Nori Paste vs. Yes Paste: they stick things together, but can also leave you stuck when trying to decide which one is the best. In the battle of the paste adhesives, two contenders have emerged as favorites: Nori Paste and Yes Paste. Both will bond your projects tightly, but which one will bond with your heart?
So grab a craft and let’s get sticking! This squeeze-to-please showdown will equip you to make the smoothest choice the next time you need to glue DIY.
❓Nori Paste Vs. Yes Paste: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between Nori Paste vs. Yes Paste is:
Nori Paste is like a thinner and more spreadable version of Yes Paste; Yes Paste is better for materials other than paper, such as wood or glass. It is not recommended for use in leather projects.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Nori Paste
The best part is that a little goes a long way, and it cleans up effortlessly with water. I’ve even topped it with acrylic paints and matte medium, and everything adheres beautifully. I highly recommend using a topcoat as a final sealer, but overall, I am in love with this paste. And the fact that it’s odorless and chemical-free is a huge bonus. All of my professional artist friends are also fans of this paste. It’s like a thinner and more spreadable version of YES paste, surpassing it in every way.
Besides, I had painted a 15×22 inch deer portrait in one of my art classes and left it with my instructor to demonstrate a technique for removing a painting from a board that was stapled instead of taped on the edges.
To my dismay, my painting ended up getting torn during the process. When I returned to the class and saw my artwork displayed, I had no idea it had been damaged. It wasn’t until my instructor pointed it out and showed me a bottle of this paste that she used to repair it. Intrigued, I immediately ordered a jar for myself. Without her telling me, I wouldn’t have noticed the repaired area for a long time.
Now, let me tell you about its versatility. If you’re looking for a paste that doesn’t dry immediately, allowing you time to adjust the paper being pasted, this is the one. It’s water-soluble, so a small amount of water can soften the paste for easy removal. I’ve used various pastes and glues in the past, but none of them could reattach loose wallpaper effectively.
However, with this paste, all I had to do was mix a little water into it and spread a layer on the back of the paper. I applied it to the wall like any other wallpaper, and guess what? It has been six weeks, and none of it has come loose. In contrast, the other glues I tried only lasted a couple of days. I haven’t had to remove any of the wallpaper yet, so I can’t speak to any potential issues, but the fact that the paste is water-soluble gives me confidence that releasing the paper will be a breeze when needed.
It has excellent cohesion and medium to low adhesion, making it perfect for preserving paper. However, using it for leather can be quite expensive. I usually go through half a jar just for one book, so it’s not the most cost-effective option for leather projects.
When it comes to collage work, it has a moist consistency when applied, giving you plenty of time to work on your masterpiece. Once it dries, it becomes clear with a semi-glossy appearance. This feature is incredibly useful for those of us who tend to vacillate on the final placement of our elements. With this paste, you have the flexibility to adjust and readjust until you’re satisfied.
💬 FAQ of Nori Paste
Q: Can Nori Paste be used to attach frosted mylar to glass windows, even though it’s not formulated for plastic or vellum? What might happen if I try?
A: While Nori Paste may not be designed for non-porous surfaces like plastic or vellum, you could try using it to adhere frosted mylar to glass windows. However, based on my experiment, the glue did not dry and the mylar only loosely clung to the glass. It might work as a temporary solution, but I cannot guarantee how it will hold up to moisture or wet conditions.
Q: Is Nori Paste suitable for archival projects and does it create a permanent bond when dry?
A: Absolutely! Nori Paste is perfect for collating and can even be used with fabric, creating a permanent bond once it dries.
Q: Can I use nori paste to make paper beads?
A: While nori paste can be used for paper crafts, it is water-soluble, which means that pasted paper beads could come apart if they get wet. Therefore, it is recommended to use more permanent glue and seal the paper beads against moisture.
Q: I want to glue playing cards onto glass to make a Sequence board. Will this glue cause bubbles or can it sufficiently hold the cards to the glass?
A: This glue should be able to hold the playing cards to the glass without causing any bubbles, especially if you scuff up the glass or use a matte pane. However, because it is water-soluble, it is recommended to use a few layers of spray varnish on top for protection against moisture.
