Will Glue Stick to Wax Paper? Here is What We’ve Found Out

Wax Paper is mainly used for food storage or wrapping because of its moisture-resistant and non-stick properties. Some crafters might want to use it for their projects, however, it can be challenging to find the right adhesive that will stick to this kind of paper.

So, will glue stick to wax paper? Most kinds of glues will not stick to wax paper including hot glue or liquid glue. That is because the wax paper is coated with paraffin wax which means it will melt or burn when exposed to heat. It’s also moisture resistant. Glues with thicker consistency might stick to wax paper for some time but they will not be permanent.

Keep reading to learn more about the properties of wax paper and what kind of adhesive works best for it.

What Is Wax Paper?

Wax paper is a kind of paper that’s coated with paraffin wax which makes it nonstick and moisture resistant but also extremely flammable.

This kind of paper is mainly used for wrapping foods for cold storage. You can also use it for lining a surface before rolling dough or for lining pans to present the food nicely.

It has other uses outside cooking such as gift wrapping or in craft projects but it can be difficult to make it stick to other materials because of its waxy surface.

That’s why it’s important to use a suitable kind of adhesive with any kind of paper you’re working with in order to make your project work.

What Is the Difference Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper?

Both wax paper and parchment paper have a non-stick surface. The main difference between them is the kind of material they’re coated with.

Wax paper is coated with paraffin wax which is flammable so the paper will melt or burn when exposed to heat while parchment paper is coated with silicone which makes it much more heat-resistant.

That’s why wax paper is mostly used when wrapping food for cold storage while parchment paper is used to line baking sheets before putting them in the oven.

I have another guide on how glue behaves with parchment paper here that you should definitely check out.

What Kind of Adhesives Are Used with Paper?

There are various kinds of adhesives that are manufactured to serve different purposes. It might be challenging to choose the kind of adhesive that will be suitable for the kind of project or surface you’re working with, especially if you’re working with delicate surfaces such as paper.

Adhesives are divided into two main kinds which are wet adhesives and dry adhesives. Each kind has its own characteristics and some kinds might stick permanently while others can be repositionable or stick temporarily.

Some kinds are used for general papercraft projects while other types are more suitable used for certain projects such as scrapbooking or card making. You can also use only one kind or a mix of multiple kinds depending on the kind of project you’re working on.

Wet adhesives come in liquid form or in thick paste-like consistency. They include glue sticks, plastic glue bottles, glue tubes, and glue spray cans. Dry adhesives, on the other hand, are basically different kinds of tapes including double-faced tape, masking tape, washi tape, and foam tape.

What Kind of Adhesives Will Stick to Wax Paper?

The type of adhesive that works well with wax paper is wet adhesive with thicker consistency (not liquid in form) and most kinds of dry adhesive tapes. However, keep in mind that the effect of any adhesive will not be permanent so you can easily peel off the wax paper from whatever surface you stick to.

Some of the wet adhesives with thick consistency you can use with wax paper are glue sticks or mod podge. They will stick fairly well despite the nonstick surface of wax paper and you can use them to stick the paper to different surfaces including other kinds of paper, fabric, or wood.

You can also add multiple coats of glue to enhance its effectiveness and prolong the time the paper will remain stuck to a certain surface.

The main advantage of these glues is that they both will allow you to reposition the paper without wrinkling it or tearing it. They will also dry fast clear so they won’t leave any noticeable stains on the paper or bleed through.

As for dry adhesives, you can use masking tape or washi tape with wax paper if you’re using it as wrapping material. However, keep in mind that removing the tape from the wax paper might leave a noticeable mark or cause it to tear.

How to Apply Glue to Wax Paper?

Applying glue on wax paper requires some preparation as this kind of paper is very delicate with nonstick properties.

Here are some tips you can follow to effectively apply glue on wax paper:

• Lay down the wax paper on your working area and cover the space around it with newspapers.
• Make sure the wax paper you’re working with is completely clean and dry.
• You can tape down the wax paper on your working area using some tape to make applying the glue easier. Just make sure to soften the tape before using it by soaking it in water so it wouldn’t leave any marks or tear out the wax paper when you try to remove it.
• After securing your wax paper, press the glue stick to the wax paper and run it along the surface. If you’re using mod podge, you can use a soft brush to apply it to the surface of the paper.
• Leave the glue to partially dry for a few seconds before lifting the parchment paper and laying it on the surface or item you want to stick it to. Press gently on the paper to stick into place before the glue completely dries.

Related Question

What Kind of Surfaces Will PVA Glue Stick to?

The kind of Surface PVA glue will stick to include wood, ceramic, metal, rubber, cardboard paper. However, it will not stick to some kinds of plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It will also not stick to wet surfaces, waxy surfaces, or completely smooth surfaces like glass.

How to Store Glue?

In order to store glue, you need to keep it in a dry area away from extremely high temperatures. If glue is stored properly, it can last about 8 to 12 months without losing its effectiveness. If your glue is expired, make sure to dispose of it properly to avoid causing any damage.

Helpful Resources 

What is wax paper?

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