Looking for alternatives to a hot glue gun? Here’s a great list of amazing glues to use with different materials!

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you are also looking for an alternative to the almighty glue gun. When I tell people that I’m a DIY blogger that doesn’t use a glue gun, most people don’t believe it. In fact, most people don’t even know of any alternatives to a glue gun!

Why I don’t use a Glue Gun

I have never enjoyed using a glue gun. I burn myself every. single. time. I use one. Maybe I’m just not patient enough.. lol. But if I wait until the glue isn’t too hot, then its dry and I have to peel it off, taking my work surface with it. Can’t win.

Then there’s the glue strings… ugh. How can you possibly get a DIY project to look good with those strings? And the clumps? It’s impossible to flatten the glue before it dries (or again, you burn your finger!), and then I end up with lumps and clumps all over my project… I’m too much of a perfectionist to work with a glue gun!

So I have a glue stash. A few different glues that I use for EVERYTHING from crafts with my daughters, to DIYs with my Cricut Explore 2, to woodworking. And I promise that NONE of these glues burn you, leave clumps or take too long to dry!

Here are some amazing alternatives to glue guns

Buttons – 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue <– Still dries super fast!
Burlap –  Fabri-Tac & Stop Fraying
Ceramics – Two part epoxy
Copper – Two part epoxy
Cork – Power-Tac <– Super strong and still dries really fast!
Craft Metal – Power-Tac
Denim – Fabri-Tac
Embellishments (Rhinestones, glitter, pearls, etc.) – Gem-Tac
Fabric – Fabri-Tac
Fur (faux) – 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Felt – Fabri-Tac
Jute string – 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Lace – Fabri-Tac
Leather – Power-Tac (I used to use E6000, but this stuff doesn’t smell)
Leather (faux) –3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Paper (tissue paper, cardstock, regular) – Any glue stick, or Mod Podge for decoupage
Pipe cleaners –3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Plastic –Two part epoxy
Pom poms –3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Raffia – Spray Adhesive (on surface)
Ribbon –Fabri-Tac
Rope – PL Premium
Tissue Paper – Spray Adhesive
Twine – 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Vellum – Spray Adhesive
Wire (floral) – 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue
Wood – Wood glue

What Glue is Best for Kids?

There are so many awesome materials for kids to DIY and craft with and the most common glue traditionally is a glue gun. I don’t love a glue gun for myself, but I also don’t love giving one to my kids, especially if I’m not using it hand-over-hand with them.

Instead I typically give them the 3-in-1 advanced glue. It’s perfect for a ton of kids materials including ribbon, pom poms, pipe cleaners, toilet paper rolls, beads, and more! It’s not hot so it won’t burn them, it’s easy to use, and it dries quickly, which is important considering how impatient my kids are!

Some Glue Gun Alternatives in Action

All of these glues are on this list because I’ve used and loved them! I wanted to share a few examples of how I’ve used my favourite ones so that you can check them out before you buy them!

Alternatives to Glue Guns

Some great alternatives to glue guns that I've used in my home and DIY projects.

Two Part Epoxy

The two-part epoxy glue is strong! I use it in a lot of my home decor projects, especially when working with heavy or strong materials, like copper pipe. I made this blanket ladder with that adhesive and loved it because it dried quickly and easily!

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3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue

Almost any craft we do here, including crafts with my kids, involves the 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue. The glue is so easy to use! This glue can get a bit stringy, the same way a glue gun can, but its not hot or dangerous to touch so it's perfect for kids crafts. My kids use this glue for all of their tricky materials like pom poms, pipe cleaners, ribbons, etc.

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Power Tac

I used the Power Tac to make this beautiful wreath and the pieces stayed on permanently with no mess! Power Tac is one of my favourite glues to use because it goes on easily, dries quickly, and doesn't give off any odour, like some of the other alternatives out there. It's not stringy, and you only need a small amount to get a good adhesion.

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Wood Glue

It may seem obvious to use wood glue with larger wood project, like this DIY lego table, but it's also wise to use it with small wood projects! When I do kids crafts that involve boxes or designs from the dollar store, I always use wood glue to adhere wood to wood!

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If you think of something that should be on the list, let me know! I’d love to update it!