Frequently Asked Questions

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info@aleenes.com

Wondering how to get the most out of your Aleene’s glue? Use the search bar to find tips and techniques in our frequently asked questions.

Order & Shipping

To find an International Distributor, please contact us at info@aleenes.com. We can connect you, based on your country.

For wholesale, please visit shop.ilovetocreate.com

Generally, all online orders are shipped and delivered by FedEx Economy.
Currently, we only ship within the United States. But we do have international distributors ready to help. Email us at info@aleenes.com and we can connect you, based on your country.
In general, all orders placed Monday through Friday will begin processing the following business day. Please note that orders placed on Friday will begin processing on the following Monday. We strive to ship your order within 48 hours (excluding weekends), however there may be delays due to holidays. Orders placed during promotional sales may take up to 3 additional business days to process. Delivery times do not include Saturday, Sunday or Holidays. An expedited freight option is provided when available as well, but will still be subject to the above conditions.
You should receive an email confirmation that your order was received as soon as you submit your order online. Once your order is processed and shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email for your order with tracking information. Please be sure to add our email to your email addresses and "Safe Senders" anti-spam list. If you do not receive either your order confirmation or shipping confirmation emails, please reach out to us at info@aleenes.com.
Once you order ships, you will receive an automatic shipping confirmation email from us with your tracking information. If you do not receive this email, please reach out to us at info@aleenes.com.
Please contact us at info@aleenes.com as soon as you realize you made a mistake. If the order hasn't shipped, we can look at making changes or adjustments for you.
Please reach out to your local carrier's office to track the package and see if they show where they left the package. In some cases, the package will be at the local carrier's office if no one was available to receive it.
Damages are the responsibility of the local carrier. Please reach out to them for next steps on your package.
If you receive a damaged or defective product, please contact us at info@aleenes.com. We will be happy to help you!

Glue Types & Products

PVA Glue stands for polyvinyl acetate glue and refers to the type of resin used in the glue. PVA glue is commonly known as white glue or school glue and is water-based, odorless, nontoxic, and does not break down or yellow over time. PVA glue remains flexible when dry and does not affect the PH balance of papers, photos, and other items used.
The type of glue you'll need for each project depends on the surfaces you work with. Gluing on foam requires a more flexible bond; gluing non-porous surfaces like glass or hard plastic requires a more industrial glue formula. The best way to figure out which glue you need is to visit our product pages online or refer to the instructions on the glue label for recommended surfaces.
Each glue is made from different raw materials, some toxic and some not. By law, all products containing toxic materials must have a caution message printed on all labels. To be sure if a glue is toxic, read the entire label and look for clearly marked warnings.

Aleene's Tacky Glue is nontoxic and safe for classroom, home, or office use. Make sure to check the label of any glue before using, as all products containing toxic materials are required to print a caution message on all labels.

Fabric glues are made with acrylic as a main ingredient instead of resin, like Tacky Glue. Acrylic-based glue is more water-resistant and flexible than PVA glue, allowing it to hold up better in the wash.
Aleene's uses a specially formulated resin in the Original Tacky Glue formula, giving it a high initial "tack" (grabbing power) and bonding strength. Original Tacky Glue's thick formula helps it grab and hold items on contact. Other craft glues use more water and less adhesive solids, causing the glues to be less effective.

School glue is a nontoxic, kid-friendly adhesive that is safe for use in the classroom. School glue is often a white glue - also called a PVA Glue or polyvinyl acetate glue - and is nontoxic, odorless, and acid-free.

Craft adhesives contain formulas for adhering to more general surfaces like kids' crafts (paper, felt, glitter, and lightweight materials), hobby projects (non-washable fabrics, wood, etc.), and basic household repairs.
Glues that are solvent-based (as opposed to water-based) will be your best bet. Industrial strength or Silicone glues formulated to be weatherproof are good options. Aleene's DIY Craft Super Glue is an ultra-strong, water- and UV-resistant adhesive, making it an excellent choice. Aleene's Ultimate Adhesive or Super Fabric are also excellent waterproof options.

Yes, Aleene's makes waterproof sealants. Check out Aleene's Spray Acrylic Sealers in matte, gloss, and pearlescent finishes.

