Scrapbooking Adhesives Guide: Which Glue and Tape to Use (and When)

Adhesives might not be the most exciting part of scrapbooking, but they’re one of the most important. The prettiest layout in the world won’t matter if photos peel off, paper edges lift, or bulky embellishments pop loose after a few months. And for beginners, adhesives can be surprisingly confusing—because there are so many types, and each one behaves differently.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Should I use glue or tape?”
• “Why is my paper wrinkling?”
• “What’s the best adhesive for photos?”
• “Why does my title keep falling off?”
• “How do I attach thick embellishments without a mess?”

This guide will make it simple. You’ll learn the main adhesive categories, what each one is best for, what mistakes to avoid, and a reliable “which adhesive do I use?” system that works for almost every scrapbook situation. The goal is to help you create pages that look clean now and stay secure long-term.

Why adhesives matter more than you think

Adhesives affect three things at once:

1. Durability
   Your page needs to survive flipping, storage, and time.
2. Appearance
   Wrong adhesive can warp paper, create bumps, or leave visible shine.
3. Workflow speed
   The right adhesive makes scrapbooking faster. The wrong one slows you down with smears, drying time, and rework.

So while adhesives aren’t glamorous, choosing them well makes your whole scrapbooking experience easier.

The 4 main adhesive types used in scrapbooking

Most scrapbooking adhesives fall into these categories:

1. Dry tape adhesives (tape runners, double-sided tape)
2. Dots (glue dots, foam dots, adhesive squares)
3. Liquid adhesives (wet glue, gel glue, craft glue)
4. Specialty adhesives (spray adhesive, adhesive sheets, hot glue in some cases)

If you understand these four categories, you can solve almost any “how do I stick this?” problem.

Adhesive Type #1: Tape Runners (the beginner favorite)

A tape runner is a handheld tool that lays down a thin line of dry adhesive quickly. It’s one of the best first purchases for scrapbookers because it’s fast, clean, and easy.

Best uses for tape runners

• mounting photos (especially flat prints)
• attaching cardstock layers
• adhering patterned paper panels
• attaching journaling blocks
• building clean mats behind photos

Why scrapbookers love tape runners

• no drying time
• less warping than liquid glue
• quick assembly
• easy to control placement

Common tape runner mistakes

Mistake 1: Using it for heavy embellishments
Tape runners are designed for flat paper, not bulky items. Thick chipboard, metal charms, or layered clusters may eventually lift.

Fix: use glue dots, foam dots, or strong liquid glue for dimensional items.

Mistake 2: Applying only one strip on a large piece
If you attach a big panel with only one tape line, edges can lift.

Fix: apply tape around the edges and add a few strips through the center.

Mistake 3: Buying the cheapest tape runner available
Some bargain tape runners skip, break, or lose stickiness quickly.

Fix: choose a reliable photo-safe tape runner and keep a backup refill if yours uses refills.

Tape runner pro tips

• Put tape close to corners so edges don’t lift.
• For photos, run tape on all four sides for stronger hold.
• Use tape runners for speed, and save stronger adhesives for heavy items.

Adhesive Type #2: Double-Sided Tape (strong and versatile)

Double-sided tape is one of the most reliable adhesives for scrapbooking. It’s strong, clean, and holds well over time.

It comes in:

• thin strips (great for paper)
• thicker, stronger versions (great for heavier items)

Best uses for double-sided tape

• attaching photo mats
• mounting paper layers
• creating pockets and envelopes (tape holds edges well)
• attaching ribbons or thin trims (depending on thickness)
• securing folded elements like flaps

When to choose double-sided tape instead of a tape runner

• when you need extra strong hold
• when you’re attaching something slightly heavier
• when you’re building interactive elements (pockets, hinges)

Beginner tip

Keep one roll of thin double-sided tape as a backup even if you have a tape runner. It’s like having a “reliable emergency adhesive” when the tape runner runs out or doesn’t hold a tricky piece.

Adhesive Type #3: Glue Dots (small, strong, and clean)

Glue dots are tiny dots of strong adhesive, usually on a roll or sheet. They’re ideal for embellishments that are small but not flat enough for tape runners.

Best uses for glue dots

• attaching small embellishments (buttons, gems, small die-cuts)
• securing ribbon ends
• attaching layered clusters
• mounting small pieces that pop up slightly
• adhering chipboard accents (light to medium weight)

Why glue dots are beginner-friendly

• no mess
• no drying time
• strong hold
• easy for small pieces

Common glue dot mistakes

Mistake 1: Using glue dots for large paper panels
Glue dots can create bumps under large areas and may not hold edges evenly.