Q: Can Nori Paste be thinned with water to use in a spray bottle? If so, how much water should be added?
A: Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this paste can be thinned with water as it is already very thick and may not spray well.
Q: Can I use Nori Paste to adhere paper to leather?
A: Yes, you can use Nori Paste to adhere paper to leather, but keep in mind that if the leather flexes, the paste may eventually fail. However, if the surface is rigid, like a leather book cover, it should work just fine.
Q: Can Nori Paste be used as a glue resist in dyeing?
A: Yes, Nori Paste can be used as a resist for dyeing, but Nori Paste is not a glue. It is a water-soluble starch paste that may be suitable for resist dyeing depending on the desired consistency. However, it is essential to research how to resist pastes that are blended and used, especially in fabric art using dyes, as the paste must be water-soluble and washed out once the dye is set.
Q: When using this paste to glue fabric for collaging, should I thin it out with water?
A: You can use Nori Paste as is, without thinning it out, but it can also be thinned slightly if desired.
Q: Will Nori Paste wrinkle lightweight paper?
A: It’s possible that Nori Paste could wrinkle lightweight paper if too much paste is used. It’s recommended to use it sparingly and test it on a sample piece first.
Q: Will Nori Paste reconstitute when wet?
A: In my experience, it does not get sticky when it gets wet after drying, so it should not reconstitute.
Q: Can I use Nori Paste to patch a tear in a noguchi lamp with a scrap from an old damaged noguchi lamp I bought at a garage sale?
A: It should work on rice paper, which is often used in Noguchi lamps.
Q: Is this the right glue for Kanzashi making?
A: While I use Nori Paste for bookmaking, I have seen recipes online for Kanzashi using this paste. It is slow-drying and allows for easy repositioning, making it a good choice.
Q: Can Nori Paste be used for Noren resist dyeing?
A: Nori Paste is not a traditional resist paste for Noren dyeing, but it may work in certain circumstances. It is always best to do a small test first to ensure it works for your specific project.
Q: Is this glue suitable for use on foam boards?
A: Yes, Nori Paste can be used on foam board, but it may warp the board slightly if too much paste is used. It’s best to use it sparingly and test it on a small area first.
Q: Can Nori Paste be used for decoupage on glass surfaces?
A: While Nori Paste can be used for decoupage, it may not be the best choice for glass surfaces. It is water-soluble and may not hold up well on a non-porous surface like glass. A stronger adhesive like Mod Podge might be a better choice.
Q: Can I use Nori Paste to make paper mache?
A: Nori Paste can be used as a glue for paper mache, but it may not be as strong as other options like a flour and water mixture. It’s best to experiment with different formulas and choose the one that works best for your specific project.
Q: Can Nori Paste be used for mounting photos or artwork on paper or board?
A: Yes, Nori Paste can be used for mounting photos or artwork on paper or board, but it may not be the best option for larger, heavier pieces. It’s always best to test the adhesive on a small area first.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Yes Paste
I used the Yes Paste to fix the corners of a piece of art that had rolled up after using spray glue. With a thin application and some weighing down, every corner was back in place. The paper-to-paper adhesion was very good, and it did not leave any wrinkles on the paper.
It was easy to use and worked well with paper artwork. It went on drier than glue with much less wrinkling, like a glue stick. The paper-to-paper adhesion was very good, and it washed off fingers and tools with water.
It is so much better than a glue stick. Although it takes a little bit more work to spread it on with a palette knife than to just use a glue stick, it is well worth it. Once it dries, the adhesion is better than with most glue sticks.
Also, it is possible to get a totally smooth coat covering the whole back so you don’t see the “glue trails” from the front of the image. I also like that the item remains re-positional for a minute in case I don’t get it in just the right spot. The fact that it is water-soluble makes cleanup easy. I keep a small jar in my workspace into which I can rinse my fingers when necessary…works great!
However, One issue I have with this paste is that it can be quite thick and very sticky, making it somewhat difficult to use. I use a small flexible rubber spatula for large areas and various sizes of paint brushes for different types of paper. I apply it to the paper being glued rather than to the surface. I also use other products for tissue paper.
