Top 10 Best Glue Stick for 3D Printing in 2021

As a pro in 3D printing, you probably know that print bed adhesion is the backbone of efficient 3D printing, and if not, now you know.

A print that fails to stick to the build plate properly will wobble, and the final product will not be as good as you had anticipated – we have all being victims, at least most of us. If that were to happen, the final result may be something laughable and not worth a second look.

But are there remedies for this? What do you do to prevent such a thing from happening?

Well, manufacturers have come with various ways of making sure that the paint adheres to the build plate. Among them include the use of painters’ tape, proprietary build surfaces, glass, and Kapton tape.

The main objective is usually to prevent curling and warping, not to mention the reduction of waste and print failure – a job for the best glue stick for 3d printing.

However, what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander. It is not every material that requires a bed adhesive to stay in place—some like the PLA function well on a heated plate. To offer you a helping hand, the following guide and reviews will go a long way.

Read More: How Long Does 3D Printing Take? If you’re new to 3D Printing, here’s what you can expect!

Our Best Glue Stick for 3D Printing Reviews 2020

1. Magigoo Pen – an All-in-One Adhesive for 3D Printing

When it comes to effortless application on a variety of surfaces, Magigoo, is without a doubt, at the top of the pile. Using it is almost like a child’s play, and that is an understatement. You only need to shake the stick glue, give it a gentle press and apply it on the active area – nothing complicated about this.

You don’t have to apply the whole print bed; only the active area because it is quite effective. As a result, the glue stick for 3D printer is economical, and a small squirt will play an important role in holding the print job sufficiently.

This glue for 3D printing is designed for easy release once the print bed cools down. It does not give you much headache after you finish printing, like some of the cheaper brands on the market. Furthermore, the plastic is easy to clean off after you complete the job or you want to apply a new fresh layer.

The adhesive is economical and one of the best buys for people with frequent 3D printing projects. One unit can go for up to 100 prints, and that is a good number. Another critical factor to consider when choosing an adhesive for 3D printing is safety. The good thing is that Magigoo ticks all the right boxes in terms of safety and comfort when using.

It does not have any uncomfortable or toxic odor, and you can use it indoors or closed spaces. Simply, the children can use it.

Highlighted Features:

• Easy application.
• Economical as you only apply to the active area.
• Easy release.
• The adhesive is easy to clean off.
• Safe and comfortable to use.

2. Elmer’s All-Purpose School Glue Sticks

Elmer’s is one of the brands that need no introduction. It is a reliable and trusted brand, meaning that you can rely on the all-purpose glue stick, one of their popular products. For starters, it is multi-functional, and you can use it in a variety of settings or projects.

Typically, the glue stick bonds well on plastic, paper, foam board, and cardboard, among other surfaces. That means your kids can use it at school or at home to complete projects, and you can also use it on 3D printing or other office work.

More importantly, the glue stick is safe and easy to use. It is non-toxic and does not contain any acid to have any detrimental effect on your project or health. You can have a peace of mind when the kids are using it. You have often used glue sticks with clamping and unfavorable results – most probably – and it is no fun to use.

However, that is not the case with Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks. We can say that using it is like taking a stroll in the park, for lack of a better word.

And after you’re done 3D printing, the adhesive is washable, and that makes it a great bed adhesive for 3D printing.

Highlighted Features:

• Multifunctional and you can use it on a variety of settings.
• The glue is easy to use.
• Does not contain any toxins or acid and therefore safe to use.
• It is washable.

3. 3D Printer Glue Sticks From FYSETC

You cannot get a better and specialist 3D printer glue stick than this product. It is one of the highly-rated3D printing adhesives that you will ever come across. But what is it that makes it so special?

The unique characteristic of the printer glue is that it works pretty well in hot beds – the main reason we call it a specialized 3D printer glue. It does not demonstrate unusual chemical behavior such as producing toxic fumes or residue when in contact with hot surfaces, and that’s fantastic – makes the work environment more favorable.

And as you would expect, the glue stick is easy to apply, not to mention easy to clean. Your lower grade children can comfortably use the glue stick in their school projects and then you can use it in the office. It doesn’t take a lot of time to handle it, whether using or cleaning. Talking of cleaning, the glue stick washes off with water quite comfortably.

We would also like to state that the high-quality adhesive is long-lasting. Typically, you can use it for an average of more than 100 prints. It is quite efficient on the heated plate, and you may only need one layer – it doesn’t hurt to have a glue stick that takes longer.

