Techniques

Can I add color to glue?

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.

How can I use glue as a resist on fabric?

Temporary glue can be used as a resist 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 20 to 30 minutes in warm water to soften the glue.
  6. Hand wash or machine wash the fabric in warm soapy water to remove the glue entirely.

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

Can I make clay with glue?

Yes. Aleene's has several clay recipes using Original Tacky Glue and common 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.
  4. Knead the bread and glue within the bag until thoroughly mixed and a clay starts to form. Remove the clay from the bag and knead until fully formed. Note: if mixture is too runny, add more bread pieces in small amounts.
  5. Use clay to make desired item, then let dry overnight.
  6. Paint with acrylic paint if desired, let dry, then seal with your favorite sealer.

Can I crackle glue with Aleene’s glues?

Yes, you can use Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue to create crackled effects on surfaces. Here is how to crackle glue:

  1. Paint object with a basecoat 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 it reaches a tacky phase, but does not completely dry.
  3. While the layer of glue is still tacky, 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 completely dry, they will naturally crackle. Let dry completely.
  5. Protect project with your favorite sealer.

How to make cheesecloth ghosts with glue?

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

  1. You can use balloons, foam balls or other circular dimensional objects to form ghosts. If using a non-disposable object, protect with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.
  2. Cut desired size swatch/swatches from cheesecloth.
  3. Pour Fabric Stiffener in a disposable bowl, and wearing gloves, dip cheesecloth swatches in the liquid to saturate. Wring out excess.
  4. Drape saturated cheesecloth over circular object and let dry. Remove from form.
  5. Glue on facial features or use paint to create.
  6. Fabric Stiffener can be thinned with water up to a 50/50 ratio, and can be tinted with acrylic paint.

What glue can I use on tri-fold poster boards?

You can use any white glue from the Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue line on poster boards, including School Tacky Glue, Turbo Tacky Glue, Quick Dry Tacky Glue and Fast Grab Tacky Glue. All of these glues feature a thick formula that dries clear and won't yellow your poster board project.