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Adhesives

Use these high quality adhesives for a variety of jewelry or craft projects. From multi-purpose industrial adhesives such as E6000 to non-toxic ecological glues such as Eco Glue, we offer a variety of options to fit exactly what you need. For fine detail work, shop G-S HYPO CEMENT Glue Adhesive. To help you decide which product is best for your project, each product is described individually when you click on it. Can’t find what you are looking for? Shoot us a message here.

Choosing the Right Adhesive for Jewelry Making

When it comes to jewelry making, selecting the right adhesive is essential for ensuring the durability and longevity of your creations. Adhesives play a crucial role in securely bonding various components of jewelry, such as gemstones, metals, beads, and findings. However, with numerous adhesive options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right adhesive for jewelry making.

  1. Bond Strength: The strength of the adhesive bond is of utmost importance in jewelry making. You want an adhesive that can provide a secure and lasting bond between different materials. Look for adhesives specifically designed for jewelry and those that offer high bond strength. Epoxy-based adhesives are known for their strong bonding properties and are commonly used in jewelry making.
  1. Material Compatibility: Consider the materials you will be working with and choose an adhesive that is compatible with them. Different adhesives work better on specific materials. For instance, certain adhesives are designed for metal-to-metal bonding, while others are better suited for bonding gemstones to metal settings or fabric to metal. Make sure to check the adhesive's specifications and recommendations for the materials you plan to use in your jewelry projects.
  1. Transparency and Clarity: Adhesives used in jewelry making should be as transparent and clear as possible to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the piece. Look for adhesives that dry clear and have minimal to no visible residue. This is particularly important when working with transparent gemstones or delicate designs where the adhesive may be visible.
  1. Drying Time: Consider the drying time of the adhesive you choose, as it can significantly impact your workflow. Some adhesives dry quickly, allowing you to move on to the next step of your project promptly. Others may require more time to cure or set properly. Be mindful of the drying time to ensure you can work efficiently and achieve the desired results.
  1. Flexibility and Resistance: Jewelry often undergoes bending, twisting, and regular wear and tear. Therefore, it's crucial to choose an adhesive that can withstand these movements and remain intact. Look for adhesives that offer flexibility and resistance to ensure your jewelry pieces can withstand daily use without the risk of the bond breaking.
  1. Application Method: Consider the ease of application of the adhesive. Some adhesives come in tubes with precision applicators, which are ideal for detailed work, while others may require additional tools or mixing. Choose an adhesive that aligns with your preferred application method and the complexity of your jewelry designs.
  1. Safety Considerations: Pay attention to safety factors when selecting an adhesive. Ensure that the adhesive is non-toxic and safe to use on skin, especially if you are creating jewelry like earrings or rings that come into direct contact with the skin. Additionally, consider any specific requirements, such as low odor or low VOC (volatile organic compounds), if you have sensitivities or work in a well-ventilated area.

Recommendations and Reviews

Our Top Pick Best Overall Adhesive for Jewelry Making Applications: E6000 Industrial Strength glue.

This is a great versatile glue that can be used in a variety of projects such as gluing cabs and flatback rhinestones to textiles and fabrics. It won’t eat away at the foiling on the back of a sparkly crystal and it’s easy to use and easy to find. E6000 can be used on metal, leather, vinyl, wood, concrete, ceramics, rubber, glass and many plastics. It is considered the most effective and heavy duty glue around. It also dries clear and is paintable. E6000 is also waterproof, flexible and non flammable. It’s a clear glue that is industrial strength and appropriate for use in high wear areas.

We carry E6000 at Eureka Crystal Beads in small 0.18 fl oz tubes as we have found that it’s the best size to have on hand for occasional use, unlike bigger tubes which can dry out if you have them laying around for too long so it’s the perfect size for crafters and hobby beaders who aren’t doing a huge amount of gluing but need a high quality glue on hand for various applications.

E6000’s sister product is B7000 and essentially works the same. B7000 works well on both porous and non porous substrates such as glass, fabric, leather, canvas, metal, plastic, wood, paper, crystal, ceramic and more. This glue features a fine precision tip which allows for precise and controlled disbursement, minimizing mess. It is transparent and dries in roughly 4 minutes but cures fully at 24-48 hours. When fully cured, this adhesive is highly flexible and resistant to water.

You can use both E6000 and B7000 to add half drilled beads on the end of wire to make headpins or end memory wire, you can add a tiny drop in knots to make sure they hold extra securely. Overall, these two glues are going to be extremely versatile and useful for any beader, jewelry maker or crafter and it would be our top pick for adhesives.

Remember that selecting the right adhesive for jewelry making is crucial for the quality and longevity of your creations. Take into account factors such as bond strength, material compatibility, transparency, drying time, flexibility, application method, safety considerations, and recommendations. By considering these factors and experimenting with different adhesives, you can find the perfect adhesive that meets your specific needs and enhances your jewelry making projects.

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