Glue is pretty important to the DIY community. My boyfriend asks for glue I need to first ask what he is going to use it for because it matters. I have between 3-8 types at any given time and what it’s going to be used for is critical to the correct type he will receive. Here is a short list of the best glues for DIY projects or any type of home use. Throw out the school glue, this is the big kid league of best types of glues for DIY projects.
Overall Best Glue for DIY : Aleene’s Super Thick Tacky Glue
If I was stranded on a desert island and needed one type of glue Aleene’s Super Thick Tacky Glue would be my go-to. The thing I like best about tacky glues are that even after they have dried they are a little rubbery thus pliable without breaking apart. The ultra thick texture means that things will stick and hold shape better than any other tacky glue on the market.
I like to take a small dowel rod, cut the hole at the top and use the dowel as a sort of glue paint brush to easily dab the glue around. A tiny thin line of this glue will go a long way. It is the Best type of glue in my opinion and my first choice if all else fails.
Runner up Best Glue for DIY: Sobo Premium Craft & Fabric by Plaid Delta
This is another type of tacky glue. A favorite for all the reasons why tacky glue is the best type of glue for DIY. Far less thick than Aleene’s mentioned above but easy to get to that consistency by squirting a bit out on a spare surface and letting it dry a touch. In 2011 they decided to update the formula which means mess it completely up. Fortunately they learned from their mistakes and the glue has gone back to the go-to glue for many people in the field.
Best Glue for DIY: Loctite-Ultra Gel Minis
When it comes to the best glue for DIY to quickly work Super Glue cannot be beat. The tiniest dots go a long way and will adhere quickly. The downside of many Super Glues is that they are very rigid. They cannot be budged once dry. I’ve had projects literally shatter in my hands because the superglue were pushed past it’s breaking point. That was a bad day…
I find that unless I’m doing something that requires a lot of super glue in a short amount of time it’s easier and more efficient to buy a pack of the mini glues. Once the tip of the glue dries it’s more pain to try and open it up. With the minis I finish using one, toss it, and have more for another day. I really like Loctite because the gel-like consistency makes it easier to control and apply rather than getting half of it on my fingers.
If a larger bottle is better for the job then Loctite Super Glue Gel Control is a really great bottle. The sides are easy to press in and keeps my fingers away so I’m not gluing myself to my project as easily.
Best Glue for DIY: Gorilla Glue
This is one of the best types of glue for DIY because it will bond with anything and be ridiculously strong. I prefer the clear version because it will not be as visible if it expands past where I intend it to. It’s great for more heavy-duty projects before resorting to expoys. The disclaimer is that it activates with water so the project needs to be dampened beforehand. This is great for things with plastic, brick, or tile. Not so great for paper, cardboard, or other projects where getting wet would ruin the material.
Best Glue for DIY: Mod Podge by Plaid
Mod Podge is made for Decoupage. However is an overall best glue for DIY when adding a sealant to something as well as give some extra overall strength that Polyurethane will not do. Mod Podge has every possible finish under the sun, so don’t limit your creativity based on matte or gloss. It’s thinner than many glues and is meant to go over the entire project. It’s an all encompassing sealant glue. Mod Podge also has every possible finish under the sun, so don’t limit your creativity based on matte or gloss
Best Glue for DIY: Titebond Wood Glue III
For woodworking DIY projects Titebond is the classic. It is the best glue for DIY when it is a woodworking project. It takes time to cure and may require clamping. The III formula is waterproof which makes it an easy choice to default to for any project; whether it is an outdoor bench or an interior night stand.
Best Glue for DIY: Krylon Easy Tack Repositionable Adhesive Spray
This is another niche best glue for DIY but it’s a really nice niche glue. Spray adhesives are made as a light dusting of glue for lightweight jobs. They provide zero wrinkling to collage work as well as keeping fabrics in line before sewing. The only downside is that it it needs to be used in a well ventilated area, outside if it’s still enough. I really like Krylon because it isn’t quite as an instantaneous bond as some of the other brands. Before the glue sets it is easy to peel off the project and adjust.