Best Scrapbook Adhesive Tape – 5 Ranked For Strength And Longevity
The best scrapbook adhesive tape for preservation and longevity.
This guide will give you details on the best scrapbook adhesive tape. After many failed attempts to adhere photos and mementos to scrapbooks, I finally found the top options that last. No more projects pulling apart or discoloration.
Each one of these tapes are archival-safe, high quality, acid-free, and permanent to last a lifetime. I also took into account the value that you get out of each roll of tape. Making sure each one is cost effective for what you get. There are different tape adhesives that are best for certain projects. Below, you will find a variety of options in addition to the likes and dislikes. Including, which ones work best under certain projects.
Table of contents:
- Double sided tape roll
- Scrapbook tape runner
- Glue dots
- Doubled sided foam adhesive
- Heavy duty scrapbook adhesive tape
What Is The Best Scrapbook Adhesive Tape?
1. Double Sided Tape Roll
The double-sided tape roll is permanent, long lasting, and works all kinds of materials.
Doubled-sided scrapbook adhesive tape is my favorite for securing both photos and embellishments. This adhesive comes in a wide variety of widths. Ranging from 1/8 of an inch all the way to 6 inches. Which means it is great for even the smallest of surfaces.
The rolls that measure a fraction of an inch are best for adhering thin die cut pieces. Paper glue can warp certain materials, but with this adhesive you can ensure your creations will remain dry and flat. Each roll of tape will also last you quite a while. On average, I will go through a single roll in approximately 4-6 months. Of course it depends on how often you craft.
From my experience, this is the most affordable yet durable tape I have found. I have had no issues with my projects coming loose after so many years.
Likes:
- Variety of sizes
- Works great on small surfaces
- Cost effective
- Strong & permanent
- Can cut to desired length
Dislikes:
- Creates more waste with the backing
- Difficult to use on rounded curves or circle shapes
- Must use scissors to cut which makes scissors gunky overtime
- May be hard to peel backing off if you have weak or large fingers
Although this tape is fairly easy to use, it may be more difficult for people who suffer dexterity issues. Due to the fact that you must peel the backing off using your hands. Compared to other brands of double sided tape, the backing for this product peels off fairly easy. However, you must keep in mind your own capabilities.
Another negative is the amount of waste caused by the paper backing that gets peeled away. Each time you peel back the tape you will be throwing away equal amounts of paper. If you are someone working to reduce your craft waste then keep this in mind. For this reason, I will cut smaller pieces of tape in order to be not as wasteful.
An affordable yet heavy duty option for double sided scrapbook adhesive.
2. Best Scrapbook Tape Runner
Tape runners are easy to use and require little intervention.
Double sided tape runners are likely the first things that come to mind when you think of scrapbook adhesive tape. They are a classic choice that have been around for years. There are also hundreds of different brands to choose from. However, not all tape runners are equal.
In the past I have come across some poorly made tape runners. They either were not strong enough to hold thick ephemera, or did not hold up over time. It is the worst feeling to come back to projects years later and see your photos and embellishments loose.
With the Scotch extra strength adhesive the bond is strong enough to give you the optimal hold.
Like:
- Easy to hold
- 33 feet in length
- Permanent
- Quick to lay down
Dislikes:
- Lack of sizes
- Will not stick to plastic or material besides paper
Perhaps the best thing about adhesive tape runners is their ease of use. Simply run it along the paper and a tacky residue is left behind. Which also makes is incredibly quick to use. Unlike paper glue that takes minutes to dry, or tape rolls where you must cut then peel the backing off of.
This is the best scrapbook adhesive tape for those who have fragile hands.
On the other hand, tape runners typically only come in one size. For this reason, if you are looking for an adhesive to use on thin die cut pieces then this may not be the right option. The Scotch tape runner is however great for photos, cards, and paper crafts.
Related Post: {“DOUBLE SIDED SCRAPBOOK TAPE VS. PAPER GLUE: WHICH IS MORE DURABLE?“}
3. Scrapbook Glue Dots
Glue dots are good for scrapbooking since they do not leave a sticky residue.
Another top choice for best scrapbook adhesive tape is glue dots. A good replacement for hot glue and tape runners.
Glue dots are clear, double sided adhesives that lay flat to material. Unlike tape runners, glue dots can adhere onto a variety of surfaces. Including photos, glass, metal, wood, plastic, and fabric. This makes them an excellent choice if you enjoy working with mixed media.
