Nori Paste Vs. Yes Paste: Bookbinding, Collaging, Kanzashi Flowers on Foam boards

Nori Paste Vs. Yes Paste: What’s the Difference?

Nori Paste Vs. Yes Paste: Specs & Uses

Technical Info

	Nori Paste	Yes Paste
Total Score	★★★★★	★★★★
Brand	Yasutomo	GANE
Size	20 oz jar	1 pint jar
Prime Eligible	Yes	Yes
Material	Paper, wood	Paste
Consistency	Thin and Smooth	Ultra Thick
Color	Not specified	Original version
Special Features	Strong adhesive	Slow-setting, repositionable, non-toxic
Item Weight	1.43 lbs	1 lb

My Hands-on Test of Nori Paste

✅Ideal for Delicate Papers

First and foremost, Nori Paste is ideal for delicate papers like washi and other lightweight materials. Its unique formulation dries to a clear, flexible finish that won’t warp or wrinkle your projects.

I’ve used it to collage fabric onto paper without any wrinkling issues. It’s also perfect for bookbinding, paper bead making, and even Kanzashi making – the traditional Japanese art of folding delicate fabric flowers. The slow-drying nature of Nori Paste makes it easy to reposition elements before it sets.

While Nori Paste excels with porous materials like paper and fabric, it’s not recommended for non-porous surfaces like plastic, vellum, or glass. I tried adhering frosted mylar to a window using this paste, and while it clung temporarily, it never fully dried or created a permanent bond. It’s also not suitable for refilling glue sticks, as it has a thick, paste-like consistency.

For those working with more rigid materials, like adhering playing cards to a glass MASTERPIECES Sequence game board, I’d suggest exploring other options. Nori Paste may bubble or warp in such applications.

Now, let’s talk application. While the paste doesn’t come with a spreader, I highly recommend investing in a set of plastic spreaders from brands like STUDIOR or ARTZFO. They make it a breeze to evenly distribute the paste. And if you need a thinner consistency for techniques like resist dyeing, spraying, or working with rice paper, you can dilute it with water to your desired viscosity.

Compared to similar products like Yes Paste or Coccocina, Nori Paste stands out for its performance with delicate papers and fabrics. It’s my go-to choice when working with washi, lightweight materials, or any project that requires a gentle touch.

However, for adhering paper to leather or repairing delicate materials like the rice paper on a NOGUCHI lamp, Nori Paste can be an excellent choice, as long as you work carefully and don’t overly flex the material.

❌One Thing to Keep in Mind

One thing to keep in mind is that while Nori Paste is water-soluble and reversible, it may not be the best option for projects that will frequently get wet, like Noren resist dyeing or Katazome, as it could potentially wash out or loosen over time.

💬 FAQ of Nori Paste

Review of Yes Paste

✅Low Odor and Non-Toxic

Right off the bat, I love that Yes Paste is low odor and non-toxic. Unlike rubber cement or some other heavy-duty adhesives, there are no harsh fumes – just a smooth, creamy consistency that goes on easily with a brush. It adheres papers, photos, fabric and more to surfaces like cardboard, wood, or glass without wrinkling or damaging the materials.

For decoupage and collage work, Yes Paste can’t be beat. I’ve used it to mount watercolor paintings into my CANSON Mixed Media art journals, glueing lithographic prints onto a Little Colorado toy trunk, and even attaching fabric swatches for mixed media canvases. It provides plenty of work time, and once dry, the bond is permanent and archival-safe.

I was able to revive an old jar of this paste by adding a little water but ultimately decided to try a new jar. It was worth the investment for use on small or thin bits of paper. For gluing larger, stiffer things like cardstock or cardboard that can withstand application with a credit card, I used the old jar.

Cleanup is a breeze too. Yes Paste is water-soluble, so any excess just wipes off my fingers with a damp ZWIPES cloth. I’ve even reactivated dried paste on projects by misting it with water to reposition pieces.

The dried paste remains slightly flexible, which is perfect for bookbinding projects like glueing pages to make pockets and tags that need to flex.

While not recommended for things like repairing vintage plush toys or jewelry findings, Yes Paste works amazingly for paper crafts of all kinds. I’ve used it to adhere photos into PIONEERS scrapbooks with no wrinkles or damage.

For cardmaking, you can mix in color or glitter and spread it through stencils for decorative effects that dry completely clear.

One little trick – be sure to seal the jar properly after each use by wrapping a strip of tape around the lid and jar rim. This prevents any air exposure that could cause drying, discoloration or the paste turning an unsightly yellow or brown color.

With that precaution, a jar of Yes Paste enjoys incredible shelf life without cracking or becoming brittle. I’ve had jars last for years when stored this way.

❌The Only Downside

The only downside is that the jars can be extremely tough to open sometimes! The lids unscrew but really have to be pried off initially. I recommend putting a piece of plastic wrap over the top once opened to help seal it back up.

💬 FAQ of Yes Paste