At the end of June I posted about my frustration with trying to find the best glue and spray finish so I wanted to update you on the progress I've made and new information I've learned. To start off let's summarize the ones I love. I love the Martha Stewart Fine Point Glue Pen for my small projects such as the cut out letters I use on my Hanging Letters. I also love the Brush On Krazy Glue for small projects that need a quick permanent bond. I used the Brush On Crazy Glue with my Photo Magnets.
I was struggling with Krylon's Spray Adhesive and Matte Finish as a combo, but with a little help from their Product Manager we have made some progress! I've always used Krylon's Spray Adhesive for most of my larger projects and have been happy with it. It wasn't until I started to add the Matte Finish that I ran into trouble. Here's why....when using the Spray Adhesive you MUST follow the directions and after you spray it onto your material, wait at least 30 seconds before adhering it. According to Michelle Neuhauser, Product Manager for Krylon Product Groups, "Spray finishes have a solvent in them that need to "flash" off the surface a little before you cover it up. Otherwise those solvents can get tapped under the paper and could lead to them coming off". When using the Spray Adhesive I thought I had followed the 30 seconds time frame, but you know when you get a little anxious and you just estimate the time frame?!? Well, this time I set a timer!
I then waited for it to completely dry - around 3 hours - but I waited 24 hours to be safe and then added the Matte Finish. It would have worked great, but as the directions warn you, you have to make sure not to add too much of the Matte Finish or it will leave a white residue. So make sure you practice first!
However, Michelle Neuhauser offered some other suggestions I'm going to try in the coming weeks. This is what she had to say, " I have another suggestion for you if you want to get a thicker coating over your paper, without applying too many coats of Matte Finish. You can spray several coats of Crystal Clear first, let it dry and add one coat of the Matte over top to give you the Matte sheen if that's your preferred sheen (of course, that adds another step, but it does allow you to get a thicker coating on your surface if you'd prefer that). Another option might be to use Satin Finish Crystal Clear that is less glossy than Crystal Clear and a little more glossy than the Matte Finish, instead of the Matte Finish".
I'm going to try the Crystal Clear and the Satin Finish Crystal Clear next and hopefully find my perfect spray finish that I'm looking for. Its great that Krylon has so many options...I just have to keep looking to find the finish that I personally prefer.
I was pleasantly surprised when I had an email from Michelle Neuhauser of Krylon Products to offer her help and suggestions to help me find the perfect combo. She has been a great help in this search for the Best Glue and Spray Adhesive! If you have a favorite glue, adhesive, or helpful hints you'd like to share leave a comment or shoot me an email at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com!
Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!
