Elmer’s glue sticks have been a classroom and crafting staple for generations. As one of the most trusted brands, Elmer’s offers a range of glue stick products tailored to different applications and bonding needs. But how strong are Elmer’s glue sticks? Can they be used for heavy-duty projects or are they only good for lightweight paper crafts?
Elmer’s Glue Stick Strength
Elmer’s produces a range of glue sticks for different needs. Their classic white glue sticks are a popular choice for paper crafts, scrapbooking, card making, and other lightweight applications. The strength of the original formula makes it well-suited for delicate materials like paper.
The company also offers “Extra Strength” glue sticks in clear and white formulas. As the name suggests, these provide a much stronger bond than the regular white glue sticks. Let’s look at the strength of the different types of Elmer’s glue sticks:
Standard Glue Sticks
The classic Elmer’s white glue sticks have a relatively low psi strength of around 60-80 psi. PSI or pounds per square inch refers to the amount of force the adhesive can withstand before breaking. A psi of 60-80 is on the low side but sufficient for lightweight paper crafts.
The standard white glue sticks make a nice tacky bond that remains repositionable for a short time. The formula eventually dries clear and flexible. The moderate strength is ideal for collages, scrapbook embellishments, paper chains, holiday cards, and other paper materials.
Extra Strength Glue Sticks
Elmer’s offers a range of “Extra Strength” glue sticks in both white and clear formulas. These glue sticks have approximately double the bonding strength compared to the original sticks, with a psi of 130-150 psi. That psi strength approaches industrial levels, allowing the extra strength sticks to bond a wider variety of materials.
The Extra Strength glue sticks can firmly adhere heavier items like fabric, felt, photographs, cardboard, foam, and more. Crafters often use the strong glue sticks for projects like decoupage, adhering rhinestones and embellishments, attaching buttons, and any application requiring more holding power.
School Glue vs. Craft Glue Sticks
Elmer’s school glue sticks are designed for safe classroom use by children. They have a lower 60 psi strength. The washable formula allows easy removal from skin, clothing, and desks. The school glue’s strength suits most basic arts and crafts projects.
For more heavy-duty crafting, the Elmer’s Craft Bond Extra Strength glue sticks provide around double the adhesive power. The permanent formula is better for firmly bonding robust materials used in adult crafting like fabric, wood, glass, and tiles.
Hot Glue Sticks
Elmer’s does not currently offer extra strength hot glue sticks. Their regular hot glue sticks are designed for low-temperature glue guns. When melted, the glue provides an instant permanent bond. Hot glue creates a quick bond for materials like plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, and more. It has very high strength but may not allow repositioning.
Glue Stick Strength by Project
The best glue stick for a project depends on the materials being adhered. Here’s a guide to choosing the right Elmer’s glue stick PSI strength for different applications:
Paper Crafts: 60-80 psi
The standard white glue stick provides sufficient strength for all types of paper crafts, scrapbooking, origami, cards, posters, and more. The low-tack formula allows repositioning of paper during assembly.
School Projects: 60-80 psi
Elmer’s School Glue sticks are designed for kid’s arts and crafts. The lower strength is perfect for collages, cut-and-paste projects, and posters where easy bond adjustability is desired.
Photos and Lightweight Materials: 130-150 psi
Elmer’s Extra Strength glue sticks work great for securely adhering lightweight photos, fabric, felt, foam, and similar materials. The high psi strength prevents easy dislodging.
Natural Materials: 130-150 psi
Items like pressed flowers, leaves, and other natural materials adhere better with an extra strength glue stick. The permanent bond prevents the delicate materials from detaching.
Heavy Materials: Hot Glue Gun
For bonding extremely heavy materials like wood, metal, glass, and ceramics, a hot glue gun is the best choice. Hot glue provides an incredibly strong permanent bond almost instantly.
