Napkin Technique - which napkin glue / glue is suitable?

• Properties of napkin glue
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Choice and price
• Alternative glue

The napkin technique is an easy way to reshape a variety of objects and visually enhance. In addition to the object to be canned and the napkin you want, you only need suitable napkin glue. What you have to pay attention to and which products are to be recommended, you will learn in this post!

What matters when choosing the glue

Napkin glue must always be water-based. Otherwise, the technology does not work. In addition, it is important that the adhesive harmonizes with the respective substrate: For example, you often need a different product for wood than for plastic or glass. Example: In many forums one reads the question whether wood glue (some have him at home ...) with the napkin technology on glass works. You can try it - like everything else - but chances of success are slim.

So, before you buy a new adhesive or use an in-stock item, it's best to always ask yourself if it's really suitable for your project. Finally, the result should be great as soon as possible, even if the effort would not be too great to re-apply the napkin technique after the failed attempt, with an adequate adhesive. Make sure that the latter is neither too thick nor too thin.

Properties of napkin glue

Key features of a useful napkin adhesive at a glance:

• made on a water basis
• suitable for the underground
• not too thick or thin
• Lightfast and durable

Once these features are met, chances are good that your work will be beautiful - and stay that way for a long time. As far as the expression of the specific tone is concerned, you have the choice between different variants. There are some matte or shiny napkin adhesives, those with antique look or clear versions that you can use to conjure up creative finishes yourself. The trade is now very broad in terms of special adhesives.
Napkin adhesive for various substrates

Much more important than the concrete look or the finish, however, is that the chosen napkin adhesive harmonizes with the substrate. For this purpose, various designs are available, each designed for one or more surfaces. Here is a short overview of the common options regarding special glue:

• for paper *
• for wood
• for plastic
• for textiles
• for glass
• for sound
• for porcelain
• for candles **

* general or special for matt or glossy paper (example)
** may not be flammable

Most napkin adhesives that you can buy online or at well-assorted craft shops on site are not just for one, but for multiple substrates. That some hobbyists doubt whether they really need special glue for their actions, is due to the high prices of these products. Depending on the manufacturer and shop 250 milliliters cost about five to ten euros.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ explicitly intended for crafting
+ suitable adhesive for every surface
+ promise optimal results (no wrinkles etc.)
+ are more durable than the typical alternatives
- the price should not be underestimated
- some product hardly different than wallpaper paste and Co.

Choice and price

Concrete product recommendations including price

If you simply buy the cheapest napkin adhesive or the product that suits you the most, it is not guaranteed that the design will differ significantly from cheap alternatives like wallpaper paste. Again and again it can be read that the differences are if, then minimal (and not worth the much higher price). That's why we want to introduce you to three products that have convinced us and other hobbyists.

Tip # 1: Kreul 49252

One of the most popular products 250 millimeters cost just under eight euros. The glue is water-based and transparent. It is suitable for wood, ceramics, stone, terracotta and cardboard. In addition, he can also be used for Potchen, so for the crafting method, which is similar to the napkin technology.

Tip # 2: Marabu 114075843

It is a combined glue and varnish. This means that the product is not only used for gluing itself, but can also be used in the end as a sealing varnish. The cost of 250 milliliters (matte or glossy version) amounts to around ten euros.

Tip # 3: Mod Podge

Something like the secret favorite among craft friends. It is optimal for almost any surface, delivering great results. However, it does not function as a varnish like the Marabu product. The Mod Podge is available in various versions - the mat costs around six euros for 236 milliliters.

Have you already heard of Decopatch "> Decopatch

Alternative glue

If you want to save money and experiment with other adhesives that are used for crafting, just choose your preferred solution from our list:

• Wallpaper paste (do not mix too thick)
• Latex binders from the hardware store
• Wood glue (but only on wood, and even there difficult ...)

You can also test other adhesives (and share your experience with us in the comments) - as long as you consider the features required for a working napkin technique. Basically, it is still advisable to apply a sealing varnish at the end with these alternative adhesives. Otherwise, the artwork does not last (long).

Tip: If an alternative product is really good, you usually notice already when brushing the napkin on the desired item. Quick cracks or clear wrinkles or a wavy surface are signs that you should (for the next time) choose a different glue or even proper napkin glue.

Napkin technique: further links

How to craft glue for the technology can be made of wallpaper paste, you will learn in this article: Instructions for napkin technology. The guide also provides a general guide including great ideas for the crafting method.