Fix: use tape runner or double-sided tape for large flat areas.

Mistake 2: Using one dot on an item with lifting corners
Some embellishments need multiple dots.

Fix: place dots near corners or across the back for full support.

Glue dot pro tips

• If a glue dot is too sticky and makes placement hard, lightly touch it to your finger first to reduce tack (only if you’re okay with slightly less hold).
• Use glue dots for quick embellishment placement during finishing touches.

Scrapbooking With Photos: How to Select, Crop, and Arrange Pictures for Beautiful Pages

Adhesive Type #4: Foam Tape and Foam Dots (for dimension)

Foam adhesives create space between your elements and the page, adding depth and shadow. This can make layouts look more professional and dynamic.

Foam comes as:

• foam squares/dots
• foam tape you cut to size

Best uses for foam adhesives

• popping up a title
• lifting the main photo slightly
• adding dimension to clusters
• layering die-cuts and labels

When foam is a good idea

• when your layout feels flat and needs depth
• when you want to highlight a focal element
• when you want shadows to separate layers

Foam mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Using foam everywhere
Too much foam makes pages bulky, hard to store, and can bend protectors.

Fix: use foam only for one or two focal areas per page.

Mistake 2: Foam without balance
If you foam only one corner of a large piece, it can tilt or warp.

Fix: support the whole piece with foam in multiple spots.

Mistake 3: Foam in an overstuffed album
If your album is already full, foam can create pressure marks.

Fix: use foam sparingly or use thin foam.

Foam pro tips

• Combine foam with flat adhesive for stability: tape runner for the base, foam behind the focal area.
• Foam titles look great, but keep them near the photo cluster so they don’t feel disconnected.

Adhesive Type #5: Liquid Glue (when you need precision and flexibility)

Liquid glue is not always a beginner’s first choice because it can warp paper or create mess. But it’s extremely useful when used correctly, especially for detailed pieces.

There are different liquid glue styles:

• standard craft glue
• precision-tip glue
• tacky glue (thicker)
• gel glue (less runny)

Best uses for liquid glue

• tiny die-cuts with delicate edges
• intricate paper shapes
• layered embellishments where tape won’t reach
• items that need a strong bond in small areas
• attaching textured materials (depends on glue type)

Why liquid glue is valuable

• it grabs uneven surfaces better than tape
• it gives a bit of “wiggle time” to adjust placement
• it can secure tricky shapes cleanly when used sparingly

How to avoid paper warping with liquid glue

Warping happens when paper absorbs too much moisture. To prevent it:

• Use tiny amounts (dots, not puddles)
• Spread evenly if needed (a thin layer)
• Press the piece down firmly
• Let it dry before closing the album

A good beginner habit is: “Less glue than you think.”

Liquid glue mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Using liquid glue for large panels
This often causes wrinkling and bubbles.

Fix: use tape runner or double-sided tape for large surfaces.

Mistake 2: Not letting glue dry
If you close the album too soon, glue can transfer, smear, or stick to protectors.

Fix: place the finished page flat and let it rest.

Mistake 3: Glue seeping out of edges
This can create shiny spots or sticky edges.

Fix: apply glue away from the edges and press gently outward.

Liquid glue pro tip

Use a precision-tip bottle for small pieces. It’s cleaner, more controlled, and reduces waste.

Adhesive Type #6: Adhesive Sheets (a clean trick for die-cuts)

Adhesive sheets are double-sided adhesive sheets you apply to paper before cutting shapes. After cutting, your die-cut becomes a sticker.

Best uses

• intricate lettering
• delicate shapes
• layered titles
• thin script words that are hard to glue cleanly

Why they’re great

They eliminate messy glue for detailed pieces and make placement easier.

Beginner note

Adhesive sheets are optional. They’re very helpful if you do a lot of detailed die-cuts, but you can scrapbook perfectly without them.

Adhesive Type #7: Spray Adhesive (use with caution)

Spray adhesive can attach large areas evenly, but it can be messy and is often not necessary for most beginners. It can also drift and stick to surfaces you don’t want.

When spray adhesive can be helpful

• mounting very large paper areas evenly
• attaching fabric or thin materials to cardstock

Why many scrapbookers avoid it

• overspray mess
• strong smell
• hard to control
• can stick protectors if not fully dry
• needs ventilation and careful use

For most scrapbook pages, tape-based adhesives are simpler and safer.

Hot glue: should scrapbookers use it?

