Elmer’s glue, the classic white school glue found in classrooms and craft rooms around the world, is a versatile adhesive with many crafty applications. But can this familiar staple also serve as an effective sealant for arts and crafts? Let’s break down the sticky details.
Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s glue is a water-based adhesive made from PVA resin emulsified in water. It also contains preservatives and soluble fillers. When the water in Elmer’s glue dries up, the PVA polymers fuse together to form a solid bond.
Some key properties of Elmer’s glue:
- Soluble in water – Elmer’s glue can be thinned or washed away with water, making messes easy to clean. But this also means it can be reactivated by moisture.
- Dries transparent – When dry, Elmer’s glue is colorless and transparent. Useful when you don’t want the sealant to affect the look of your project.
- Non-toxic – Elmer’s is safe enough to use by kids. But it’s wise to avoid ingesting large amounts.
- Dries fairly fast and flexible – Typically dries in 30 minutes to an hour, forming a flexible seal rather than a rigid bond.
With this understanding of what Elmer’s glue is made of, let’s now look at how suitable it is as a protective sealant.
Using Elmer’s Glue as a Sealant
Glue and sealant may seem interchangeable, but they serve different purposes. Glue binds materials together, while a sealant blocks out external elements. When evaluating Elmer’s glue as a sealant, we need to consider how it holds up against potential damage factors.
Here are some pros and cons of using Elmer’s as a protective seal:
Pros:
- Affordable – At around $1 per bottle, Elmer’s offers an budget-friendly sealing option compared to higher-end sealants.
- Accessible – Found in most craft stores, school supply sections, and even many household pantries. Easy to use right away.
- Quick drying – Sets within an hour, allowing projects to be handled relatively soon after sealing.
- Easy application – Smooth consistency makes it easy to brush on evenly. Minimal prep or tools needed.
Cons:
- Not archival – Elmer’s glue contains acids that may cause paper or fabrics to yellow over time. Not ideal for preserving heirlooms or fine art.
- Water-soluble – Elmer’s seal can be reactivated and dissolved by water. Provides limited moisture protection.
- Temporary seal – Lacks the longevity and durability of professional-grade sealants designed for long-term protection.
- Can become brittle – Tendency to become brittle over time rather than remaining flexible. Can lead to cracking.
- Glossy finish – Dries to a shiny finish, which may not be desirable if you want a matte look.
Whether Elmer’s glue will work sufficiently as a sealant depends on several factors:
- Project materials – Best suited for porous, absorbent materials like paper, cardboard, and wood. Not ideal for non-porous surfaces.
- Exposure conditions – Will work better in dry, low-humidity environments. High moisture can compromise Elmer’s water-soluble seal.
- Needed longevity – Suitable for short-term projects. For valuables or long-term display, choose a more permanent archival sealant.
Test Elmer’s glue seal on a sample piece when possible. Overall, it can work in a pinch for temporary, low-stakes sealing jobs. But for more heavy-duty applications, a professional-grade sealant is recommended.
Using Elmer’s as a Sealant for Specific Materials and Uses
Elmer’s versatility allows it to seal a wide variety of arts, crafts, and DIY projects. Its effectiveness varies depending on the surface and application.
Papercrafts
Elmer’s can provide decent short-term protection for kids’ art projects, seasonal decorations, and low-value papercrafts. Avoid using it to seal valuable artwork or archival documents.
Best practices:
- Apply 2-3 thin, even coats for paper.
- Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next.
- For extra protection, top with a final coat of acrylic sealer.
Painted Surfaces
Due to its transparency and glossy sheen, Elmer’s works best as a sealant for painted crafts only when a shiny finish is desired. It can serve as a temporary protective layer over acrylic, tempera, or watercolor paints.
Tips for usage:
- Lightly sand painted surface before sealing to help Elmer’s adhere.
- Multiple coats are recommended to get a smooth, consistent gloss.
- Not suitable for oil or enamel paints, as Elmer’s can react with petroleum-based coatings.
Fabrics and Textiles
For fabrics, Elmer’s glue can seal small crafts like ribbon flowers or children’s sewing projects. It helps stiffen fabrics when decoupaging or adding dimensional details.
Recommended techniques:
- Dilute Elmer’s glue with a bit of water before applying to fabric for better absorption.
- Spot test on an inconspicuous area first to check for any discoloration risk.
- Look for another sealant if the project will get heavy use and require durable protection.
Wood Surfaces
For porous woods, Elmer’s glue can provide a protective film against minor scuffs and scratches. Useful for temporary finishes.
Usage tips:
- Ensure wood surface is clean before sealing. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or oils.
- Apply sealant quickly to raw wood before oxidation occurs.