Each dot is small, typically less than half an inch in diameter. This means you likely will not be able to cover an entire surface. Although you probably will not need to considering the strength and durability. For 6×4 inch photos I typically adhere one dot to each corner and one in the middle. Only a few dots are all that is needed to keep everything secure. Meaning you will have to use less adhesive compared to other types.
Likes:
- Strong and durable
- Less scrapbook adhesive tape is needed
- Cost effective
- Great for floral embellishments
Dislikes:
- Not ideal for larger surface areas
- Limited sizes
In order to successfully adhere the glue dots just place the dot in the place you want it and rip away the backing. One thing to remember when using this adhesive is that once it is down you cannot reposition. So make sure you have it in the right spot the first time.
Each pack of Zots comes will 300 dots. Plenty enough to create multiple projects with and will last you for months. Considering the amount of adhesives you get for the price, this scrapbook adhesive tape is extremely cost effective.
Recommended Post: {“ANIMAL SCRAPBOOK – ADORABLE WAYS TO PAY HOMAGE TO YOUR PETS“}
4. Foam Scrapbook Adhesive Tape
If you want to add dimension into your scrapbook album or cards then you will need foam adhesive tape.
What is the difference between double-sided tape and double-sided foam tape? Foam tape is thicker, made with a foam filler which helps raise elements off the page. Similar to regular tape rollers, foam adhesive comes in rolls of various sizes. You can find 1/4 inches in width up to a couple of inches. This is great for all the types of embellishments you may use.
I enjoy using foam scrapbook adhesive tape on my layouts to make my photos pop! This works especially well against busy background patterns. It also works well on ephemera pieces and floral embellishments.
This foam adhesive works just as well as regular, flat tape adhesives. Of course, you will not want to use foam tape for everything. So it is a good idea to keep both on hand where you can use them interchangeably. It adheres to a number of different surfaces including paper, chipboard, acetate, die cuts, wood, and so much more!
Likes:
- Makes elements pop off the page
- Variety of sizes
- Adheres to most surfaces
- Strong and durable
Dislikes:
- Creates more waste with the backing
- Foam can be difficult to cut away
- Peel away backing can be difficult for some people
As mentioned before with regular tape rolls, there can be an excess amount of waste from the peel away backing. Again, you can cut out smaller sizes to reduce the amount you are using at a time. The backing is easy to peel for most people. It makes it especially easy if you have tools such as tweezers or sharp pens to pick up the edges.
Create stunning dimensional projects with scrapbooking foam tape.
5. Best Heavy Duty Scrapbook Adhesive Tape
If you are an avid crafter that is always running out of adhesive then the Xyron Mega Runner may be right for you.
This heavy duty adhesive tape runner comes with 100 feet of tape. With it’s lightweight, ergonomic handle your hands will feel good as new, even after hours of crafting. No more cramping or peeling away backings.
Recommended for small business owners or crafting enthusiasts who go through multiple rolls of tape at a time. Once you run out of the adhesive it is easy to refill new runners on the inside. Simply drop in the new refill roll and you will be ready to go.
Likes:
- Heavy duty for businesses/ large projects
- Comfortable
- Will last a while
- Fast and easy to use – no intervention
Dislikes:
- Costs more upfront
- limited sizes
One of the downsides of the Xyron scrapbook adhesive tape is the cost. Upfront you will have to pay more than you would for other types of adhesives. However, the price per foot is fairly reasonable. For 100 feet of tape purchased at approximately thirty-five dollars that comes out to around thirty-five cents per foot.
You can create a lot of projects with 100 feet of tape. No more having to stop mid project to grab a new roll or refill the cartridge.
This permanent, heavy-duty scrapbooking tape is the best for completing large projects.
What Is The Best Way To Adhere Pictures To A Scrapbook?
Applying permanent tape adhesive is the best way to ensure photos maintain their original form for years to come. As long as the adhesive is photo safe, acid-free, and high quality placing pictures into a scrapbooking album is easy. The adhesive tapes listed above have all these qualities so no need to worry about discoloration or damage to the pictures.
In terms of application, it is best practice to place adhesive to each corner of a photograph. Photo corners are often the first place to get snagged if they are not taped down properly. It may also be beneficial to place tape in the middle and on the edges of the picture to give it some extra hold.
This post is all about the best scrapbook adhesive tape
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