For paper craft techniques such as Collage, Decoupage or Paper Mache, we recommend using Aleene's Premium Decoupage Glue. It is also a popular glue for DIY greeting cards, gift wrap, scrapbooking, stamps & posters. The Aleene's Premium Decoupage Glue in Matte and Gloss finishes can be used with the following materials: paper, cardstock, cardboard, tissue paper, wood, terra cotta, canvas, glass, plaster, styrofoam, foam sheets, embellishments such as ribbons, glitter, iridescent mica powders, fabric. Instructions: Apply the Decoupage Glue onto the substrate surface with a paintbrush, sponge, or foam dauber. Then apply the glued items (tissue paper, embellishments, paper cutouts, etc.) onto the surface while the glue is still wet. Smooth out the glue items with your finger until all air voids are pushed out. At this stage, you may allow the Decoupage Glue to dry completely or apply another coat over the top as a sealer. Clean-up any excess product with a damp cloth. Allow the product to fully dry for about 24-72 hours before handling. Additional information: This product has UV resistance and also moisture resistance so the product will withstand some outdoor conditions without turning yellow and/or falling apart.

Glue Application

Drying time varies depending on the glue formulation, the temperature and humidity, and the amount of glue used. Generally, the thinner the application of glue and the warmer and dryer the climate, the faster the glue will dry. Heat is the most efficient method for getting glue to dry quickly. You can use a blow dryer, a heat lamp, a fan or other accelerator products to help speed up the glue drying process. 

Glue doesn't always have to be applied directly from the bottle; depending on the project and surfaces, sometimes using other tools is better, depending on your goal. Generally, you'll want to use disposable tools that can be thrown away after use since glue can damage the tool or brush. We recommend the following tools for applying glue: sea sponges, cosmetic sponges, toothpicks, inexpensive bristle brushes/paintbrushes, foam brushes, cotton swabs.

A glue is water soluble depending on the materials it is made out of. If the materials are water soluble, the bonds they form have limited resistance to moisture because they more easily absorb water. Many of Aleene's glues are water soluble; check the glue label for water resistance details.

There are many reasons why glue might not work as it's supposed to: The surfaces you are trying to glue are dirty or greasy, thus preventing the glue from properly bonding to the surfaces. Make sure the items are clean from visible dirt and debris. PVA and solvent glues work by sinking into the surfaces of the articles being glued and forming a physical bond to lock the pieces together. You might be using the wrong glue for the surfaces you are gluing; check the glue label to see what surfaces it's formulated to adhere to. The glue might need to be applied differently. Make sure to read all instructions before using.

The easiest way to get every drop of glue out of a glue bottle is to turn it upside down and stand it tip down in a cup or a jar. Allow the glue to flow to the tip. Keep the glue stored that way until all the glue is gone. You can also use a cotton swab, toothpick, or skewer to help get all the glue out of the bottle.
    Apply a layer of glue to both substrates to be glued. Do not immediately press together; instead wait about 5 minutes for the glue to tack up so it’s not as slippery. Press the items together. Secure with tape, clamps or clothespins until the glue dries completely.
It depends on the items you are gluing together. Popular tools for hard surfaces like wood and plastic include masking tape, clamps and clothespins. For fabrics, use straight pins, clothespins or safety pins.

Glue residue happens. Whether using a Spray Adhesive or if you apply too much glue before pressing your substrates together. Here are a couple of quick ways to address this concern. If the glue is still wet, use a dry paper towel or Q-tip to remove most of the excess, then clean away with a damp, soapy cloth. If the glue has dried, you can try peeling or rubbing it away by carefully scraping it from the surface with a knife or razor blade or using a glue remover product like Goo Gone. All Tacky and water-based adhesives can be removed with an all-natural, biodegradable citrus-based cleaner. For solvent-based adhesives, we recommend trying acetone (found in nail polish remover), rubbing alcohol (85% or higher), or mineral spirits.

How long it takes for glue to dry depends on several factors, including the glue used, how much glue was used on your project, and the humidity level in your area. A general rule for white glue is to let the glue dry at least overnight for the bond to properly set. If there will be any weight bearing on the bond, we recommend allowing the glue to dry for at least 48 hours. When the glue is set up, it does not always mean it is completely dry, so the best practice is to wait for the recommended dry time. See labels for additional details.

Cleanup & Care Tips

All Aleene's adhesives are treated with a biocide to prevent bacteria growth. If you keep the glue bottle capped tightly, your glue should last a long time.
If your glue freezes, allow it to thaw out, and it will work just fine. Aleene's glues are tested and pass several freeze/thaw tests to ensure a quality experience each time you use them.
No. Aleene's glues are formulated to dry clear and will not turn yellow over time. If using Aleene's adhesives for outdoor projects, please check the label for statements regarding UV resistance. We have specialized formulas, like The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive, that won't turn yellow or become brittle under the sun.

