I’m putting Glu6 “The Glue that Saves the Planet” to the test. While Glu6 doesn’t have enough super powers to actually save the planet, it is an extremely effective non-toxic eco friendly glue. It’s made from recycled Styrofoam, and will be pushing several non-eco friendly glues right out the door of my studio. Zap! Bam! Just a little step closer to saving the planet.
Here is a description from the website:
“Glu6 is the only recycled glue in stores today, glue that actually saves the environment! Glu6 is perfect for home repair, DIY, household, arts/crafts, and school projects. Bonds non-porous surfaces. Plus, as it is made with renewable, all-natural ingredients, Glu6 is the only sweet-smelling adhesive around!”
Liquid Glu6 comes out of the squeeze bottle really quickly and I found it difficult to control. I feel that an improved delivery system would make this amazing glue more user friendly. A plastic tube with a narrower applicator tip might be more effective. In the future I’m going to try improvising with a disposable eyedropper.
Pros: Dries completely clear and bonds well to every material I tested it with.
Cons: The applicator top makes it difficult to apply the amount you needed, so I always ended up with too much glue While the glue dries clear and is incredibly strong, it really isn’t acceptable to have glue puddles on your project.
Glu6 Craft Paste comes in a glass jar and has a lot of “body,” which comes in handy to create a base for gluing objects that are not flat. There is no applicator included. I was successful using the suggested applicators: chopsticks, craft sticks and coffee stirrers. Because this glue has more texture its easier to do a neat job attaching an object.
Pros: Great for attaching objects that are not flat because you can create a “base” with this glue. Easier to control the application. Dries very hard once it is fully set and works on all kinds of materials both porous and non porous.
Cons: The Craft Paste does not dry completely clear, it is milky.
Both types of Glu6 have a pleasant, but not overpowering, citrus smell. Citrus is one of the elements used to create this glue. I created this swatch test featuring Liquid Glu6 on the top page and Glu6 Craft Paste on the bottom page. I used the same types of items (top to bottom, left to right) glitter, sequins, beach glass, metal, wood, plastic buttons, pom pom, plastic flamingo, jewel, name beads, google eye, paper tag, copper wire, shiny fabric. I added a big plastic Rhino to give the Craft Paste a run for its money! Neither of these glues are indicated for paper, Glu6 manufactures another product for papercrafting.
LIQUID GLU6 REULTS: (Top swatches) After drying 24 hours every item stuck firmly on the Liquid Glu6 Page. For even more strength I will let dry for 48 hours. There is a little distortion to items like the jewel, paper tag and shiny fabric because this glue did penetrate those materials. There are puddles of glue around many of the items in spite of my years of experience as a teacher using glue. Here is a detail of how messy is looked:
GLU6 CRAFT PASTE REULTS: (Bottom swatches) The Glu6 Craft paste has a longer drying time. It took approximately 48 hours for this glue to set. It bonded very well to all of the materials tested. There is less mess because I had more control in the application. It seems to have a pretty good grip on that hippo but I’ll have to wait another day to two for it to fully set. Using this glue requires patience and advance planning.
Inspired by this eco conscious glue, I created a completely “green” crafting project. You can visit my blog SustainableStudio to see how I did it.
I was very interested to test this product because I create arts and crafts projects for children. Sometimes I’ll design a super cool project but I’m unable to offer it because I can’t find a glue that is effective and safe enough for children ages 7 and up. I’ll definitely be using this product in my own studio as well as in my children’s classes. I kept a box of baby wipes nearby and that pretty much took care of clean up.
The entire Glu6 product line is available through the manufacturer’s website: www.NineLivesProducts.com. The “Crafter Combo”, which includes 2 oz. of both types of glue I tested sells for $10. Nine Lives Products is a small start up with a big dream. They also have a great sense of humor and a series of Youtube videos about their products. My favorite is called “Amazing Ukelele Tribute to Glu6!” Its pretty informative too.
Disclosure: product provided for review purposes; all opinions are based on my first-hand experience with the product and are my own. No compensation was provided for this review.
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Patti- thank you for such an amazing, thorough review! It’s wonderful to have you on the team! -J
Great review! Very interesting product because it recycles styrofoam
Thanks for the great review, Patti! Anything that recycles Styrofoam gets a try by me!
Great review Patti!
I’m excited that someone is finding a use for Styrofoam.