What’s your favorite type of adhesive? When I first started scrapbooking, I used adhesive squares. I was then introduced to the Creative Memories tape runner. From there I learned about other brands such as Tombow, 3M, Xyron, etc. Almost 10 years later, I still cannot tell you which is my favorite. I love them all!
The Xyron Mega Runner has become a popular pick lately. Kristina did a review on it not too long ago and she loves it. It’s a decent size for every day projects including card making. The cartridge offers 100ft x 1/2″ of permanent dot patterned adhesive. The Runner goes for about $25 and the refills $9.99. It’s lightweight and the cartridge is easy to change. I’ve only been able to find this on the Simon Says Stamp website. Since this tape runner doesn’t require a trigger to release the adhesive, you simply just glide it directly on your project. The adhesive is very strong and holds well with different types of embellishments. Super easy to use!
The Glue Glider Pro from Glue Arts is a bit smaller than the Mega Runner. It’s lightweight and the cartridge is fairly easy to change. However, the cartridge is not eco-friendly. There are two different types of refills: PermaTac and HighTac. PermaTac is cut every 1/16″ and HighTac is cut in a diamond pattern. Both are permanent adhesives and run about $8.99 each. What’s great about this applicator is that you can interchange between cartridges whenever you want. They sell the cartridge handle separately for $6.29. Glue Arts also offers a removable adhesive cartridge. PermaTac offers 40ft x 1/4″ adhesive and HighTac 58ft x 1/4″. To release the adhesive, you must press on the trigger and hold.
The Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG) is twice the size of the Mega Runner and Glue Glider. I use this mostly for scrapbooking or larger projects. It’s a little heavier than the other two adhesives guns. Just like the Glue Glider, you must press and hold the trigger to release the adhesive. Changing the cartridge is a little difficult, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be okay. It takes me a few minutes to figure it out since I don’t use it often. The refills are 216ft x 1/4″ rolls. You can purchase these in a set of two for about $9.99. You can find this at your local Michael’s or online for about $25-28.
Many of us are familiar with the Tombow Mono Adhesives. You can find these at almost every arts and crafts store. They are easy to use and the refills are easy to change. If you are traveling around with your supplies, this would be a better choice. The adhesive may not be as strong as the Mega Runner or the ATG, but holds nonetheless. The adhesive with the dispenser usually run anywhere from $9-12 and the refills are about $4-5. Sometimes they’ll offer a refill pack of 3 for $9.99. I highly recommend this adhesive for starters.
Overall, choosing an adhesive dispenser solely depends on what you’re using it for and what you feel comfortable holding. If you’re looking for an adhesive based on its strength, I’d go with either the ATG or the Mega Runner. Both adhesives hold up very well. The only drawback from the Mega Runner would be the width of its adhesive (1/2″ versus 1/4″ on the ATG).
Hope this helps! =)
Darling My Dearest 
Leave a Reply