UHU Adhesives

Some time ago, I received four types of UHU adhesive products for review. These adhesives are: Glue Stick, All-Purpose Twist & Glue, Disposable Glue Roller (Permanent) and the Scrapbooker’s Glue Pen. First, I’ll give you the features listed on the packaging and online, then I’ll give my feedback.

Glue Stick

Features:
- Forms a strong, long lasting bond with just a single stroke
- Goes on smoothly with no clumps
- Washable, acid free & photo safe
- Ideal for paper, cardboard and photos
- Non-toxic – conforms to ASTM D-4236
- Color stick goes on purple for precise application, dries clear

My review: I stopped being a fan of glue sticks because of their tendency to create messy strings of adhesive. UHU’s glue stick is no exception. However, it has many redeeming features and so I will continue to use it for scrapbook projects. I like the screw top of this glue stick since it lessens the stringy mess a bit. It glides on easily and doesn’t curl paper. I just have to make sure that all lumps of glue were spread out (yes, there’s a little bit of clumping). The major thing I like about this glue is its use for attaching ribbons. It doesn’t seep through, and it forms an instant bond between ribbon and paper. I don’t have to keep my hand on the ribbon, waiting for the glue to dry. While I like Making Memories’ ribbon glue , I’ll keep the UHU glue stick around for the same purpose.

All-Purpose Twist & Glue

Features:
- Dries strong and clear
- Ideal for paper, cardboard, wood, felt, fabrics & cork
- Can be used to glue these materials to metals, ceramics, glass, polystyrene, foam & many plastics
- Washable with soap & water
- Acid free formula is solvent-free & non-toxic
- Not damaged by freezing
- Versatile applicator

My review: I tried this adhesive on paper, cardboard and ribbon. I found that it dries more slowly than the other types of adhesive. I don’t recommend it for ribbon since it seeps through and discolors it. It worked well for me on paper-to-cardboard projects, especially when I worked with large surfaces. I like the applicator of this glue which can apply the adhesive in dots or in a broader swathe. I will probably not use this glue for scrapbooking, but will keep it around for general papercrafting projects.

Disposable Glue Roller – Permanent

Features:
- Acid-free and solvent-free formula
- Innovative micro-dot glue pattern means a clean break, no stringing effect
- Bonds paper, cardboard, photos, plastics, glass and other smooth surfaces
- Applies dry to give an instant and permanent bond
- Adjustment screw for constant tension on tape
- Contains 39 ft (12m) of micro dots

My review : I used the roller on photos and patterned papers on a scrapbook page. I found that the shape fits comfortably in my hand. While the adhesive rolls easily, light pressure is required, or else some of the glue is left on the tape. My usual adhesive for photos is mounting squares, which I apply only on the corners. With the roller, I had to apply it to the entire four edges of a photo to get a strong bond. Once the adhesive was applied, I had to press the photo firmly into the background or matting paper to adhere it well. I’ve had a photo pop up after I applied it to the page, so this glue needs to have more tack in it for me to use it more often.

Scrapbooker’s Glue Pen

Features:
- Craft glue formulated just for scrapbooking needs
- Formulated to dry fast and not run
- Pen design allows delicate glue placement
- Does not wrinkle paper
- Glides smoothly on paper, while spreading glue evenly
- Specially designed cap ensures that the applicator never clogs
- Fits in narrow tool trays, utensil holders or apron pockets
- Strong, non-toxic & washable

My review: Unlike the other adhesives, there’s no mention anywhere of this glue being acid-free. But, since it is made for scrapbookers, I’m inclined to assume that it is. I used this glue on photos, cardstock and patterned paper. I like the pen design and the unique applicator that allows a thin layer of glue to be applied. However, I found that the layer shouldn’t be too thin, otherwise the glue won’t hold. As claimed, it doesn’t wrinkle the paper.

Summary

When I received these adhesives in the mail, I was excited to try the Glue Roller which is a new product from UHU. However, it turns out that after trying all 4, the roller is my least favorite. I like the Scrapbooker’s Pen and the Glue Stick for scrapbooking use. I’ll try to verify whether the Scrapbooker’s Pen is acid-free or not. The Twist & Glue is something I’ll use for general papercrafting.

UHU, which is made in Germany, is distributed in the U.S. by Saunders Mfg. Corp. For craft ideas, visit UHU’s project blog.