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The Best Art Glues and Pastes

We compared six top-rated art glues and pastes on owner ratings, reviews, and specs. Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer is the top pick for its versatility and ease of use.

Updated

The bottom line

Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer (B000YQKLJ0) is our top pick for its multi-purpose use as a glue, sealer, and finish, backed by 59,565 owner ratings averaging 4.8/5. It has a durable, clear gloss finish, quick drying time, and easy cleanup. The closest alternative is Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (B001IKES5O), which has a matte finish and is priced at $6.99. For a budget option, B-7000 Glue (B09SL5LT8W) at $5.99 has strong adhesion and a clear finish, though it occasionally gets stringy. Skip the Glue Dots Poster Dot Dispenser (B006MWVO2S) unless you need removable adhesive dots specifically.

Top pick
Mod Podge Waterbase SealerMod Podge Waterbase Sealer $36.99

Versatile, quick-drying, non-toxic sealer

Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer is praised for its ease of use and durable finish, with 59,565 owners rating it 4.8/5. It's safe, non-toxic, and has a clear gloss finish. The tradeoff is its higher price at $36.99.

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Runner-up
Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and FinishMod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish $6.99

Affordable, matte finish, multi-purpose glue

Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish has a matte finish and is priced at $6.99, with 33,719 owners rating it 4.8/5. It's versatile and easy to clean up, though it's slightly less durable than the gloss version.

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Budget pick
B-7000 GlueB-7000 Glue $5.99

Strong adhesion, clear finish, affordable

B-7000 Glue has strong adhesion and a clear finish for $5.99, with 9,043 owners rating it 4.6/5. It's versatile but can occasionally get stringy.

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The field, ranked

  1. Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer Best for versatile, non-toxic sealing and finishing. 10.0/10 $36.99 Amazon
  2. Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish Great for affordable, matte finish sealing and gluing. 9.0/10 $6.99 Amazon
  3. B-7000 Glue Good for strong, clear adhesion at a low price. 8.0/10 $5.99 Amazon
  4. B7000 Jewelry Glue Decent for jewelry and craft repairs, but can be sticky. 7.0/10 $5.99 Amazon
  5. Weldbond Multi-Surface Glue for Mosaic Wood Craft Suitable for multi-surface crafts, but pricier. 6.0/10 $17.09 Amazon
  6. Glue Dots Poster Dot Dispenser Best for removable adhesive dots, not general gluing. 5.0/10 $5.99 Amazon

Who should buy which

Crafters looking for a versatile, non-toxic glue should choose Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer (B000YQKLJ0). Those on a budget should consider B-7000 Glue (B09SL5LT8W) for strong adhesion. Glue Dots Poster Dot Dispenser (B006MWVO2S) is best for those needing removable adhesive dots.

Common complaints

Owners of B7000 Jewelry Glue (B0B723T8WQ) mention it can retain stickiness after drying and requires careful application. B-7000 Glue (B09SL5LT8W) occasionally gets stringy, which can be hard to remove.

Also-rans

Weldbond Multi-Surface Glue for Mosaic Wood Craft (B09GYSG15X) is a decent option but is pricier and doesn't offer significant advantages over the top picks. Glue Dots Poster Dot Dispenser (B006MWVO2S) is useful for specific needs but not a general-purpose glue.

How this was put together

This guide is based on 186,401 owner ratings and reviews, with no hands-on testing. Evidence is thinnest for Weldbond Multi-Surface Glue and Glue Dots Poster Dot Dispenser.