A craft project can get messy, unless you have a precise plan from the beginning. While you can use contact adhesive for your project, chances are that unsightly dry glue will be visible later on. That’s why spray adhesives are preferred for craft projects. But what are the best spray adhesives for craft projects?
For children’s handicrafts, Sprayidea 42 is ideal. For paper crafts, opt for Sprayidea 43, which is known for its moderate viscosity. For felt crafts that involve the use of relatively thick materials, you need a spray adhesive with pretty strong viscosity, such as Sprayidea 35.
In this post, we are going to shed light on every aspect of choosing the ideal spray adhesive for a craft project. Hopefully, here you will find answers to some of your most nagging questions. Let’s dive in!
Factors to consider when choosing a spray adhesive for crafts
When it comes to choosing a spray adhesive for a craft project, the most important factor to consider is the materials used in the project. Not all adhesives work with all materials and substrates. Here are the factors at a glance:
- Material compatibility: The adhesive must be compatible with the materials that need to be bonded. It may not be enough to choose any craft adhesive for your craft project. You have to consider exactly what materials are being used for your project.
- Bond strength: A strong adhesive is not necessarily good for all craft projects. Your particular project may require a repositionable spray adhesive. Fortunately, there are craft adhesives with various degrees of bond strength.
- Environmental conditions: To some extent, the efficacy of spray adhesives depends on the environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Some adhesives are designed for indoor applications while others are for outdoor applications.
- Curing time: Craft projects usually have tight schedules, so it’s important to consider the curing time of the spray adhesive you choose. There are both permanent and temporary adhesives for craft projects.
- Safety and regulations: When choosing spray adhesive, make sure it does not violate the safety and regulations of the place you are living in.
- Custom solutions: Try to avoid a general purpose spray adhesive. Regardless of the type of craft project you are working in, there is a spray adhesive specifically formulated for it.
What Spray Adhesive Should I Choose for My Craft Project?
In many cases, choosing a general purpose spray adhesive for a craft project may not be a good idea. It can even ruin your project. Your choice should always depend on the materials being used in your craft project. Here are some general guidelines for choosing spray adhesives for different types of craft projects:
Choosing a Spray Adhesive for Paper Crafts
When working on a paper craft project, the spray adhesive you choose can determine how polished or professional the results will be. For large and intricate projects that require seamless bonds, spray adhesives are preferable to contact adhesives.
In a paper craft project, you often have to use delicate materials that bleed or warp through if you use a spray adhesive that is too damp or heavy. You need a spray adhesive that is strong and gentle, and dries quickly. You need a spray adhesive that allows for repositioning, but creates a permanent bond.
For its versatility and ease of use, Sprayidea 43 is ideal for paper crafts, although it works very well with other materials such as plastic, foam and fabric.
Choosing a Spray Adhesive for Children’s Handicrafts
When doing a handicraft project with children, choosing the right adhesive can make a difference in the quality of the final product. When selecting a spray adhesive for a project, it is good to pay more attention to safety and ease of use. But efficiency of the product should not be compromised at all.
Most handicraft projects must have some room for mistakes. So, it’s crucial to choose a spray adhesive that is repositionable. But when it dries, the contact must be strong.
SprayIdea 42 has become a default choice for handicraft projects for many users, in part because this adhesive successfully blended its efficiency with low VOCs and a non-toxic formula. This repositionable adhesive minimizes frustrations when working on a delicate or sophisticated project.
Choosing a Spray Adhesive for Plastic and PVC Paper Crafts
When working with plastic and PVC paper, look for a spray adhesive that is strong, offers a quick drying time, and is easy to use. That is because projects of this nature are usually time-sensitive and require quick completion. Also, maintaining precision is important for such craft projects.
An ideal adhesive for such a project is SprayIdea 35. It is repositionable, suitable for precise application, and offers a strong bond. It offers surface compatibility, temperature resistance, UV resistance, and easy clean up. Thanks to its non-toxic formula, it’s suitable for applications in closed spaces.
What Is the Best Spray Adhesive for a Craft Project That Requires Temporary Bonding?
You need a temporary spray adhesive when your project requires frequent repositioning. It is suitable for projects that require flexibility to a greater extent. SprayIdea 80 or any other non-toxic temporary spray adhesive can be good for such a project.
A craft project that involves stenciling is an ideal use case for sprayIdea 80. However, your project may have unique requirements, so you have to take your situation into consideration. But as a rule of thumb, you may want to consider this spray adhesive if your project requires repositioning. Just keep that in mind, whether you are working with fabric, craft paper or other materials.
Are Spray Adhesives Safe to Use for Craft Projects?
For crafts projects, spray adhesives are used for their ease of use, efficiency, and even application. However, it is important to be careful when choosing a spray adhesive because these products can pose health risks.
Even if you are using a spray adhesive with a low VOC formula, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. If you have respiratory sensitivity, consider wearing a mask when you are exposed to the fumes. Avoid overspray. You can use newspapers to protect some areas. Read the safety information in the labels, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
How to Use Spray Adhesive Effectively for Craft Projects?
While spray adhesives are ideal for many types of craft projects, the success of your project largely depends on the way you apply the adhesive. Whether you are working with fabric, paper, foam or other materials, make sure you prepare the workspace and follow the correct application techniques.
Preparing the Workspace
First of all, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated, even if you are using a low VOC spray adhesive. Use a plastic drop cloth or newspaper to protect the work surface from overspray. Depending on your craft project, this protective covering may be optional. Then, make sure your materials are dry and clean before you apply adhesive to them.
Application Techniques
Regardless of the craft project you are working on, there are some general instructions to keep in mind. Here they are:
- Light coat: Apply an even and light coat to just one surface, not both. Overspray of the spray adhesive can make the materials messy.
- Drying time: Before you attach the materials, allow the adhesive to dry. The drying time can vary depending on the adhesive you are using.
- Precise alignment: Align the materials precisely before you press them together. To remove the air bubbles you can use a squeegee or a roller.
- Remove the residue: Use a damp cloth to remove the residue adhesive when it is still soft. Remember, cleaning up the adhesive becomes hard when it is dry.
Again, these general instructions may not exactly apply to the craft project you are working on. So, use your common sense while adhering to the general guidelines for applying spray adhesive.
Conclusion
Spray adhesives are a part and parcel for craft projects. Because these adhesives offer precision, convenience and strong bonds, both professionals and DIY enthusiasts love them. When choosing a spray adhesive, consider compatibility, strength, safety, drying time, and other project-specific relevant factors.
Never settle for a general-purpose spray adhesive for your craft project. To get the best results, make sure you apply the adhesive appropriately and clean up the residue adhesive before it hardens up. And above all, have fun when working on your project.