Highlighted Features:

• Works well on 3D printer hot beds.
• Does not give off noxious fumes when heated.
• The glue stick is easy to apply and clean.
• Long-lasting to use for more than 100 prints.
• Effective on the heated print plate.

4. AmazonBasics Purple Washable School Glue Sticks

The good thing about 60-pack good quality 3D printing glue is that it can take you a long time, and that is the main idea. Well, you will forget for a while to go to the stores for a new batch because you have a good supply of the glue stick for 3D printing, at least for a while.

But you still have the option of buying a 30-pack or 4-pack, depending on your budget and needs.

The AmazonBasics glue stick has a distinctive purple color, and the small size makes it easy to use. It fits comfortably between your fingers and application becomes as easy as a walk in the park.

The glue dries clear without leaving any undesirable marks or residue, and that makes it good for 3D printing.

Another benefit is its versatility. The glue adheres to a wide variety of surfaces such as plastic, paper, glass, fabric and photos. It is also a non-toxic formula that does not give off any unpleasant fumes when heated. Therefore, it is good for schools and homes and art and crafts, especially for those people that engage in DIY projects.

In particular, easy cleanup makes it a darling of many DIYers. You can easily wash it off from your clothes, glass or cardboard, among others.

Highlighted Features:

• Long-lasting 60 pack 3D printing glue.
• Small size and easy to use.
• Dries clear and effectively.
• Adheres to a wide variety of surfaces.
• Non-toxic formula and safe for everyone.
• Easy cleanup.

5. 3D Printer Adhesive Glue by Layerneer

If you ask anyone doing 3D printing projects, finding an adhesive that does exactly what they want is not always an easy task. But it is a different case with this adhesive by Layerneer.

The 3D printer adhesive works like magic, holding when heated and releasing when everything cools. Even better, it dries quickly and will not leave an undesirable residue that may clog the nozzle.

Another good thing is that the adhesive glue is long-lasting and a single coat will go a long way. You can recharge the adhesive layer with a damp sponge, and you don’t need to reapply – not many stick types of glue on the market have this quality. We can, therefore, comfortably say that the 3D printer adhesive is cost-friendly.

The adhesive is water-soluble and does not produce any odor. Therefore, it is easy to clean and comfortable to use. It will not give you a headache like some of the cheap products that you will come across, selling as a 3D adhesive.

You will find that using the printer adhesive is quite effortless, thanks to the well-designed foam applicator that does not spill any glue where you don’t want it to.

Highlighted Features:

• Holds fast when heated and releases when cooled.
• Will not clog the nozzle.
• A single coating lasts very long.
• Water-soluble and without any odor.
• Will not give you a headache or other undesirable effects.

6. Avery 3D Printer Glue Stick

Every 3D printing project requires a good adhesive that does not shrink or clump in any way. With that in mind, you can agree that the number of glue sticks to choose from goes down significantly – they’re just not many of them in the market with the right qualities for 3D printing.

Avery is smooth, and that means applying it on the surface becomes as easy as possible. The adhesive goes and stays where you want it, and that makes it useful for 3D printing.

Well, we can also say that the glue stick is versatile and works well on a variety of surfaces such as cardboard, photos, paper and plastic, among others.

In other words, you can use the glue stick for a variety of applications, such as in the office, DIY projects or the children when they want to use it for their projects. It is a strong and permanent adhesive, but at the same time, easy to wash.

That means it is water-soluble and you can quickly clean the surface for another layer or to get rid of it entirely. You can remove it from the clothes or other type of fabric without so much hassle. Unbelievably, the adhesive is cost-friendly – something that puts a smile to everyone.

Highlighted Features:

• The adhesive does not shrink or clump.
• Works well on cardboard, photos, paper and plastic among others.
• Easy to use especially on various projects.
• Strong and permanent.
• Easy to wash.
• Cost-friendly adhesive.
• Safe for use even for children.

7. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue

Disappearing purple school glue is an interesting name, to say the least, but it also tells you what the adhesive is all about. Well, we can say that the school glue does not stain or leave marks on the surface that you will never be proud of.

But apart from the no-mess bonding, the disappearing school glue is long-lasting. Of course, the 60 pack will go a long way, and the best thing is that it is not expensive. It also dries quickly and clear so that you can see the surface you are working on.

