My Favorite Adhesive

I’ve tried them all: glue sticks, different brands of mediums, YES Paste, and every adhesive Golden Paints offers. The adhesive I’ve had the most success with is Golden Matte Medium.

Using an old magazine or book as a gluing surface, I liberally brush a thick layer of matte medium onto the back of the collage paper using a 3/4” or 1” brush. I flip the paper over and apply it carefully to the substrate. Working very quickly, I put a layer of deli paper on top and roll a brayer over the top to work out the excess glue, eliminate the bubbles, and create a strong bond. The deli paper is removed, and then I go in with the same brush to smooth away excess medium and ensure the edges are secure. At this point, if I see a problem, I lift the paper off and try again without too much damage. I use a lot of thin, delicate papers and find that speed is important. The deli paper protects these delicate papers from the pressure of the brayer, which might damage the papers. I don’t always use the deli paper and my brayer usually has a layer of dried matte medium. This isn’t usually a problem unless the papers are delicate and even the slight texture of that glue can damage them.

I use Golden Regular Gel Matte, a heavy body medium, with heavy-weight book covers, especially the pieces from paperbacks. The heavy pieces benefit from the thick, sticky quality of the gel medium.

I use glue sticks when I work with magazines and my favorite Is Kokuyo Gloo Square. The glue goes on blue and dries clear. It’s strong and dries instantly, so you won’t have to worry about wrinkles and bubbles if you work quickly and carefully. Using a brayer, as I do with matte medium, helps secure the paper.

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