Aleene's Insta-Fuse Fabric Fusion is the only product in the line that is dry cleanable. Chemicals used in most dry cleaning processes will weaken or dissolve most other glues and weaken the bond.

Remove the tip from the bottle. Rinse or soak the tip in warm water. Poke a skewer/T-pin through the tip to clear away the dried glue. Note: if you poke a pin through the tip without removing it first, you'll push the clog down into the glue bottle, which can eventually return to the tip.
Storing projects made with glue depends on the project. Since most liquid glues dry without tackiness, they can be stored on top of or next to other items without issue. If you are unsure, you can store glued items in standard packing materials.

Techniques

Yes, you can add acrylic paint to your glue to change the color of it. The proportion of paint to glue depends on the color you want to achieve: for a darker color, use more paint, adding a small amount at a time until the desired color is reached. Deep reds are difficult to achieve because the whiteness of the glue creates a pastel shade. However, most glues can be turned quite dark with just a small amount of paint. The color will remain the same when the glue dries.

Temporary glue can be used as a resistor on fabric. Note: Permanent fabric glue will dry permanently on the fabric and should not be used. Here is how to use glue as a resist:

  1. Apply the glue to the fabric in the design of your choice.
  2. Allow the glue to dry completely on the fabric, becoming rigid and clear.
  3. Paint or dye the fabric in the colors of your choice.
  4. Allow the fabric to dry completely after applying the dye/paint.
  5. Soak the fabric in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften the glue.
  6. Wash the fabric by hand or machine in warm, soapy water to remove the remaining glue.

Tip: Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue makes a great resist on fabric.

Yes. Aleene's has several clay recipes using Original Tacky Glue and everyday household items. Here is how to make clay with glue and bread:

  1. Remove the crust from a slice of bread (white bread is suggested for best results when coloring the clay).
  2. Tear the bread slice into small pieces and place in a disposable plastic bag, then add 1 tablespoon of Tacky Glue.
  3. Add a few drops of acrylic paint to color the clay if desired. Clay can also be painted after drying. Knead the bread and glue within the bag until thoroughly mixed and clay forms.
  4. Remove the clay from the bag and knead until fully formed. Note: if the mixture is too runny, add more bread pieces in small amounts. Use clay to make the desired item, then let dry overnight.
  5. Paint with acrylic paint if desired, let it dry, then seal it with your favorite Aleene's Acrylic Sealer.

Aleene's Original Tacky Glue can create crackled effects on surfaces. Here is how to create a crack effect using glue:

  1. Paint the object with a base coat of acrylic paint. Let dry.
  2. Brush an abundant layer of Tacky Glue over the dried paint in the areas you want to crackle. Let the glue set until firm and tacky but not completely dry.
  3. While the layer of glue is still sticky, brush the same color of paint or a contrasting color over the glue, brushing only once instead of back and forth, as that could hinder the crackling process.
  4. As the paint and glue dry, they will naturally crackle. Let dry completely.
  5. Protect your project with your favorite Aleene's Acrylic Sealer.

Here is how to make cheesecloth ghosts with Aleene's Fabric Stiffener glue:

  1. You can form ghosts with balloons, foam balls, or other circular dimensional objects. If you are using a non-disposable object, you can protect the surface with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.
  2. Cut desired swatch size from cheesecloth.
  3. Pour Fabric Stiffener into a disposable bowl, and wearing gloves, dip cheesecloth swatches in the liquid to saturate. Wring out the excess.
  4. Drape saturated cheesecloth over circular object and let dry.
  5. Remove from form.
  6. Glue on facial features or use paint to create. Fabric Stiffener can also be thinned with water up to a 50/50 ratio and tinted with acrylic paint.
You can use any of the following Aleene's adhesives on poster boards: Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, School Tacky Glue, Turbo Tacky Glue, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, and Fast Grab Tacky Glue. All of these glues feature a thick, non-toxic formula that dries clear and won't yellow or wrinkle your poster board project.

DIY & Repair

It depends on the surfaces you are gluing. Check glue labels to verify what surfaces they are formulated to work best on (ex. wood, plastic, glass, porcelain). In general, you want a glue that is formulated to dry permanently with a strong hold. For outdoor items, we recommend adhesives that are weather proof and UV proof.

