Can You Use Glue Dots on Walls? Is It Safe for The Wall?

Hanging up posters, photos, or artwork on a wall can be difficult especially if the wall is painted or textured.

Some kinds of glue or tapes are too weak to effectively form a bond with the wall while other kinds will bond too strongly with the wall causing them to leave a leftover residue that will damage the surface of the wall or ruin the paint job when you try removing them.

Fortunately, there are other kinds of adhesive that might be more effective on walls such as glue dots.

So, can you use glue dots on walls? You can use glue dots on walls. They form an instant strong bond with the surface of the wall whether it’s painted or texture ensuring whatever you’re hanging on the wall will remain stuck for a long time. They can also be easily removed without leaving any sticky residue that might damage the wall or the paint job.

Keep reading to learn more about different types of glue dots, what they’re used for, how to apply them, and how to remove them.

What Are Glue Dots?

glue dots on wall to show can you use glue dots on walls

Glue dots are not actually made of glue, but rather a kind of double-sided, pressure-sensitive adhesive that comes in the form of ultra-sticky dots.

They will bond instantly and strongly to various kinds of surfaces making them more suitable in some cases than other kinds of adhesives.

They also have several advantages over other kinds of adhesives such as being safer than hot glue guns, cleaner than liquid glue, and they don’t leave a sticky residue like double-sided tapes.

There are many types of glue dots on the market with different properties to serve different purposes. Let’s take a closer look at these types:

Types of Glue Dots

The glue dots are produced with different tack levels that are suitable for certain purposes.

  • Low Tack Glue Dots – This kind of glue dots is easily removable which makes it suitable for temporary fixes that don’t require strong adhesion such as credit cards to letterheads.
  • Medium Tack Glue Dots – This kind of glue is also removable but it has stronger adhesion which makes it more suitable for heavier items such as sticking CDs to magazines.
  • High Tack – This kind of glue dots is for semi-permanent fixes. It has a vertical hold ability and can create a strong bond between most kinds of surfaces.
  • Super High Tack –  This kind of glue dots is for permanent fixes. It creates the strongest bond out of all types of glue dots and it can be used on all kinds of surfaces.

How Long Do Glue Dots Last?

Glue dots can last up to 18 months if they’re stored properly. They will not dry, yellow, crack or degrade over time once they’re applied. However, some contaminants such as moisture and dust might interfere with their ability to bond.

To make glue dots last longer, it’s recommended to store it in a clean, dry place away from extreme heat or humidity.

What Are Glue Dots Used for?

Glue Dots will bond with almost any kind of surface including metal, wood, glass, plastic, fabric,  paper, drywall, wallpaper, cinder block, photos, cardboard, chipboard, poster board, foam core, laminate, acrylic, and stainless steel.

It can be used for various applications including hanging things on walls, sticking credit cards to paper, and arts and crafts projects.

The strength of the bond created by the glue dots depends mainly on the surface they’re applied to. It is recommended to test the glue dots on any surfaces to determine if you have the correct tack level you need.

Can You Use Glue Dots on Walls?

You can use glue dots on walls without causing any damage to the wall. It can stick instantly to cinderblock, plaster, drywall, and even painted walls. It will also not leave any residue on the wall or ruin the paint job.

The number of glue dots you need might vary depending on the size of the object you’re hanging on the wall and the surface of the wall you are hanging it on. It’s always recommended to glue dots on a small area of the wall to see how well they stick and if they can be removed.

How to Apply Glue Dots?

Glue dots can be applied manually in most cases.

If you’re applying them for a roll, you can place the glue dots on the surface, peel them away from the liner then press them firmly into place.

If you’re applying them from sheets, you can tear at the perforations, peel the tabs apart, place the tab with the glue dots on the surface then press them firmly into place.

Glue dots can also be applied using a dispenser which makes application faster and easier. The dispenser will also ensure that the glue dots are aligned properly.

To apply glue dots using a dispenser, you need to press the nose of the dispenser firmly to the surface while holding it at a 45-degree angle, then pull the dispenser toward you in a slow-motion to dispense the glue dot.

Before applying glue dots, you need to make sure the surface you’re applying them on is clean and dry because some substances, such as oils, dust, moisture can interfere with the bonding quality.

Here is a simple (if a bit old) video explaining it:

How to Remove Glue Dots?

Glue Dots are designed to create a permanent or semi-permanent bond to most kinds of surfaces depending on their tack level. This can sometimes make removing them somewhat challenging.

There are various methods you can use to easily remove glue dots from a surface without leaving residue or causing damage to the surface. So, let’s break down these methods:

  • You can lift the glue dot from the surface using your fingers. It’s best to roll it off using the side of your thumb.
  • You can use another glue dot to help lift the one applied on the surface.
  • You can soak a soft brush or cotton bud in an adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol then apply to the surface around the dot. This might cause some staining because of any dirt in the area, but it can be easily wiped off along with glue dots.

Speaking of removing glue from surfaces, make sure to check out our guide to removing glue from fake nails safely and easily here.

Related Questions

Are Glue Dots Harmful?

Glue dots are not harmful. They are made of non-toxic materials so they don’t emit any fumes or cause any damage when they come in contact with skin. However, it’s highly recommended not to ingest them as they might stick to the inside of your mouth and teeth. They can also cause stomach problems if you swallow them.

Can You Use Masking Tape for Walls?

You can use masking tape for walls, however, it’s not recommended for long-term use. That is because masking tape bonds temporarily to the surface and will come loose over time. It also bonds too strongly with the wall, so it will leave a sticky residue on the wall when you remove it and it might also rip off the paint from the wall.

Helpful Resources 

Glue Dots – Wikipedia

Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Hot Melt Adhesive Dots

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