It's another question I am frequently asked - what is the best glue to use for stamp art? So here are my thoughts on the best glue to use for your philatelic projects. This blog is not sponsored - these are just my favourite glues!
3D/ Decoupage
I'm a modge podger. And when I can't get my hands on the real thing, I use a PVA glue and water it down a bit). I use a paint brush and first brush a layer of glue onto the base them place the stamp on, then brush over the stamp with more of the Modge Podge. I work the glue into the stamp a bit and often rub the stamp down with my fingers. Yes, it's messy but it's fun!
Whilst Modge Podge will add a lovely shine to your stamp artwork, I often add a layer of clear varnish afterwards to protect the stamps a little more from damage, particularly water damage. Personally, I use Ronseal Interior Varnish in Satin Clear/ Matt.
2D Art and Card Making
I go through about 200 glue sticks a year. I have tried many different glues when working in 2D but I keep coming back to my beloved Pritt Stick.
If you are working on a large piece, perhaps working on an mdf board or thick piece of card, you can either apply the glue to the base and then stick the stamps on, or you can gently press the stamp over the glue stick, applying the glue into the corners then place it onto your paper.
There are two more benefits to working with a glue stick. For me, by only applying a small amount of glue to the back of the stamp, you are preserving the stamp more than you would be by soaking it in glue front and back. People will see it's a real stamp, and stamps on show get people talking. It's good for our hobby for people to be able to feel stamps, especially those that are so beautifully engraved. By framing a piece with glass or anti-glare perspex, you'll limit the amount of light or heat damage to your piece but if you are working on just a canvas board without a frame, you may want to apply a layer of PVA/varnish over the top of your piece.
The other benefit of working with a water soluble glue stick is that if you don't like the stamp art you've made, you can always soak the stamps off your paper or shower them off your board. Then you can start again!
Top tip! Wear trousers you don't care about too much and when your fingers get a bit sticky from pressing stamps into the glue stick, just clean your hands on your trousers! Then, as the glue is water soluble, you can just wash your trousers ready for your next stamp art project!
Precision application
For precision application such as adding this diamond earring to Her Majesty, I use Loctite Super Glue Precision.
Using mounts and hinges
Sometimes you might be asked to work with some stamps with a little value or where your customer would like to avoid using glue. If already hinged, or if you/ your customer is happy for the stamp to become hinged/ mounted in condition, you may decide to use hinges to affix the stamp. Subtle mounting is another option. You can always work around the stamp on top of the mount. Using high quality mounts will help preserve the quality of the stamp and an anti-glare perspex can also limit light/ heat damage. I would recommend Stanley Gibbons for a wide selection of mount sizes.
Why not give it a go!
I always recommend keeping stamp art away from direct sunlight and heat (for example, placing a piece away from a radiator). I made my first ever stamp art piece at 13 years old using Pritt Stick and framed it behind perspex. 20+ years on, the piece is still looking fabulous up on my bedroom wall at Mum & Dad's!
Got your own tips on glue for stamp art? Comment below.
Want to give it a go and need some stamps? Check out my etsy store or get in touch if you need specific stamp colours, themes or countries for your stamp art project. Let's stamp!
Happy stamping x