A Guide to Attaching Beads with Adhesive
Beads are typically threaded onto wire or cord, but some crafts call for a different method. Using glue to secure beads can be faster, may hold better with certain materials, and produces a unique clustered look. To achieve good results, you need to consider the materials involved and how to make the glued beadwork both durable and visually appealing.
By Toby Young4 steps
Although beads are usually meant to be threaded onto wire or cord, certain craft projects that incorporate beads might call for a different method of attachment. Gluing beads into place can be a faster approach, offers a stronger hold with some materials, and results in a distinctive clustered appearance. When you glue beads, you'll achieve the best outcome by understanding the materials at hand and knowing how to make your glued beadwork both stable and attractive.
Step 1
Determine the most suitable glue for your beads by considering what they are made of. Lightweight, porous beads (like wooden ones) can be attached with almost any good-quality craft glue. For heavier beads (such as clay) or those with smooth surfaces like glass, polished stone, or plastic, you'll need an adhesive formulated for non-porous materials, such as hot melt glue, epoxy, or strong glues intended for stone or metal.
Step 2
Check that the beads do not have an outer coating that could peel off. Some mass-produced beads are made of plain white plastic and then colored with a spray coating of paint, pearlescent, or metallic finish that often flakes away. If such beads are glued, they may detach, leaving only the finish stuck in place. If you suspect this, test the beads by scraping them with a craft knife. If the coating comes off, use fine sandpaper to rub the side of the bead you're gluing; this allows the glue to bond with the bead itself.
Step 3
Apply glue to the beads and attach them one at a time. Put a small dot of glue on the bead rather than on the surface you're attaching it to (this provides the strongest hold and prevents using too much glue). Ensure the glue is positioned so that the bead's hole won't be facing up and visible in your project, unless that's the effect you want.
Step 4
Remove any excess glue after attaching each bead and before it has a chance to set. If you're working with very small beads, use a cotton swab to reach into tight spaces, moistening it if the glue is water-soluble.
