Scrapbooking is more than just a hobby—it’s a creative way to preserve memories, tell stories, and celebrate life’s moments. Whether you’re capturing a baby’s first smile, a special family trip, or your everyday joys, the right adhesive can make or break your project. Using the wrong glue might lead to warped pages, falling embellishments, or even damage to cherished photos.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best adhesives for traditional scrapbooking and when to use them. That way, your memories stay beautifully preserved for years to come.
Best Adhesives for Traditional Scrapbooking
1. Double-Sided Tape: Best for Photos and Paper Layers
When to use it:
- Attaching photos
- Securing cardstock or paper layers
- Mounting journaling cards
Why it’s great:
Double-sided tape is acid-free and photo-safe, making it a staple in every scrapbooker’s toolkit. It gives a clean, flat finish without wrinkling or warping your paper.
Pro Tip:
Look for refillable tape runners or dispensers for quick and mess-free application.
Amazon recommendations for double-sided tape
🔹 1. Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape Runner
- Type: Refillable double-sided tape runner
- Why it’s great: Acid-free, photo-safe, strong bond
- Features: Precise, mess-free application with no drying time
- Ideal for: Photos, paper layers, and detailed scrapbook work
- ⭐ Highly rated by crafters and scrapbookers
🔹 2. Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner Permanent Strips
- Type: Disposable tape runner with permanent adhesive
- Why it’s great: Photo-safe, easy to use, clean lines
- Features: 49 feet of adhesive, strong tack, and compact design
- Ideal for: Cardstock layers and photo matting
🔹 3. Scotch Double-Sided Tape for Scrapbooking
- Type: Traditional double-sided tape roll
- Why it’s great: Acid-free and photo-safe
- Features: Transparent finish and strong hold
- Ideal for: Budget-friendly scrapbooking and general paper crafts
🔹 4. Xyron Mega Runner Double-Sided Adhesive
- Type: High-capacity tape runner
- Why it’s great: Refillable, ergonomic, photo-safe
- Features: 100 feet of adhesive for larger projects
- Ideal for: Scrapbookers who work on many pages or albums
🔹 5. Elmer’s CraftBond Double-Sided Scrapbooking Tape
- Type: Double-sided roll tape
- Why it’s great: Permanent bond, acid-free, non-toxic
- Features: Easy to apply and great for light paper
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious crafters and everyday layouts
2. Glue Dots: Best for Embellishments and 3D Elements
When to use it:
- Adhering buttons, ribbons, gems, and other dimensional pieces
- Adding texture to your pages with layered embellishments
Why it’s great:
Glue dots are strong, mess-free, and come in various sizes. They’re perfect for things that don’t stick well with regular glue or tape.
Pro Tip:
Use mini glue dots for smaller embellishments and larger dots for heavier items.
Top-rated Glue Dots options on Amazon
🔹 Glue Dots (Dot ’n Go Dispenser, 3/8″ Permanent / Removable – 200 count)
A flexible choice in the popular Dot ’n Go dispenser format (~.38 in diameter) that includes a mix of permanent and removable adhesive dots.
- Why it’s great: Mess-free application, ideal for placing small to medium embellishments like flowers, ribbons, gems, or chipboard.
- Photo-safe: Acid-free, non-toxic, and archival quality—safe to use around photos and keepsakes
3. Liquid Glue: Best for Intricate Details and Die-Cuts
When to use it:
- Gluing delicate die-cut shapes
- Adhering small embellishments like sequins
- Fixing paper edges
Why it’s great:
Liquid glue gives you more control for tiny or intricate pieces. Many brands dry clear and have precision tips.
Caution:
Use sparingly! Too much glue can warp paper or seep out and stain your layout.
Top-rated Amazon-selected liquid glues
Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue (1.69 oz)
- What makes it great: Dual-tip bottle includes a fine pen tip for detailed work and a broader silicone applicator for larger areas—perfect for both die cuts and small embellishments. Dries clear, bond is strong and non‑foaming. Acid‑free and photo‑safe.
- Scrapbooking insights: Crafters have praised it for reliable performance over time, minimal paper warping when used sparingly, and excellent positioning control thanks to its dual-tips.
Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue (4 oz + tips)
- What makes it great: Designed specifically for fine-detail crafting, this glue delivers precision with multiple ultra-fine tips and an included pin to help prevent clogging. It offers wrinkle-resistant formula and dries matte and clear. Acid‑free, archival, and photo safe.