Aleene's makes several adhesives that are great for gluing plastic to wood. Aleene's DIY Craft Super Glue Gel is an industrial-strength glue that bonds in seconds and can be used on a variety of heavy duty surfaces, including plastic and wood. Another heavy duty glue that you can trust for gluing plastic to wood is The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive.

Gluing plastic to plastic usually requires an industrial-strength bond, depending on the type of plastic. Aleene’s The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive has an industrial-strength formula that works great for gluing plastic to plastic. For smaller, more delicate plastics like rhinestones, try using a non-solvent based glue that won’t damage the rhinestone, like Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue.
Gluing metal to plastic generally requires a stronger glue formula. We recommend using Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue, which is an industrial-strength glue specifically formulated to work on metals, plastics and more.

We recommend using Aleene's DIY Craft Super Glue Gel to glue rubber to plastic. This industrial-strength, all-purpose glue works on a variety of heavy duty surfaces, such as rubber, plastic, glass, metal, fiberglass and more.

Because vinyl is a heavier material, we recommend using an industrial-strength glue formulated for fabric, such as Aleene’s Super Fabric Adhesive. You can also use Aleene’s The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive, which is formulated to work on a variety of heavy materials, including fabric.
To repair a broken mirror, use a glue formulated for glass, such as Aleeness Glass & Bead Adhesive or Aleene's Mixed Media Adhesive. These industrial-strength adhesives have a thick gel formula designed to grab slick surfaces like glass and mirrors upon contact.

Fabric & Embellishment Glue

The best fabric glue for patches with textile backings is Permanent Fabric Glue. Fabric Fusion will also work well for denim fabric repair but will have a slightly stiffer “hand.”

The water-based fabric glues, such as Fabric Fusion, OK to Wash-It, Permanent Fabric Glue, etc., will wash out easily with a water rinse or one wash cycle if the glue is still wet. 

The solvent-based fabric glues, such as Super Fabric Adhesive and Quick Dry Fabric Fusion, are more difficult to wash out and will require using a solvent such as acetone to remove the wet glue. Always test before use.

The heat-activated Insta-Fuse Fabric Fusion can be washed off very easily with water before heat set. 

The dry time for fabric glue depends on the application thickness. Waiting a minimum of 72 hours for all the fabric glues is recommended before laundering. 

Most of the water-based fabric glues, such as Fabric Fusion, OK to Wash-It, and Permanent Fabric Glue, will dry within an hour for thin applications. Thicker applications of the water-based fabric glues will require up to 24 hours to dry. 

The solvent-based fabric glues will dry quicker. Super Fabric Adhesive dries within 30-40 minutes and Quick Dry Fabric Fusion will dry within 3 minutes. 

For instant hold with no dry time, use the heat-activated Insta-Fuse Fabric Fusion.

Yes. The fabric glues such as OK to Wash-It, Permanent Fabric Glue, and Fabric Fusion work very well as craft glues, and have a non-acidic pH which is a good feature for paper crafts. The fabric glues also dry more flexible than the usual craft glues such as Tacky Glue and Clear Gel Tacky. 

Vinyl is a difficult substrate to adhere using fabric glues. Super Fabric Adhesive has moderate adhesion, but can peel up when not applied correctly.

Yes.  The fabric glues are a good alternative to sewing but the crafter is advised to test first to make sure the “hand” and amount of soak-through is acceptable. Our fabric glues remain permanent through repeated washings and won’t yellow or lose adhesion over time.

Currently, most fabric glues contain synthetic ingredients, and truly eco-friendly options are limited. However, there are some alternatives, like water-based fabric glues, that limit the use of petroleum-based solvents that make them more sustainable options. If this is important to you, consider Fabric Fusion, OK to Wash-It, Permanent Fabric Glue, etc.

An embellishment glue is a fabric glue that is used to decorate garments and home décor items. Fabric glues are a great option for embellishing because of their flexible, permanent bond that keeps items in place. Typical embellishments include rhinestones, beads, pom poms, trims, sequins, glitter, appliqués, etc. 

Yes, glitter can be adhered to fabric with fabric glue. To add glitter to fabric with fabric glue, squeeze the glue directly from the bottle or use a paint brush to apply designs onto fabric with or without a stencil. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle on a generous amount of glitter and wait for the glue to dry. After the glue is dry, shake off all excess glitter. Glitters generally have good adhesion and longevity on fabric with all Aleene’s fabric glues.   