Furthermore, the application is an effortless exercise, and that makes it fun to use. The children will also not have a hard time using it, and they can focus on the project. Typically, it becomes easier for them to think and become creative with their projects.

The adhesive is photo-safe and acid-free, meaning that it is going to be useful for a wide variety of projects. It is not going to cause any undesirable staining and the like.

Also, the product is non-toxic and therefore safe to use even for the children. You can leave them working on their project to focus on something else – you can never be too careful with children.

Highlighted Features:

• The school glue does not stain.
• It is a long-lasting adhesive.
• Dries quickly and clear.
• Application is easy and fun.
• Photo Safe and acid-free.
• Non-toxic adhesive.
• The 60 pack will go a long way.

8. UHU Stic Permanent Clear Application Acid Free Glue Stick

Every 3D printing guru aspires to have the right equipment by their side, and that includes the best quality 3D printing adhesive.

But why do we think that this glue stick is the best in its class?

Well, we can say that it is easy to use and is quite favorable on different surfaces. It is also acid-free, and it will not ruin your photos or other projects. The main worry for most people, especially those that use glue sticks is that it will cause stains or have some negative effects on the surface.

The adhesive is strong, and you only need one layer for the best results. We can say that it is reliable, and that is pretty much what you want when 3D printing. It does not have any wrinkles and dries clear to give you the results that you desire on your project.

The glue is washable, and you don’t have to struggle with some kind of mess on the 3D printing bed. You can agree that dried out cap is one of the main problems that most people deal with when using stick glue. In contrast, this stick glue cap has an innovative design to prevent that from happening.

Highlighted Features:

• Easy to use and works well on different surfaces.
• It as a clear application glue stick.
• Strong and reliable glue stick.
• Does not have any wrinkles and dries clear.
• The glue is washable.
• Innovative cap design to prevent drying out.

9. Aceirmc Glue Stick For 3D Printer

Some of the special qualities that you need in a 3D printer glue stick include non-bending or warping on hard surfaces. Aceirmc is pretty much in a class of its own when it comes to 3D printing. Of course, there may be others that are better, but you have to give credit where it’s due – don’t you think?

Specifically, the glue stick does not bend or warp in any way, even when exposed to heat. That means you can use it several times, and that saves you some good cash. It also has some of those clean results that you want when 3D printing.

The easy application and easy release make it a great buy for anyone. Everybody can pretty much use it without any problem or complications.

When it comes to 3D printing, the adhesive is easy to clean on the 3D printer build plate. You just clean it off with water, and then you can apply a new layer when ready. The adhesive is non-toxic and does not produce any fumes even when it comes into contact with a hot surface.

Qualities such as high density and a good viscosity that you will find in this glue stick are not quite common in most of the glue sticks on the market.

Highlighted Features:

• Does not bend or warp when exposed to heat.
• Has clean results.
• It is easy to apply.
• Easy to clean on the 3D printer build plate.
• High density and good viscosity.

10. PrintaStick 3D Printing Adhesive

Getting a 3D printing adhesive that works well with such materials like PLA PET-G is not always as easy as it seems. Essentially, this printing adhesive works quite well with a wider variety of materials, including your favorite for 3D printing. It comes with a sponge applicator that makes the whole process easy and smooth. You get the adhesive where you need it to be, and that allows you to be exceptional.

During application or drying, the adhesive does not have any odor or smell that may affect your concentration or health. That means you can use it in any environment such as indoors and closed spaces without causing sneezing and wheezing.

And while the adhesive holds fast to the 3D printer bed, it similarly releases quickly after cooling. It is the kind of 3D printing glue that you should never be caught without, in the drawer.

If you notice any residue and you need to get rid of it, you can easily do it with water. We can say that the adhesive is soluble in water, and that makes it easy to clean or get rid of on the build plate. Application is easy, and you can do it in seconds.

Highlighted Features:

• Works well with such materials as PLA PET-G.
• Does not produce any smell that may affect your concentration or health.
• Comfortable to use in any environment.
• It is easy to use.
• The adhesive is water-soluble and easy to clean.
• Application is in seconds.

3D Printing Glue Stick Buying Guide

Easy to Use

Glue stick should be easy to use in every way. It should be easy to apply and not leave a mess all over that can prove difficult to deal with.

Sometimes you want to use the adhesive layers for several prints, and that should not be a problem with the right glue stick.