- Community praise: Widely recommended among card makers and scrapbookers. Reported to hold tiny paper elements securely without streaks or shine. Even users with limited hand strength find its fine tip easy to control.
4. Foam Adhesive Squares or Dots: Best for Adding Dimension
When to use it:
- Creating a layered or 3D look
- Lifting titles, stickers, or embellishments for depth
- Highlighting focal points on the page
Why it’s great:
Foam adhesives add dimension without bulk. They make layouts pop and help draw the eye to key elements.
Pro Tip:
Mix different thicknesses for an extra visual effect.
Amazon picks for foam adhesive squares or dots
🔸 3L Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares – White, 126‑count (½″ × ½″)
• High-density foam won’t crush or deform—even with heat embossing.
• Double-sided, permanent, acrylic-based adhesive—acid‑free and archival safe.
• Excellent for popping up larger die‑cuts, frames, or layered embellishments.
• Users highly praise the permanent bond and ideal thickness for scrapbooking and card‑making.
5. Glue Sticks: Best for Quick Paper-to-Paper Applications
When to use it:
- Attaching light paper layers
- Quick, casual layouts or kids’ scrapbooking
Why it’s great:
Glue sticks are affordable and easy to use. While not as strong as other adhesives, they’re great for lightweight papers.
Caution:
Not all glue sticks are acid-free—always check the label before using them on valuable photos or keepsakes.
Amazon recommendations for acid‑free glue sticks
🔹 Elmer’s All Purpose Acid‑Free Glue Stick (0.77 oz)
- A trusted staple for craft and school use. Goes on smoothly, dries clear, and bonds paper, cardboard, foam board, and more. Acid‑free and photo-safe, making it suitable for scrapbooking tasks.
- Widely sold in bulk 30‑count packs on Amazon—great value if you work on many pages.
🔹 Scotch Acid‑Free Permanent Glue Stick (40 g / ~1.4 oz)
- Jumbo-sized, acid‑free and photo-safe—crafted specifically with memory books and scrapbookers in mind. Clean, no-mess application and strong bonding.
- Popular for gluing large paper sections, lightweight embellishments, and background layers.
6. Spray Adhesive: Best for Large Backgrounds and Templates
When to use it:
- Mounting large pieces of paper
- Using stencils or templates in mixed-media scrapbooking
Why it’s great:
Spray adhesive covers large areas quickly and evenly. It’s useful for complex layering and mixed-media projects.
Caution:
Use in a well-ventilated area and protect your workspace—overspray can be messy!
🏆 Recommended Spray Adhesives
Scotch Photo‑Safe Spray Adhesive (Photo Mount) – 10.3 oz can
- Why it’s great: Professional-grade, acid‑free adhesive that’s safe for color photos, illustrations, and paper. Forms a permanent, clear bond that conforms to ISO photo-safety standards.
- Perfect for scrapbooking: Covers large areas quickly, ideal for mounting full-page backgrounds or mats without wrinkles or bleed-through.
- Spray Mount version: Available in repositionable/light-duty version (Scotch Spray Mount) that allows you to re-stick photos or layers within a limited time window (about 2–12 hours)
3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive is a fast-drying, clear, and photo-safe adhesive that forms a strong bond in just 15 seconds. Ideal for large backgrounds, templates, and multi-surface crafts, it works on paper, fabric, foam, plastic, glass, and more—making it a versatile go-to for scrapbookers and DIYers alike.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Adhesive
No single adhesive works for every scrapbooking need. Having a variety of adhesives in your crafting kit helps you choose the perfect one for the job—whether you’re attaching a delicate die-cut, layering cardstock, or adding a 3D flower.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Scrapbooking Task | Recommended Adhesive |
|---|---|
| Attaching photos | Double-sided tape |
| Adding embellishments | Glue dots or liquid glue |
| Creating dimension | Foam adhesive squares |
| Light paper layers | Glue stick |
| Die-cuts or fine details | Precision liquid glue |
| Large backgrounds | Spray adhesive |
With the right adhesive, your scrapbook pages will not only look amazing—they’ll stand the test of time.
What’s in your scrapbook adhesive toolkit?
Share your go-to brands and tips in the comments below. Happy scrapbooking!
Ready to get started? Check out our Scrapbooking Starter Checklist, browse Essential Tools Every Traditional Scrapbooker Should Own, or read How to Scrapbook on a Budget!