For the purposes of jewelry, you need to use something that will stand up to wear and tear. When I first started making jewelry, I know nothing. I had to teach myself how to do it all, and in the process, I've tried a ton of different glues, always questing for that one glue that would bond anything to anything. And so, I present to you the best and the worst of my trials and errors.
1. "Super Glue" Fix-All Adhesive
This was the first glue I tried after failing miserably with normal superglue. I like that it is more of a gel than normal super glue or crazy glue, but it does NOT fix "all," as the packaging promises. It will not bond metal or plastic, glass, or stone. It may adhere at first, but within hours of wear, the stone or whatever you glued onto the metal will fall off. It only works on very porous surfaces -- not good for jewelry making. But, at $1, I got what I paid for.
2. Aleene's Jewelry & Metal Glue
I bought this one at Michael's. I'll be blunt - it sucks. Just as #1, it doesn't work on smooth, non-porous surfaces. It breaks off very cleanly. This one was a waste of money. Everything I tried to glue onto ring blanks or brooch pins eventually fell off. Not cool for paying $5.
3. Amazing GOOP Craft
This glue isn't the best, but it does work. You do have to rough up plastic before glue it, to ensure the optimal bond, but if used right, this glue works. It dries clear, and has a rubbery, flexible texture. However, with more vinyl like plastics, the bond stills break on occasion. However, at $3 it's not so bad.
4. Shoe Goo
I love this stuff. I actually bought it to repair a shoe that's sole literally ripped off. It is intended to bond rubber, vinyl, and canvas. I don't use it to bond those materials to metal, but when I want to bond them to each other, this is a good choice. You have to allow ample drying and curing time, but it will be worth it. It also did the trick for my shoes!
5. E6000
This is the absolute best glue I have ever used. The label is very plain, but it is amazing. It is industrial strength, which means super smelling and not good for you, so I advise cracking a window when using it. It is a gel and dries clear. It dries relatively fast for a gel, but I recommend allowing at least a day for the glue to fully cure. It truly bonds anything to anything. I haven't experienced any breakage to date. It works on smooth non-porous surfaces as well as porous ones like fabric and maintains just enough flexibility.
Normal super glue/crazy glue is not viable option for making jewelry. It is too runny, does not dry clear, and dries with a rough unattractive finish. Elmer's Glue will also not work. It is not waterproof and just not meant to last. As for hot glue, I don't really bother with it, because it doesn't last and can be messy.
If you're interested in what I have made, check out my etsy store, The Betwixt Boutique!
Related articles
- DIY Unique Jewelry Displays (apartmentguide.com)
- Why you shouldn't make Mod Podge (homemakerchic.wordpress.com)
- Get Creative with Buttons (apartmentguide.com)
