Homemade Glue and Paste Recipes

The following glue and paste recipes use a variety of ingredients and methods. Choose the one that best suits your project. For variety, add food coloring before using. Store all glues and pastes in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Glue

Materials

• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Small saucepan
• Small bowl
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup cold water

Directions

1. Mix water, corn syrup, and vinegar in saucepan.
2. Bring to a full, rolling boil.
3. In bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water.
4. Add this mixture slowly to the hot mixture, stirring constantly until the mixture returns to a boil.
5. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
6. When cooled, pour into another container and let stand overnight before using.

Homemade Paste

Materials

• 1/2 cup flour
• Cold water
• Saucepan
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Add cold water to flour until mixture is as thick as cream.
2. Simmer and stir in saucepan for 5 minutes.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
4. This wet, messy paste takes a while to dry.

Papier-Mache Paste

Materials

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup flour
• 5 cups lightly boiling water
• Large saucepan

Directions

1. Mix flour into 1 cup water until mixture is thin and runny.
2. Stir this mixture into lightly boiling water.
3. Gently boil and stir 2-3 minutes.
4. Cool before using.

No-Cook Paste

Materials

• Bowl
• 1/2 cup flour
• Water
• Salt

Directions

1. In bowl, mix flour with enough water to make a mixture that's gooey, but not runny.
2. Add a pinch of salt; stir.