Hot glue can work for heavy items, but it’s usually not ideal for scrapbook albums because:

• it creates bulky glue bumps
• it can make pages thick and uneven
• it can soften or fail in heat
• it can damage some materials

When hot glue makes sense:

• décor projects, not albums (like scrapbook-style shadow boxes)
• very chunky elements on a display piece

For albums, glue dots, strong double-sided tape, or thick tacky glue are usually better.

How to choose the right adhesive: a simple decision system

If you want a fast answer every time, use this method.

Step 1: Is it flat paper?

Use:

• tape runner or double-sided tape

Step 2: Is it small but slightly dimensional?

Use:

• glue dots

Step 3: Do you want it raised?

Use:

• foam tape or foam dots

Step 4: Is it delicate, intricate, or tiny?

Use:

• precision liquid glue (or adhesive sheets)

Step 5: Is it heavy or textured?

Use:

• strong double-sided tape + glue dots, or tacky glue (used carefully)

This system solves most adhesive confusion.

Real-world scenarios: which adhesive should you use?

Let’s make it practical with examples.

Mounting photos

Best:

• tape runner around all edges
• or double-sided tape for extra strength

Avoid:

• liquid glue (can wrinkle and stain if too much)

Matting photos

Best:

• tape runner or double-sided tape
  Tip: tape the corners and add one strip across the center.

Attaching journaling blocks

Best:

• tape runner
  If the paper is thin or textured, use stronger double-sided tape.

Word stickers, title letters, and alphabets

Usually:

• they’re already adhesive-backed
  But if they lift over time, reinforce with:
• tiny glue dots behind edges
• a thin line of liquid glue (very small)

Chipboard embellishments

Best:

• glue dots
• strong double-sided tape
  For thick chipboard, use multiple dots.

Sequins, enamel dots, small gems

Best:

• glue dots
  Or strong liquid glue if needed, used sparingly.

Fabric, ribbon, twine

Best:

• strong double-sided tape for ribbon ends
• glue dots for small fabric pieces
• tacky glue for secure hold (small amount)

Creating pockets and flaps

Best:

• strong double-sided tape on edges
  Tape is reliable for construction because it holds evenly and doesn’t warp.

Layered clusters (paper + embellishments)

Best:

• base layer attached with tape runner
• top embellishments attached with glue dots or foam

This mixed-adhesive approach creates stability and depth.

Why things fall off (and how to fix it)

If your elements keep lifting or falling, one of these issues is usually the cause:

Cause 1: Dust or oils on the surface

Fix:

• handle paper carefully
• avoid touching adhesive too much
• press firmly after placement

Cause 2: Not enough adhesive coverage

Fix:

• add adhesive near corners and edges
• support large pieces in the center too

Cause 3: Wrong adhesive for the item’s weight

Fix:

• use glue dots for embellishments
• use strong tape for construction
• use liquid glue for tiny intricate pieces

Cause 4: Album pressure and bulk

Fix:

• reduce foam usage
• distribute dimension evenly
• don’t overstuff albums

How to keep pages flat and avoid wrinkles

Wrinkling usually comes from:

• liquid glue moisture
• uneven adhesive placement
• thin paper not supported well

Solutions:

• use tape runner for large areas
• use cardstock backing for thin patterned paper
• apply adhesive evenly across the surface
• press and burnish (rub with a bone folder or clean ruler edge)

Also, avoid closing the album immediately after using liquid glue.

A practical adhesive “starter kit” (simple and high value)

If you want the best minimum set, here’s a beginner-friendly kit that covers almost everything:

1. Tape runner (photo-safe)
2. Strong double-sided tape (thin roll)
3. Glue dots (roll or sheet)
4. Foam tape or foam squares (thin)
5. Precision-tip liquid glue (small bottle)

With these five, you can handle almost any scrapbook situation cleanly.

Storage tips for adhesives (so they don’t dry out or get lost)

Adhesives are easier to use when they live in one place.

• Keep all adhesives in one labeled bin or drawer.
• Store glue upright with cap closed tightly.
• Keep backups behind the active adhesive so you don’t run out mid-page.
• Avoid leaving adhesives in hot places (heat can weaken them).

A simple “adhesive station” saves time and prevents frustration.

Final thoughts: the right adhesive makes scrapbooking easier and more durable

Adhesives may seem like a small detail, but they affect the quality and longevity of every page you make. When you choose the right adhesive for the right job, you’ll notice immediate improvements:

• cleaner pages
• fewer wrinkles
• faster assembly
• fewer elements falling off
• albums that hold up beautifully over time

Start with a basic set, learn the simple decision system, and you’ll never feel confused in the glue aisle again.