Glue: Such a Dry Topic.....yes it will dry quick.

Glue may seem like a pretty basic topic, but if you are making lampshades it's pretty important to use the right stuff. This will be a very DRY blog post..... ha. ha. had to make a crack on such a dull post post. I have been using the same glue for over 20 years so I am admittedly biased in my glue choice. I think that most lampshade makers use QUICK GLUE. I may be wrong and would love to hear from you if you have craft glues that you like better. 

Quick Glue is a white glue that dries clear and fast. Time depends on the project, but if you are putting a shade together it is about 15-20 minutes. If you are making trims it is tacky enough right away. I have students that also used glues similar to Aleenes Tacky Glue, but tend to like the Quick Glue better. I'm happy with the Quick Variety. It is available at The Lamp Shop in Concord, N.H.

    I have lots of these plastic squeeze bottles kicking around my shop. They will last for many refills. Grab you pliers or if you have strong hands, pull out the top of the glue bottle and refill. I buy a gallon of glue at a time and fill it into a smaller glue bottle and then into the squeeze bottles. Have a paper towel around because it almost always spills out a tad. Shove the top back into the plastic bottle. Most importantly, try not to loose the TOP!      

Happy Glue Bottles..... ready to go. Tip: they often clog. Keep a paper clip handy for such constant occasions... 

I am forever having gluey hands. Some day my track pad on my MacBook Pro is going to rebel. I try to clean my hands before I flip around at my desk and hit the computer. My clothes are always slighting gluey, too. To my mothers horrors my pants always get glue on them, shirts, too. Quite frankly I'm more worried about my favorite laptop as it surely doesn't scroll as nice as it used to. 

The neck of the glue bottle is handy to spread the glue out.

Enough.... oh ya, one more glue thing I learned. I tried making finials years ago and used a glue gun to attach all these cool beads. One by one they all dropped off due to the heat of the light. Good thing I didn't sell any.....

Questions:

Do you use a glue gun?

Only on times when the decorative trim I am adding on top of the grosgrain won't stick with the quick glue.  Or if the fabric will not glue together to make a self trim. Sometimes the fabrics have so much sizing or ??? that they won't glue up. Then I will use a stronger glue like an upholstery glue or glue gun.

Feel free to add your comments. I think I have made my blog easier to make comments... I hope, I hope....

xoxo,

judy

                      

Comments

[Gail]

I love that Quick glue - can't get it here in Toronto so I order it from the Lamp Shop.

[judy lake]

Hey Gail, did you order some for me too? Ha, I'm almost out. I have no doubt you'll find everything you need up your way.
xo,
judy

[James]

I decided to use Elmer's glue on this project and the results were nothing short of fantastic!

[judy lake]

James, that's great you like Elmers but bet you would like Quick Glue 100 times better. Give it a try.
judy

[Hannah]

To keep from losing the cap off the little squeeze bottle, I paint it with bright red nail polish!

[judy lake]

Thanks, that's a great idea, sort of like red handled garden tools.

[George Brady]

can quick glue be bought in London?

[judy lake]

Hi George,
good question. Does anyone in the UK know that answer?
Quick glue is a glue that dries fast, clear and is strong enough for fabrics. Try craft glues that are not too thick.
judy

[Fareeha]

What glue can I use if I don't want to order it online ? I just have this one project, so can I get something for Michaels or Hobby Lobby or some hobby store? What do you suggest?

[judy lake]

Glue to use... I have only used the quick glue making lampshades and everyone says it works the best. I have had students use Eileens or other craft glues. You will have to experiment. Look for ones that dry clear and quickly- not too thick. Let me know what you like.
judy

[Carol Ritter]

Where can I find Quick Glue other than the Lamp Shop? Does anybody know of a supplier on line?

[judy lake]

Hi Carol,
Sorry but I have NO idea! Ha, been getting it from them for almost 30 years (previously also Mainely Shades, but they no longer sell supplies)
Wish I could help, but The Lamp Shop is a great supply source. From what all my students say-it's much better than the alternatives.
Judy

[Kathy Fitz]

I want to glue your basic "silk" rose petals onto a plastic lampshade. Can you tell me what glue I can use that will resist heat? Appreciate your help!

[judy lake]

I think a fabric glue would be good. It's not something I have done but it holds well. I don't think I'd do a glue gun and the heat will/might melt them off? Maybe, not sure. Guess you will have to experiment.