💬 FAQ of Yes Paste
Q: Is Yes Paste suitable for gluing wallpaper in a dollhouse?
A: Yes, Yes Paste is an excellent choice for dollhouse wallpaper. It is a versatile adhesive that has been used for miniatures building and teaching for over 35 years. If the paste is too stiff, it can be diluted with hot water in very tiny increments until it reaches the consistency of thick syrup. Bookbinders also use this glue.
Q: Can Yes Paste be used in a precision tip bottle?
A: While brush application with a stiff-bristled paintbrush is the recommended method for Yes Paste, it may be worth experimenting with using it in a precision tip bottle. However, the paste should not be diluted too much, as it may affect its performance.
Q: I am experiencing cracking when I fold two paper pieces together using Yes Paste. Is there a reason for this?
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A: Yes, the performance of Yes Paste is affected by humidity. In drier climates, such as Colorado, the glue can dry out and crack if applied near a joint. It is best to avoid using it in joint locations or areas where it may dry out.
Q: Can Yes Paste be used to refill empty glue stick containers for fabric basting?
A: No, Yes Paste is not suitable for fabric basting. It is designed to glue paper to a porous surface, and it does not wash or scrape off easily. For fabric basting, it is recommended to use a glue stick and pins to install zippers.
Q: Does Yes Paste have a mint smell or taste like the paste used in kindergarten?
A: While Yes Paste has a similar consistency to kindergarten paste, it does not have a mint smell. It is important to wipe up excess paste, as it can stay sticky and never dry. Any excess paste can be cleaned up with a barely moist rag.
Q: Can a painted wood ‘door’ stick to a glued photo if the door closes over the photo using Yes Paste?
A: No, the photo will not stick to the door frame if Yes Paste is used. Yes Paste is an archival glue that is primarily designed for paper. It has a consistency similar to Vaseline and is one of the best glues available for paper.
Q: Is Yes Paste suitable for use in leather projects?
A: No, Yes Paste is not recommended for use in leather projects. A glue such as Barge, specifically designed for leather, would be a better choice.
Q: I used water-based glue to stick a print on glossy paper to the chipboard, and the print was ruined. Would using Yes Paste have the same effect?
A: No, Yes Paste should not ruin prints on glossy paper. It is an excellent adhesive for paper and photos.
Q: Can Yes Paste be used to glue leather to plastic?
A: No, Yes Paste is not recommended for gluing leather to plastic. Crafter’s Pick Ultimate is a better choice, as it adheres to plastic, leather, and other surfaces.
Q: Has anyone used Yes Paste to paste small pieces of paper on paper, such as die cuts? How did you apply it?
A: Yes, Yes Paste can be used to glue small pieces of paper together. A smaller paintbrush and a scrap piece of paper to avoid getting glue on the table is a good method for application.
Q: Does Yes Paste dry clear?
A: Yes, Yes Paste dries clear. To avoid excess glue, it is important to glue clear to the edges of the project carefully. Any excess glue can be wiped away with a damp clean cloth.
Q: Can Yes Paste be used to adhere large fabric pom poms to wood?
A: No, Yes Paste is not suitable for gluing fabric to wood. If you have read my analysis on e6000 vs super glue, you will know that a glue-like E6000, specifically designed for fabric and wood, would be a better choice.
Q: Why does Yes Paste buckle on every project? Is Matte Medium a better option?
A: Yes Paste should not buckle on every project. Perhaps it is being applied too thickly. Yes Paste is an excellent adhesive for paper, and it should not cause buckling. It is recommended to use PrintWorks Presentation Paper and adhere it to paper, wood, card stock, or photo paper.
Q: Can Yes Paste be used to mount Chinese paintings?
A:Yes, Yes Paste can be used to mount Chinese paintings. It is an archival glue that is acid-free and pH neutral, which makes it ideal for preserving artwork. However, it is important to test a small area first to ensure that it does not damage the painting or alter its appearance. It is also recommended to consult with a professional conservator to ensure the best preservation methods are used.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me📧admin@stickyaides.com
