Quick Jump Menu
- Why PVA Glue and Wet Strength Tissue Paper
- What is PVA?
- Tell me about Washable PVA Glue
- Tell me about Medium PVA Glue
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Will Washable PVA Glue be OK for my Willow Structure?
- Diluting PVA Glue
- Using PVA With Wet Strength Tissue Paper
Why PVA Glue and Wet Strength Tissue Paper
How do these two go together?
Well, the beauty of wet-strength tissue paper is that it stays intact when wet - combine it with diluted PVA and you can create magical structures. Dampen the tissue paper with diluted PVA and then stretch it over willow or wire, and it will dry to a firm translucent sheet—perfect for making lanterns.
What is PVA?
PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) is a water-based, synthetic adhesive commonly used in crafting, woodworking, and paper-based projects. It’s one of the most versatile glues because it’s non-toxic, dries clear, and remains flexible when dry.
When choosing PVA glue, you’ll often come across two main types: Washable PVA and Medium PVA. Understanding their differences can help you select the right one for your project. Whichever you choose, our stocked glues are non-toxic, wheat-free, and gluten-free.
Tell me about Washable PVA Glue
Best for: Kids’ crafts, school projects, and light paper bonding.
Main Benefits:
- Easily washes out of clothes and hands with water.
- Safe for children and non-toxic.
- Dries clear and flexible.
- Great for paper, tissue, card, and light wood applications.
Ideal for: Classrooms, home crafts, basic lantern making, and any project where easy clean-up is important.
Tell me about Medium PVA Glue
Best for: More durable crafts, woodworking, and mixed-media projects.
Main Benefits:
- Stronger adhesion compared to washable PVA.
- Can be used for heavier materials like wood, fabric, and some porous surfaces.
- Dries clear but forms a more rigid bond.
- Still water-based but not as easy to wash out.
Which One Should You Choose?
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For kids, schools, basic lantern making with wet strength tissue paper, and easy clean-up:
- Choose Washable PVA.
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For stronger adhesion, wet strength tissue lanterns that need longevity, and more versatile crafting:
- Choose Medium PVA.
Will Washable PVA Glue be OK for my Willow Structure?
Washable PVA will work fine with our wet strength tissue paper. The tissue will dry to a great strong finish. Where you might want to upgrade to medium PVA is if you need a stronger finish or your lantern will be outside for a period of time. - basically because medium PVA contains more plastic
Diluting PVA Glue
Diluting PVA glue makes it easier to spread, improves absorption, and creates a sealant or glaze. The amount of water you add depends on whether you’re using Medium PVA or Washable PVA.
For Medium PVA Glue:
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1:1 Ratio (50% Glue, 50% Water):
- Creates a runny consistency for priming surfaces (e.g. sealing paper or wood).
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2:1 Ratio (66% Glue, 33% Water):
- Ideal for decoupage and layering Wet Strength Tissue Paper.
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3:1 Ratio (75% Glue, 25% Water):
- Maintains strong adhesion while making it easier to brush onto surfaces.
Using PVA With Wet Strength Tissue Paper
Dilute the glue (either washable or medium) using a 2:1 ratio (two parts glue to one part water) for layering without making the tissue too stiff. Apply gently with a soft paintbrush or sponge to avoid tearing.
Drying Time and Finishing
Allow the glued tissue to dry naturally to prevent shrinking or warping. Once dry, you can apply a final coat of diluted PVA as a sealant for added durability.
Ready to start your next crafting project? Check out our selection of PVA glues and Wet Strength Tissue Paper today!