The best glue for applying rhinestones to a variety of surfaces is Rhinestone Adhesive. It is formulated to dry clear, flexible, and permanent, and won’t damage or tarnish embellishments. Water-based fabric glues will also adhere strongly without any damaging effects to rhinestones. The other recommended rhinestone glues are Jewel-It, OK to Wash-It, and Permanent Fabric Glue. 

 

The best rhinestone glue for fabrics is Rhinestone Adhesive. It is formulated to dry clear, flexible, and permanent, and won’t damage or tarnish embellishments. Liquid Fusion Performance adhesive is another great option, providing the strongest rhinestone to fabric bond strength of the glues. 

 

The water-based fabric glues such as Fabric Fusion, Permanent Fabric Glue, and OK to Wash-It are the safest fabric glues with the lowest toxicity as they are non-carcinogenic, do not contain harsh solvents, and are nonflammable.   

Soaking in acetone can remove some dried fabric glues but may not remove all the adhesive.   

All our permanent fabric glues, including Leather & Suede Glue, are water-resistant. They are not considered waterproof.  Our temporary fabric glues, such as No-Sew and Temporary Fabric Glue Sticks, are designed to be washed out and therefore are not water-resistant. These adhesives are ideal for temporary fixes or for use with sewing machines.

The best fabric glue for your project depends on what the project is. Always test fabric glues in an inconspicuous location before applying to your project.            

· Velvet: 

The best fabric glues for velvet are Fabric Fusion, Permanent Fabric Glue, OK to Wash-It, Quick Dry Fabric Fusion, and Super Fabric. Quick Dry Fabric Fusion will have the softest hand and the least amount of bleed-through. On dark fabrics, any of these glues will work well.   

· Lampshades: 

The best fabric glue for lampshades are Fabric Fusion, Rhinestone Adhesive, Permanent Fabric Glue, OK to Wash-It, and Fabric Fusion Tape. These fabric glues have been tested up to 160 °F so they are able to withstand hot temperatures and are nonflammable. The Fabric Fusion Tape will have the most invisible look and will adhere strongly to plastic lampshade liners.

· Polyester:

The best fabric glues for polyester are Fabric Fusion, Permanent Fabric Glue, OK to Wash-It, Quick Dry Fabric Fusion, and Super Fabric. Fabric Fusion Tape will also work well if the fabric is smooth, but is not recommended for textured polyester.  

· Textured Nylon:

The best fabric glues for textured nylon are Fabric Fusion, Permanent Fabric Glue, OK to Wash-It. Test first for soak-through.

· Nylon windbreaker, ski-jacket materials: 

The best fabric glue for nylon windbreaker and ski-jacket materials is Fabric Fusion Tape. Use a double layer of tape for stronger adhesion. 

· Spandex:

The best fabric glue for spandex is Flexible Stretchable, which is specifically formulated for stretchy fabrics. Permanent Fabric Glue or the Quick Dry Fabric Fusion will also stretch slightly with the spandex.

· Satin:

The best fabric glues for satin are Quick Dry Fabric Fusion or the Fabric Fusion Tape. Satin has a higher potential for wet soak, so test before use.  

· Felt:

The best fabric glues for felt are Quick Dry Fabric Fusion, Permanent Fabric Glue, OK to Wash-It, Super Fabric. A moderately thick layer of glue should be used to fill in the textured gaps in the fabric for the strongest bonds. Fast Grab Tacky Glue or Felt and Foam Tacky Glue are our best craft glues for non-washable felt craft projects.

· Leather, porous backside: 

The best leather glues to use on the porous backside are Leather & Suede Glue, Fabric Fusion, or Liquid Fusion.

· Leather, smooth top side: 

The best leather glue for the smooth top side is Jewelry & Metal Glue.

 Yes. Waiting a minimum of 72 hours for all the fabric glues is recommended before laundering. Fabric glues with temporary hold, like No-Sew, are not machine washable. You can also refer to the back of the packaging for dry times and laundering instructions.

The water-based fabric glues may darken certain lightweight and delicate fabrics, such as polyester satin ribbon. The solvent-based fabric glues may cause some color-bleeding of some dyed items. It is recommended to test fabric glues in an inconspicuous location before applying to your project.