How to Make Flour Glue at Home

The most basic type of homemade glue, which you may already be familiar with, is made of flour and water. It’s very similar to the glue for paper mache projects. It’s great for short term holiday decorations.

It tends to dry out over time and lose its adhesive strength, so don’t use it on projects you want to be permanent. If you do want to preserve a project done with this glue, you can use an art finishing spray to make it last. Or you can redo the project with a stronger homemade glue from our list of recipes on how to make glue.

Pin

Cost-effective

Store-bought glue can be expensive, especially if you frequently use it for arts and crafts projects. Making your own glue from flour and water is incredibly cost-effective, as you probably already have these ingredients on hand.

It’s also nice to have this recipe when you’re snowed in or just not able to get to the store for whatever reason, and you need some basic glue for a project.

Non-toxic and Safe for Kids

I get a lot of questions about whether the glue recipes on this site are non-toxic if kids eat them or use them on skin. I don’t always know, but in the case of this one? Yes, but it contains gluten.

It’s just flour and water, but it does have to be a glutinous type of flour in order to stick. If you or your child are seriously allergic/reactive to gluten, you should try another glue just to be safe.

Many store-bought glues contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous, especially for young children. By making your own glue at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and can ensure that it is non-toxic and safe for kids to use.

Environmentally Friendly

Making your own glue at home reduces waste and helps minimize your carbon footprint. By reusing old containers and using natural ingredients, you can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Get Kids Participating!

This recipe involves a small amount of cooking, which makes the glue stronger. It also means the recipe requires some adult supervision.

So it’s a great way to get kids interested in some cooking basics, since it involves whisking and then stirring in a sauce pan. It’s quick and easy to make.

And it’s educational for kids and adults. There’s something satisfying about making glue yourself rather than using some bought from a store.

Tips for Using Homemade Glue

Now that you have your homemade glue ready, here are some tips to help you get the best results when using it for your projects.

• Storage: Store your homemade glue in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Mason jars or recycled glass jars work well for this purpose.
• Consistency: If you find that your glue is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out. On the other hand, if it’s too runny, you can add more flour to achieve the desired consistency.
• Application: Apply the homemade glue using a brush or a popsicle stick for precise application. This will help ensure even coverage and minimize mess.
• Drying Time: Homemade glue may take longer to dry compared to store-bought glues. Allow sufficient drying time for your projects to ensure a strong bond.
• Variations: Get creative by adding food coloring or natural dyes to your homemade glue to make it more visually appealing for arts and crafts projects.

When to Use Homemade Glue

Homemade glue is versatile and can be used in various situations where regular glue would typically be used. Here are some examples:

Arts and Crafts Projects

Homemade glue is perfect for arts and crafts projects, such as paper mache, collages, and scrapbooking. Its non-toxic nature makes it safe for children to use without any worry.

School Projects

If your child has a school project that requires glue, using homemade glue can be a fun and educational activity. It teaches children about resourcefulness and encourages creativity.

Household Repairs

In some cases, homemade glue can be used for minor household repairs. It may not have the same strength as commercial adhesives, but for temporary fixes or low-stress applications, it can get the job done.