Simple instructions that accompany the glue stick are also desirable. Mostly, the product should be straightforward, and the requirements should not be too much.

Easy to Clean

The 3D printing glue should be water-soluble to make it easier to clean. Ideally, the adhesive from the glue stick should become inactive once the bed plate cools down. The main objective is to hold the print until you complete what you are doing.

Read More: What Do You Clean a 3D Printer Bed With? Here’s how to keep your printer bed like new!

Multifunctional

You can use PVA glue sticks on a variety of surfaces such as plastic, glass, wood and paper, among others. While the primary objective is to keep the print from moving and causing a print failure, the adhesive should also serve other purposes. Of course, other tasks will need the adhesive, and it is always good if you have one glue stick for all the tasks.

Having a multifunctional glue stick saves you money and resources that you would usually spend to acquire another adhesive.

Economical

The best quality glue stick is also economical, at least in the long run. Typically, you only need a small amount of it to go a long way. For example, you will save a lot of time with a good quality glue stick that provides the necessary adhesive to hold the job firmly and prevent failure.

Something that you can only use several times is also desirable. A layer of the right glue stick for 3D printing can be used severally without the need for scraping off or washing to apply another layer.

Budget

In most cases, the best product does not come for pocket change. That means you may need to dig deeper into your pocket to get a glue stick for the purpose. But that does not mean the most expensive glue stick is the best. Check the brand, and of course, what the customers are saying about it, and then move from there.

Read our related article on What to Use to Glue 3D Prints Together for more glue picks and tricks!

Brand

It is no secret that in every market, you will find several best brands but excel in quality and everything else that you want in a particular product. In the market of glue sticks for 3D printing, you will notice that particular brands excel more than others based on several factors.

For example, one brand may invest a lot in market research, and their experience adds to the business goodwill. As a result, they know something that gives them a competitive advantage over the competitors. It is always best to stick to the reputable brands, and especially so if you are purchasing a product for the first time.

Read More: What Causes Stringing in 3D Printing? Here are possible causes and solutions!

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of using glue sticks for 3D printing?

Most glue sticks come in a water-soluble form, and that makes them easy to clean. You don’t get an ugly and stubborn residue like is the case with tape. And unlike the tape that requires alignment, a glue stick is easy to use.

It is also easy to pop off the print after cooling down. You don’t struggle so much like when dealing with permanent adhesion.

2. Why do you need bed adhesives when 3D printing?

As the name suggests, bed adhesives provide a sticky surface from which the print adheres. Some of the hard materials such as a CPE and ABS can easily wobble or curve even with a support structure.

The print material may not cool rapidly enough in the smooth glass plate, and that can make it weak. A layer of glue provides adhesion and at the same time, protects the glass.

The 3d printing glue stick prevents wobbling that can cause the print to fail, and that is not what anyone wants.

3. Do you still need a heated bed even with the best glue stick for 3D printing?

The combination of a heated bed and glue stick is important, especially when dealing with large or complicated prints. Furthermore, the combo also becomes important when using such materials as ABS and plastic. The shape of the 3D print is another important consideration.

4. What is the alternative to the external adhesive?

You can quickly build a brim – a thin layer that provides adhesion and which you simply cut off later – using such platforms as Ultimaker’s software. This applies when the printer is on a filament as opposed to a build plate. But still, a bed adhesive is important even with a brim.

Read our related article, What is a Brim in 3D Printing? for more information on brims and how they’re used!

5. Is there any need to keep on reapplying the glue stick after every print?

A layer of glue stick should go between 1 and 5 prints without a problem. However, some people say that it can go up to 10 prints. Always make sure to apply it sufficiently on the bed for the best results.

You will need to reapply when you notice that the surface is uneven. Sometimes, it is important to clean the bed area before reapplying to avoid failure. The number of prints on a single layer will also depend on preferences. If you are only comfortable with two, then it is up to you.

Conclusion

In the age of 3D printing, creating certain product cheaply and quickly has become a reality. You will agree that we are living in exciting times. That said, you deserve the best glue stick for 3d printing such as Magigoo Pen, among others, as listed above.

They are long-lasting, easy to use and cleaning them is effortless – the qualities that you want in a glue stick. So, the next time you go shopping for a 3D printing adhesive, you have a better idea what to pick – don’t you think, folks?

Also read:

• How do you get glitter glue to dry faster?
• Our selected glue for felt – Top 8 picks.