If you’re new to crafting with pressed flowers—or even if you’ve been doing it for years—you’ve probably wondered which glue actually works best. As someone who grows, presses, and crafts with flowers here in Ontario, I’ve tested just about every type of adhesive out there. Some work beautifully… and some will ruin your delicate petals instantly.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best glues for pressed flower crafts, how to choose the right one for your project, and which options to avoid.
Why Choosing the Right Glue Matters
Pressed flowers are fragile. They can wrinkle, darken, or become translucent if the glue is too wet, too acidic, or applied incorrectly. The right glue will:
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Keep petals flat and smooth
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Prevent discolouration over time
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Help the flowers adhere without tearing
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Dry clear so your design looks seamless
Different glues work better for different projects—so let’s look at your best options.
Best Glues for Pressed Flowers
1. PVA Glue (White Craft Glue)
Best for: Cards, journals, scrapbooks, art on paper
PVA glue is one of the easiest and most accessible options. It dries clear and works well on paper-based crafts.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Easy to find
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Dries clear
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Good for most beginner projects
Cons:
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Too much glue can wrinkle petals
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Not great on glass
Tip: Thin it with a tiny bit of water and apply a very light, even layer.
2. Glue Stick
Best for: Cards, journals, simple flat crafts
Glue sticks are a surprisingly good option—they’re low-moisture, meaning they won’t soak your petals and cause browning.
Pros:
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Super beginner-friendly
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No wrinkling
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Accessible and affordable
Cons:
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Not the strongest hold
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Not suitable for glass or heavy pieces
Tip: Use a high-quality glue stick for strong adhesion.
3. Mod Podge (Matte or Gloss)
Best for: Sealing pressed flower art on paper, wood, or canvas
A classic crafting choice. You can use it as both a glue and a sealant.
Pros:
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Dries clear
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Works as a topcoat
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Great for art pieces that need sealing
Cons:
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Can cause flowers to darken if applied too wet
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Not ideal for very thin petals
Tip: Always test on a scrap flower first.
4. Spray Adhesive
Best for: Framing pressed flowers, delicate petals, floating-style layouts
Spray adhesive is ultra-light and won’t wet your flowers, making it great for fragile varieties like cosmos, violas, and hydrangeas.
Pros:
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Even, no-contact application
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Perfect for very thin flowers
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Professional finish
Cons:
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Can be messy
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Needs good ventilation
Tip: Spray from a distance and place flowers carefully—they stick fast.
5. Clear-Drying Tacky Glue
Best for: Thicker flowers, sturdier projects, wood or card bases
A thicker glue gives you more control when working with heavier petals or leaves.
Pros:
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Strong hold
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Works on various surfaces
Cons:
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Too thick for delicate flowers
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Can cause slight ridging under thin petals
6. NOT Recommended: Hot Glue or Super Glue
These adhesives are too harsh and will damage your flowers. Hot glue leaves bumps and burns petals, and super glue causes instant discoloration.
How to Choose the Best Glue for Your Project
For cards or journals:
→ Glue stick or thinned PVA glue
For framed art on watercolor paper:
→ Spray adhesive or Mod Podge (matte)
For floating frames:
→ Spray adhesive for a very light hold
For wood or canvas:
→ Tacky glue or Mod Podge
For sealing pressed flowers:
→ Light topcoat of Mod Podge or archival spray sealant
Pro Tips for Gluing Pressed Flowers
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Use tweezers for delicate petals
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Apply glue sparingly—less is more
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Press your flowers again (in a book or press) before gluing
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Avoid touching petals with damp fingers
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Always let glue dry fully before framing
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right glue for pressed flowers doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right adhesive and a gentle touch, your pressed flower art will stay beautiful for years. Whether you’re making cards, framed pieces, journals, or wedding keepsakes, a little planning goes a long way.
If you ever have questions about crafting with pressed flowers—or want locally grown, naturally pressed blooms from Ontario—I’m always happy to help.
