When it comes to attaching balloons and other materials, there are plenty of adhesive options available. But which glue or adhesive tape is best for your needs? Here’s an updated guide to help you explore balloon adhesives, so you can pick the perfect tool for every project.
Latex to Latex
NEW Packaging 2024
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| Balloon Bond®: The Adhesive Tape for Latex Balloons |
Click-Click™ Balloon Bond® has become a must-have for professionals. Since its debut in 2013, its benefits are now widely recognised. This double-sided adhesive is ideal for connecting latex balloons and various other materials.
Pro Tip: Balloon Bond works best for latex-to-latex connections but is also effective with foil/foil and latex/foil combinations. It may take a bit of practice, but once mastered, it’s perfect for adding details—and it’s nearly invisible!
For more on Balloon Bond, check out my post: Balloon Bond Saved the Day!
For latex-to-latex bonding, a rubber adhesive is hard to beat. In the U.S., Elmer's® Rubber Cement is a top choice, offering a fast-drying, durable bond. Since my original 2013 post, Elmer's has become more widely available in Europe, making it a reliable option for balloon artists everywhere.
Pro Tips:
Planning to use rubber cement in your design? Here’s what you should know:
Choose Acid-Free and Wrinkle-Free: Elmer's Rubber Cement in the orange jar is ideal for balloon work.
Thicken the Glue: When you first open rubber cement, leave the lid off for a day. This thickens the adhesive without drying it out, making it easier to handle and reducing spills. Keep the brush in a cup of water during this time to prevent it from drying.
Control Static: Rubber cement can form thin strands that static electricity can pull towards balloons. To avoid a mess, keep balloons at a distance while working.
Efficient Application: If you use rubber cement regularly, keep the brush on the table rather than dipping it in the jar each time. This saves time and reduces mess.
For Precise Application: For small areas, swipe the balloon over the brush instead of the brush over the balloon. This offers better control and precision.
Foil to Foil
NEW Packaging 2024
Stretchy Balloon Tape is my go-to adhesive for foil balloons. It provides a strong connection without putting stress on the balloons. The tape's elasticity makes it ideal for creating secure connections that can move with the balloon construction.
Professional Advice: This tape is a must-have in any professional's toolkit. It can save the day, as it can be used to repair a pierced or damaged foil balloon—perfect fix, as good as new!
Uglu Dashes and Strips
Finding Pro UGlu Dashes was a revelation for many balloon professionals. These adhesives, available in the UK and US, stick to almost anything, making them indispensable. They are perfect for securing foils and attaching balloons to various surfaces.
Top Tip: They're clear, so they don't show, and being pre-cut makes them easy to use.
"I prefer UGlu Strips for their versatility and extra stickiness. They're especially useful for tricky materials."
Hi-Float®: An Unexpected Adhesive
Other Adhesives Worth Mentioning
Glue Dots and Balloon Sticky Dots: Ideal for quick adhesion of small elements on latex, foil, and Bubble type balloons.
Lomey® Adhesive: Designed for Lomey Design System components, this waterproof glue dries clear and provides a strong, permanent bond.
Low Temperature or Cool Melt Glue Guns: Surprisingly effective for balloon designs, especially when building and attaching balloons to Mosaic Frames. Just be careful—hot glue can still pop balloons!
Gorilla Glue™- Known for its industrial strength, this glue is perfect for heavy-duty applications like securing Lomey poles to tiles.
Let me know your favourite adhesive for balloon work and why you love it, and I'll add it to the post!
Happy Ballooning!
Sue Bowler
