adhere polymer clay to crochet hooks.
Yes Stacy you can. But Weldbond is much more “slippery” so use far LESS than you normally would with Bake & Bond. Also, it dries where Bake & Bond does not ever ‘dry’ until baked. You need to keep all these things in mind when using it. But, you can use it. Also, Bake & Bond has been renamed and this may be why you’ve had difficulty finding it. It’s now called “Bakeable Liquid Adhesive” but it’s the same product … just a new name for your old tried and true.