Top 5 Glues for Beaded Jewelry

We beaders stitch, weave, and wire wrap, but sometimes we just need glue. There are so many different types of glue on the market that it can be difficult to choose the best one for your project. Some glues are better for leather while others are perfect for attaching metal. Whether you want to adhere a clasp or glue on a cabochon, here are our favorite glues for your beaded jewelry projects. 

Choosing Glue for Beaded Jewelry

First, here are some things to consider when choosing your glue: 

For any adhesive you choose, always use glue in a well-ventilated workspace and follow safety precautions as suggested by the manufacturer.

Industrial-Strength Glue

E6000 is one of the most well-known crafting glues on the market. The brand has multiple different glues to choose from based on your projects. E6000 Jewelry & Bead is a great option for beading projects. It works on fabric, glass, metal, and even stone, making it an choice for multiple projects. Be sure to note that this adhesive requires lots of ventilation, and be sure not to ingest any as it is highly toxic. The glue is flexible when dry, and you’ll have four minutes to get your beads in perfect placement before it begins to set. E6000 cures completely within 72 hours.

Resin

Epoxy 220 and Epoxy 330 are both great choices for glue. Epoxy 220 is a strong bonding agent that will ensure your beads do not budge. Both glues are compatible with stones including gems, metal, and ceramics. If your project contains beads in any of these materials, epoxy may be a good fit for you. Drying time for this glue is unique and can be customized for your project, as the process can be sped up for both types when using a heat lamp, taking 20 minutes to set instead of the potential 12 hours.

Jeweler’s Cement

GS Hypo Cement works well with many different beads and it’s the preferred adhesive for bead knotting. If you work with a variety of beads, this may be the glue for you. It works well with wood, plastic, glass, metal, ceramics, and more. It has a medium strength hold, and the bottle’s precision tip allows you to perfectly place the glue to your project. The glue has a ten-minute drying time and takes just 24 hours to fully set. 

Cyanoacrylate

Super Glue is a household staple that’s widely available. The gel form of this glue is good for beading, because it’s viscous while remaining super strong. The glue sets in just seconds and your project will be set within a day. Like GS Hypo Cement, Super Glue Gel works on many surfaces including wood, plastics, some rubbers, glass, leather, and more, making it a great option for the versatile beader. 

Craft Glue

The Ultimate! Adhesive by Crafter’s Pick is a flexible, clear glue. This glue is known to be the only non-toxic, water-based super glue on the market. The Ultimate! can be used on a variety of surfaces like fabric, leather, paper, glass, and more. Use this glue if you don’t need to have a fast-drying project, as it takes 24 hours to set. 

Ready, Set, Glue!

The world of glue can get complicated and navigating it can become an intimidating task. We hope this compilation of the most popular glues for beaders helps narrow down your search.  For more information about glues for beaded jewelry, read Tips for Choosing The Right Glue and Add Sparkle! How To Glue Flatback Crystals in 5 Easy Steps. You’ll also find great advice in Bead the Glue Blues: Tips on Using Epoxy and Other Metalsmithing Adhesives.