Most conversations about paper focus on what goes on the paper. But more frequently, we are answering questions about what adhesives to use with Japanese paper. Questions like, “Do I have to use rice paste?” “Will any glue work?” “What’s this stuff made from, anyway?”— while holding a large green tube of Yamato Starch Paste.

The absorbent nature of washi does require the user to think a little differently about which adhesives to use. Will the adhesive soak through? Will it discolour the paper? Or will it change the appearance of the paper surface? Thankfully, there are several adhesive options available, each with its own advantages, and disadvantages, to help answer all your makers’ sticky questions.

Paste vs Glue

Do you know the difference between paste and glue?

Paste is a preparation made of a plant starch (flour) and water. It can be made from rice, wheat, tapioca, and even yam. Paste, in most instances, is reversible; a characteristic that is invaluable in book repair and other conservation practices. Pastes are naturally acid-free. Although, less common in modern usage, the word "paste" can also be used a verb meaning "to adhere".

Jin-shofu (wheat starch paste) prepared for scroll backing

Traditionally, glue was made using animal products—hides, hooves, and bones—that were reduced through boiling, thereby extracting the collagen. The resulting gelatinous solution had strong adhesive properties.

Rabbit-skin glue, photo by Simon A. Eugster

More frequently in contemporary settings, glue is made using oil-based polymers, although you may still encounter “rabbit-skin glue”. It is important to note that glue made from animal products is reversible, while polymer-based glue is not. Once two papers have been joined together with glue, that’s it. If the goal is to adhere paper to a non-porous surface, glue is the better choice. The word glue also became synonymous with the verb “adhere”, which can lead to some confusion where “paste” is concerned.

How to Choose

Paste:

• Jin Shofu
• Yamato Starch Paste 
• Funori

Pastes are best used for adhering paper to paper. Whether you are making greeting cards, collages, or securing a reinforcing strip to the spine of a handmade book, paste will do the job. Also excellent for use in mixed media projects, reversible adhesives, like paste, allow artists the flexibility to rearrange paper pieces as they work.

The purest paste choice is Jin Shofu. Finely seived wheat starch, sold in powdered form, is cooked with water to form the paste. Jin Shofu has been used in Japan for over 1000 years. The paste can be made in small batches to avoid waste and stored in a refrigerator for up to seven days. Both archival and flexible when dry, it is the adhesive of choice in conservation practices, wet-mounting artwork, and is very popular for use in chine collé. For the artist who is seeking a sustainable, ecologically-friendly, option, Jin Shofu is the one to suggest.

Yamato Starch Paste Mini comes in a squeezable tube

Yamato Starch Paste, made using tapioca starch, is ready to use directly from the tube. The mixture includes a preservative to keep it shelf stable. Simply used directly from the tube, or mixed with a bit of water to reach the desired thickness, Yamato paste is a versatile, non-toxic, go-to option for all paper-pasting needs. It will not affect the appearance of the washi and is both translucent and supple when dry. It is a convenient alternative to Jin Shofu for chine collé as well.

Both Jin Shofu and Yamato Starch Paste can be used to build layers of paper in the style of papier mâché.

A specialty paste used almost exclusively for conservation purposes is funori. Made from seaweed, funori is a traditional low-tack adhesive that can also be used for sizing washi. (Contact your representative to purchase).

Glue:

• Yamato Glue Stick
• Fine Tip Glue Pen
• Double-ended Liquid Glue
• Tombow Glue Tape Dispenser

Polymer-based adhesives can, of course, be used almost anywhere that paste is used. They also have the advantage of working to adhere other materials, such as small jewels, glass, and metal to paper. Excellent for cardmaking and collage, mixed media, as well as cartonnage, where a faster drying adhesive is valued. One appealing feature of the glues we offer is that they are less “wet” and can easily be applied to a very small area, for quick and permanent adhesion. The Fine Tip Glue Pen, in particular, does not make one’s fingers sticky—a definite advantage when working with very small items, like gems, or filigree. These glues are all acid-free and photo safe.

Yamato Glue Stick Small is perfect for cardmaking

Convenient and efficient, Yamato Glue Sticks, are a go-to for cardmaking, small collages, and junk journalling. Smoother than other glue sticks, they do not dry out as quickly, nor do they get “gunked up” or leave thickened bits on the surface after long use. Perfect for a quick stick!

 Tombow Glue Tape Dispenser needs no waiting time to dry

For a truly quick, no-mess approach, Tombow Glue Tape Dispenser may be the answer to your customers’ needs. Perfect for small projects, adhering straight edges or slim strips of paper, this tape is essentially, a pre-portioned strip of glue, ready to be placed where you need it.

No matter what sticky situation you are faced with, there is an option for you in either paste or glue. Happy adhering!

Quick Guide for Choosing Adhesives:

Choose Paste for:

• paper to paper, especially when delicate or translucent
• paper to other porous surfaces, like wood
• conservation & bookbinding

Choose Glue for:

• paper to non-porous surfaces
• paper to paper, where speed of drying is paramount
• paper to paper, when paper is heavy weight or/and opaque