Glue Stick Compatibility by Surface
Elmer’s glue sticks are designed primarily for porous materials where the adhesive can seep into the substrate a bit and create a strong mechanical bond. Here are some guidelines for surface compatibility:
Best Surfaces for Glue Sticks
- Paper
- Cardstock
- Posters/Banners
- Photographs
- Fabric
- Felt
- Foam
- Cork
- Yarn/String
- Canvas
- Cardboard
Surfaces that Require Extra Strength Glue
- Wood
- Tile
- Glass/Mirrors
- Stone
- Modeling Clay
Surfaces Not Ideal for Glue Sticks
- Metal
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Leather
- Wax paper
- Laminated items
- Non-porous materials
Glue sticks tend to work better on materials with a bit of texture or absorbency that allows the adhesive to penetrate for a strong mechanical bond. Extra Strength glue sticks improve adhesion on semi-porous surfaces like wood, glass, and tile. Very smooth, non-porous materials are better suited to liquid glues or hot glue.
Factors That Impact Glue Stick Strength
The bonding power of Elmer’s glue sticks depends on a few key factors:
1. Formula Strength
Obviously, the psi strength rating of the glue stick formula determines how much bonding power it provides. The Extra Strength varieties have around double the psi compared to original or school glue.
2. Surface Porosity
Glue sticks work through mechanical bonding by soaking into porous surfaces. More porous materials allow stronger bonding, while non-porous surfaces limit the strength.
3. Amount of Adhesive
The more glue stick applied to the materials, the stronger the bond will be. Thicker applications result in greater bonding power.
4. Pressure
Applying pressure while assembling materials squeezes the glue to fully permeate surfaces and removes air pockets. Clamping or adding weight improves bond strength.
5. Drying Time
Glue stick bonds continue to gain strength as the adhesive dries. Allowing extra drying time before stressing the bond prevents early failure.
Glue Stick Limitations
While handy for a wide range of lightweight crafts and projects, standard glue sticks do have some limitations to bear in mind:
- Not suitable for permanent bonds – Glue sticks can detach over time, especially if subjected to moisture or excessive weight/force. For permanent bonds, liquid glue or hot glue work better.
- Limited strength – While the Extra Strength variety provides ample psi for many crafts, glue sticks lack the high strength needed for heavy materials or weight bearing applications.
- Surface compatibility – Glue sticks work optimally on porous materials only. Non-porous surfaces like metal and plastic do not allow strong mechanical bonding.
- Temperature sensitivity – Glue sticks can soften and lose bonding strength when subjected to high temperatures. They may not perform well on projects exposed to heat.
- Wet conditions – Moisture can dissolve glue stick adhesive over time and cause bonded materials to detach. Glue sticks are not waterproof.
- Repositioning – The tacky formula only allows repositioning for a brief time before the bond sets. Not suitable when unlimited adjustability is needed.
- Vertical applications – Glue sticks may not be the best choice for bonding heavy materials in vertical orientations where gravity can cause slippage. Liquid glues often perform better.
For heavy-duty applications like furniture building, metal fabrication, attaching mirrors or trim, and projects requiring permanent waterproof bonds, other high-strength adhesives would be a better choice. But for lightweight paper crafts and classroom projects, Elmer’s glue sticks excel.
Glue Stick Sizes and Formats
Elmer’s offers their glue sticks in a variety of sizes and formats to suit different applications:
- Standard size – 0.21 oz (6 grams) mini glue sticks, approximately 3.5″ in length. Convenient size for projects or travel.
- Jumbo size – 0.77 oz (22 grams) jumbo or “giant” sized glue sticks around 7.5″ long. Better value for high volume use.
- Extra Strength – Available in both standard 0.21 oz and jumbo 0.77 oz sizes for lightweight and heavy-duty use.
- School Glue – Designed for classroom use in standard 0.21 oz size.
- Washable – Washable 0.21 oz glue sticks for easy cleanup. Great for kids.
- Multipacks – Available in classroom packs, bulk packs, combo packs with glue bottles, and more for value and variety.
- Liquid glue pens – For precision glue application. Tips available in fine point, ultra-fine, and chisel point.
With the huge range of options, it’s easy to find the perfect format Elmer’s glue stick to meet your specific crafting or project needs.