- Allow ample drying time since Elmer’s penetrates wood more slowly.
Chalk Art
When applied over chalk pastels or chalkboard art, Elmer’s glue can help fix and seal in the powdery pigment. This allows the art to be gently cleaned without smearing.
Best practices:
- Mist the chalk art lightly with water first – this helps the sealant absorb evenly.
- Use light coats – thick glue layers may bubble or obscure details.
- Once sealed, avoid heavy scrubbing that could wear down the protective barrier.
Children’s Crafts
For kids’ arts and crafts, Elmer’s offers a child-safe, mess-free sealant option. Although not archival, it can provide a protective boost for projects handled by little hands.
Tips for usage:
- Supervise children during application to avoid messes or ingestion.
- Allow adequate drying time before letting projects go home.
- Remind kids to be gentle so the sealant doesn’t chip or flake off.
While Elmer’s glue isn’t ideal for every situation, it can serve as a handy sealant in a pinch for casual crafts. For more specialized applications, opt for a professional-grade product formulated specifically for sealing.
Professional vs. DIY Sealants
Beyond good ‘ole Elmer’s, many sealant options exist for protecting art and craft projects. Professional products provide more specialized, heavy-duty protection. But homemade DIY sealants can also work in some situations.
Professional Sealants
Specialty sealants are engineered for archival preservation and durable protection. Products like varnish, acrylic sealers, and fixatives safeguard artwork against damage from moisture, UV rays, dust, and wear.
Benefits of professional-grade sealants:
- Permanence – Made to last decades without yellowing, remaining flexible, and resisting moisture.
- Specialty formulas – Designed for specific uses like sealing oil paints, charcoal drawings, or wood finishes.
- Professional results – Provide even application and ideal sheen/finish for galleries or selling artworks.
- Safety – Archival products are non-toxic when dry. Better suited for sealing collectibles, heirlooms, or children’s art.
Popular types of professional sealants:
- Fixatives – Seal and protect porous media like pastels, pencil, and charcoal drawings.
- Varnishes – Form a clear, protective coating over paintings, wood finishes, and other surfaces. Come in matte, satin, or gloss sheens.
- Acrylic sealer sprays – Offer UV protection and water resistance for various arts and crafts. Available in mattes and finishes.
DIY Sealants
If you’re in a pinch without professional sealants on hand, some homemade options can work for less demanding projects:
Potential DIY sealants:
- White glue – Elmer’s and other PVA-based glues act as temporary seals as previously discussed.
- Hairspray – Light applications of hairspray help set chalk and pastel pigments. Reapply frequently.
- Shellac – Brush-on shellac solutions lightly coat and protect crafts and wood finishes.
- Wax paper – Lightly rubbed with a cloth, wax paper can provide a minimal seal for crayon art.
Tips for DIY sealants:
- Test on a small sample first to check effects.
- Apply multiple thin coats for best results.
- DIY solutions won’t offer archival, long-lasting protection.
When choosing a sealant, assess your project’s sealing needs and how much protection is required. For professional preservation or enduring protection, it’s worth investing in high-quality specialty sealants. For casual projects, household products like Elmer’s glue can temporarily seal in a pinch.
Applying Elmer’s as a Sealant
Once you’ve determined that Elmer’s glue is suitable for your particular project, follow these tips to properly apply it as a sealant:
Gather Materials
- Elmer’s white school glue
- Small container for diluting glue, if needed
- Soft-bristle paintbrush, foam brush, or craft stick for applying
- Paper plates or wax paper – protects work surface from drips
Prepare the Surface
- Clean the surface so it’s free of dust, oils, or chemicals that could impede adhesion
- Lightly sand paint or varnish to help the sealant bind
- Dry fully before sealing to prevent bubbling
Prepare the Glue
- Shake the bottle to ensure the glue is well-mixed
- Thin with a bit of water if sealing porous surfaces – about 10% water to glue
- Avoid over-thinning, as sealant needs to remain opaque for protection
Apply the Sealant
- Work in a ventilated area
- Use smooth, thin, even strokes
- Build up multiple light coats for best protection, allowing drying in between
- For a smoother finish, gently brush the final coat with long strokes
- Let dry fully – may take 1-2 hours
Allow Time to Cure
- Full curing takes at least 24-48 hours
- Avoid washing or submerging project during this time
- Keep free from dust, dirt, and abrasion while curing
With some testing and practice, Elmer’s glue can serve as a handy sealant for casual arts and crafts projects. While it won’t replace professional-grade sealants for archival protection, Elmer’s offers a child-safe, accessible option for temporary sealing needs. Keep a bottle on hand for spur-of-the-moment crafting with the kids!