Fabric-Tac?

I bought some Fabric-Tac adhesive after seeing some youtube videos where it was being used instead of hot glue in the making of ribbon and fabric flowers. The users were touting it as being just as good as a hot glue gun - with out the hot part, and it looked like it stuck right away like hot glue does. I, however, have been totally unsuccessful in getting this stuf to stick when making the ribbon flowers that you see all over youtube. It gets wet and sticky but not stuck. I don't know if I'm using too much, or if I have a bad batch, but I'm ready to punt the $7 bottle of goo across the room.

Any insight for me?

It is possible you are using too much. I use fabri-tac all the time to hold heavy embellishments and make flowers. try using less. Also, it doesn't set up and dry quite as fast as hot glue.

Also, if the embellie you're making is a bit squirrelly, you may need to pin it temporarily until the glue dries. Once it dries, it's a very good glue, ime.

I love Fabri-Tac. You don't need much, and if you just hold it for a few seconds it "soft sets" and you can move on.

Thanks for all the tips! I used it this morning to tack on the decoration for my nephew's graduation cap (see my gallery). I used it sparingly, and it seemed to work just fine. It sure does smell strong, though!

I love my Fabri-Tac! It does smell strong, but I guess I've gotten used to it because I don't notice it as much anymore.

For embellies, you may want to look into the "Best Glue Ever", another magically perfect product from ScraPerfect. It has no strings, no smell, is incredibly tacky and has a super fine tip for easy-exact applications! It works on everything from ribbon to acrylic and metal and wood. No wrinkle on paper and dries super fast!It's brand new but getting a huge following and rave reviews! Check it out on my blog, Pm me or google it. There are a lot of videos (and more coming) on youtube and in this forum.




This is what Peraspera wrote about this beautiful card she made:
Description: The mica isn't particularly glue-friendly. I tried E6000, Zip Dry, Ailene's Super Tacky and the Best Glue Ever. Generous amounts of the Best Glue Ever worked the best. The cone holding the roses is made with paper covered with tissue paper distressed with distress ink and spritzed with Glimmer mist.
Mica Thank You By Peraspera

I recently jumped on the Fabri-Tac band-wagon, and LoooVe it! It defintiely doesn't take much

TFS all the tips!

Hi all,
Interesting thread! I work for Beacon Adhesives, the makers of Fabri Tac. I forwarded this to Mike, aka Mike the Beacon Glue Guy, for his input. Here is his response:

Hi Tammy, Thanks for a really great Fabri-Tac question!
So here’s the answer. After watching several videos on how to make these really neat flowers, I decided to try an experiment and make one myself. Here’s what I found out.
1. I need a LOT more practice to come anywhere near the ability of the folks demonstrating!
2. Paper has tension, the thicker the paper or card stock, the greater the tension.

When you change paper’s shape it generally wants to go back to the way it was. When it does that it pulls away from whatever is holding it (glue). I think what you are experiencing is the glue not tacking up fast enough to overtake the tension the paper is creating. So, when you apply the glue to the paper, hold it in place a little longer. This allows the glue to dry without the tension of the paper pulling it apart. Since Fabri-Tac is a liquid, it will get itself into more surface area on the paper; the more surface area, the stronger the bond. .

As far as using too little or too much… You actually get the same result: you need to hold it in place a bit longer.
Here’s why: Too little and the glue does not have enough surface area to grab onto. Holding it in place longer lets it achieve a stronger tack level. Unless you use sooo little that the tension make sit come apart.
Too much, and the glue has more liquid that needs to dry off to achieve a strong tack level. So you end up holding it in place a bit longer also. If you use too much, then you get a gooey mess.

Bottom line, ALL glue has a learning curve. Anyone that tells you any different does not know what they are talking about. Don’t fall for hype like “Best Glue Ever” or “Toughest Glue on Planet Earth” Why? Because no glue manufacturer will tell you their product is perfect or that it will bond anything. We have no idea what you’re doing; what surfaces you’re using or the composition of those surfaces. The best way to choose the right glue is to match them with the surfaces you want to glue together and practice. We’ll be dedicating a video series on this to help folks. In the meantime, if you have any questions about glues. Mine or anyone else, shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to give you a non biased, accurate answer.
Hope this helps

Mike
The Beacon Glue Guy
973. 427. 3700

What a thorough and helpful post, Karen/Mike! Thanks! I, too, am a Fabri Tac FAN!!

I had not seen the videos and when I seen this post, I happened to look over and go "fabric tac? - would that work?" So glad I read this post, now I have another adhesive to use. I hadn't thought to use it for anything other than fabric! Thanks OP!

I am now a Fabric Tac convert. I was using too much and not holding it in place long enough. I could still live without the strings, but it otherwise is an absolutely fabulous glue for all types of stuff - not just fabric.

• tinalovesbullies Said:

I, too, can add it to my arsenal. I inherited some from DH grandmother who always has a ton of everything. I set out using it to hem some pants...but now I know its true potential!!!

cleanup!!!!!!