Welcome to Day Two of “Adhesives Week!” I continue exploring glues and tapes so you can make the best decisions based on your craft and your budget.
This is an adhesive I stumbled onto by accident. It just so happened I was asked to locate the Precision Point Adhesive Pen for a friend, and honestly- it was so much trouble to find a consultant, if figured that while I was at it I should buy a few for myself.
I’ve used fine-point glue pens in the past (the Zig version, to name names) and I’ve always been disappointed. It’s hard to maintain a nice bead of glue, the ball tip gets gummed up, the glue dries out in the tube. Meh.
Skeptical as I was, I was pleasantly surprised by the Precision Point Adhesive pen. Let me walk you through how I came to my decision!
I opened the pen and took a good look: it has a ball point and a “bulb” type of grip in the middle of the pen. To get the glue flowing, you need to apply gentle pressure to this area. Then, using only mild pressure, you apply the flowing adhesive to your surface.
You get a nice “bead” of glue, but I found you don’t have to apply pressure to that bulb to keep the glue a-flowin.’Â Now, because it’s a PEN, you can imagine that the glue is very fluid. I’d say the viscosity is about the consistency of heavy cream.
I used the PPA to glue together paper, cardstock, and tissue. Like most thin glues, it works well on light to medium-weight porous surfaces. And if found very minimal wrinkling when using the glue wet.
Now, I wouldn’t recommend this glue for heavy items, cardboard or large embellishments. However, it is PERFECT for applying delicate laser cuts or intricate die-cuts. The fine bead of glue is optimal for little skinny areas! Check it on this lacy Cricut die-cut:
Another fabulous (and kinda obvious) application for the Precision Point Adhesive Pen is applying glitter to fine details. I’m all over that, too. I love being able to apply a little shimmer on outlines or in tight areas. Take a look at my sample below.
Now, I noticed after adding my glitter to the middle of those teeny-tiny little starts that I had a LOT of extraneous glitter on the lace tree. Then it dawned on me that PPA doesn’t dry all the way- it actually dries “tacky”.
OH! Well, this opens up some pros and cons! CON: If your glue smooshes out, your piece will attract stray glitter, chalk dust and cat hair! PRO:Â it’s as a duo adhesive, and great for foils, flocking, and dry glitter applications! See my little swatch below. All the media was applied after the glue was “dry.”
I’m actually pretty excited about this- after all, we reviewed the Clearsnap foil earlier this year, and now that I’ve found a great fine-tip glue, I can use it to write and then foil my holiday cards. Sweet!
That brings us “writing” with the PPA adhesive. Now, for me this is tricky, because I have really poor handwriting. And I think that it would be challenging for anyone to write tiny with it, but I’m not displeased with my sample.
On the whole, I really like having the PPA on my work desk. I love having a precision applicator for my die-cuts and for adding little dots of glitter. I’m bummed that it’s only available via consultants or online. And at $6 each, they are not cheap AND you have to buy them in lots of 3. But those issues alone aren’t reason enough not to buy them if you have the chance.
Here’s some additional info from the Creative Memories website:
Q. Is the Precision Point Adhesive photo-safe?
A. Yes, this adhesive passes the Photographic Activity Test and is acid-free. It meets all other ISO 18902 requirements for photo-safety, including specific accelerated aging tests for adhesive permanence.Q. Can the Precision Point Adhesive be used on all materials?
A. We do not recommend using the Precision Point Adhesive with vellum, newsprint or other
light-weight paper. We recommend applying the adhesive on a hard surface without excessive pressure to avoid indenting photographs.Q. How do I clean the Precision Point Adhesive off clothes or other material?
A. We recommend using liquid soap immediately to remove the Precision Point Adhesive. If the adhesive is allowed to dry, it may not be removable.
Have you used the Creative Memories Precision Point Adhesive Pen? Want to win one? Leave me a comment and I’ll choose a winner at random on Monday, December 6th and send a lucky reader one to try out! (See? There ARE benefits to buying them in threes!)
FINE PRINT: Only US residents are eligible to win this one because it’s a liquid. But everyone can chime in with their opinion!
Thanks for reading and GOOD LUCK!
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Jen Clark says
Hmm…I’ve never had much luck with these types of glue pen thingys…so I’d be very interested in trying a new one. Like you, my handwriting is pretty bad, so I doubt I could use it for that, but I would like it for being able to add glitter or flock to small areas.
Lindy says
I’ve seen others use them….some love them some don’t. Never tried on my own but often thought about it. I might have to give it a try. thanks for the wonderful review.
Tina Brooks says
Thanks for the review! I would love to try this adhesive pen. This is perfect for the crafts that I work on!! If I don’t win, I will have to buy one for myself. 🙂
michelle says
love your blog..
this pen sounds great…thanks for the critique and info.
beulahmom says
I would love to win the Creative Memories Precision Point Adhesive Pen. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
jengd says
I’d love to give it a try because like you, I haven’t found a glue pen that I’ve been thrilled with yet. Thanks for the chance!
Kathy says
Thanks for the helpful review! It looks like it could be a useful tool. Thanks for the chance to win!
Helen says
Thanks for reviewing this! I’ve been looking for a good pen-type glue applicator.
Cindy d says
I’ve tried a few brands and have been most pleased with the Zig. If this is even better, I’m all for it!
tencraftyfingers says
This looks just like the Zig pen adhesive. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surpised if it is the same product just distributed with the Creative Memories name (like SNAIL is just Tombow adhesive under the Stampin’ Up! product name).
In any case, like Cindy D, I really like the product. I also like the one from the Martha Stewart line.
Jenny says
Good point- a lot of companies re-brand…the Zig pen I’ve used in the past had a felt-type tip…so it was a little different. But I’m loving this one!
Jenna says
Sounds like just what the craft-therapist ordered. All of the other glue-pens I’ve ever used have been nothing but glooop! Thanks for the tip, Jenny!
Kara says
Ohhh how I would loveeee to have this! I’m in the look out for new adhesives at the moment! Thanks for sharing.
Karen H says
Looks like a wonderful product! Nice, controlled flow of glue.
Nancy says
OOoooo, I would love one of these! I just got a Cricut machine and was pondering how I could adhere the thin lettering of some of the fonts!
Nancy
Michelle says
I was just at AC Moore yesterday looking for a fine tipped glue pen! I’m going to be glittering up some ornaments and cards and this would be a fantastic help. Thanks!
Angeltown says
I’d love to win one! I’m always needing adhesive for delicate bits and pieces. Thanks!
Melody Nunez says
A girl can never have enough adhesive. (I like to have at least 4 types on hand at all times!) Thank you for the great review!
Holly Robinson says
Sounds like a great product. Thank you for testing all these products for us!
Beth says
Ohh, looks like fun-
Darline says
Awesome adhesive pen! It looks like it would be great to use on very delicate items to add to a page 🙂 THANKS!!!!
Crow says
Looks useful for tiny bits and I tend to make small things.
Linh C says
I’m always on the lookout for better adhesives. My husband says I have to many different ones, but like you pointed out, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Mandie W says
OOh, I’m seriously an adhesive junkie and I would LOVE to try out this pen!!!! I’ve been looking for a good one for flocking and foil too! Thanks for the review 🙂
Angela S says
This looks like a fantastic product!
Robin says
The CM pen and the Zig pen are made by the same company. So if you like one, you will like the other. Only differences are 1) The CM doesn’t have the blue color so it’s a LOT harder to tell when it’s dry and 2) The CM glue pen is WAAAAY more expensive than the Zig…as are most CM products. Nice but way too pricey!!