Comparing Elmer’s Glue Sticks to Other Brands
How does the bonding strength of Elmer’s stack up against other popular glue stick brands? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Elmer’s – 60-150 psi strength range depending on formula. Offers lower tack school glue and high-bond extra strength options.
- Scotch – Comparable to Elmer’s regular glue sticks with 70-80 psi strength. No high-bond options.
- Gorilla – Offers 80 psi washable school glue sticks. Also has 170 psi extra strength clear glue sticks.
- Avery – Make standard 70 psi glue sticks. Lack extra strength formulas.
- Loctite – Known for super-strength epoxies. Their 180 psi glue sticks provide extra heavy-duty bonding.
- Craft Bond – Specialty brand with 180+ psi ultra-strong white and clear glue sticks for demanding projects.
While other major brands like Scotch, Avery, and Gorilla make capable basic glue sticks, none can match the wide range of Elmer’s. Their school glue, craft glue, and industrial-strength formulas allow users to choose the perfect stick for each application.
Glue Stick Bonding Tips and Tricks
To get the most powerful and long-lasting bonds from Elmer’s glue sticks, follow these useful tips:
- Ensure surfaces are clean before gluing – Remove any oil, dust, or debris that could impede the adhesive bond.
- Apply adequate pressure – Press surfaces together firmly for at least 10-20 seconds as the glue sets.
- Let bond fully cure – Resist moving or stressing the materials until the glue has dried completely.
- Use proper sized glue sticks – Larger 0.77 oz jumbo sticks are ideal for covering bigger surface areas.
- Rotate while applying – Twist glue stick in a clockwise motion as you apply adhesive for even coverage.
- Store upright – When not is use, keep glue stick upright with cap on to prevent drying out.
- Avoid excess heat – Glue sticks can lose bonding strength if subjected to high temperatures.
- Clamp if needed – Clamps, tapes, or weights can help exert constant pressure as glue dries.
- Clean with damp cloth – Wipe away any excess dried glue residue carefully with a damp cloth. Avoid immersing bonds in water.
A bit of technique goes a long way when using Elmer’s glue sticks. Following these tips will help create strong, long-lasting bonds.
Common Elmer’s Glue Stick Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the strength and performance of Elmer’s glue sticks:
Are Elmer’s glue sticks waterproof?
No, Elmer’s glue sticks form semi-permanent bonds that can deteriorate over time with exposure to moisture. For waterproof applications, water-resistant epoxy or hot glue works better.
How long does it take for Elmer’s glue sticks to dry?
Drying times range from 2-10 minutes for regular glue sticks and about 1-2 minutes for Extra Strength. Cure times may be longer for thicker applications.
Can you wash clothes glued with Elmer’s glue sticks?
Yes, washing machine and dryer safe when using the washable school glue formula. Other types may slowly wash away over repeated laundering.
What materials can Elmer’s glue sticks bond?
Elmer’s are specially formulated to best bond porous materials like paper, cardboard, wood, and fabric. Performance may be limited on non-porous surfaces.
Can Elmer’s glue sticks be used on plastic?
The glue will temporarily bond some plastics but may detach over time. For plastic, epoxy or plastic adhesives designed for non-porous surfaces work better.
Are Elmer’s glue sticks toxic?
No, Elmer’s glue sticks are certified non-toxic and safe for use by children ages 3+. There are no toxic chemicals or solvents.
Get Stuck on the Right Elmer’s Glue for Your Project
With a wide range of formulas tailored to different bonding needs, it’s easy to find the perfect Elmer’s glue stick for your project. Standard white glue sticks work extremely well for ordinary paper crafts and classroom materials. When you need more sticking power, upgrade to the Extra Strength clear or white glue sticks. Just match the psi strength rating to the materials being used.
While not suitable for heavy-duty manufacturing uses, Elmer’s glue sticks can provide moderately strong bonds for most common crafting and school applications. Before your next arts and crafts project, make sure you have the right Elmer’s glue stick on hand to get stuck on strong, long-lasting adhesions.