Hemline Fabric, Craft, General Adhesive Vs Gutermann CGHT2 original formula

You may or may not know that I was one of the first (English speaking) bloggers to post a tutorial on how to glue purses into frames. That was back in 2006, that's a whole lot of inhaling glue fumes. It'd be fair to say that when it comes to glueing in purse frames by now I'm (high-ly...haha!) experienced.

   Gutermann glue, I loves ya!  X

 

We stock both glues in the shop. Gutermann glue here and Hemline glue here.

 

This head to head glue test has become necessary because Gutermann are no longer distributing their legendary original (solvent based) glue outside of Germany.  So the search is on for a deserving (kick butt) alternative. 

OK I know that we're all busy crafters so I will to keep this head to head glue test short.  

Some people may say the two glues are identical (and indeed it does look like Hemline have basically copied the Gutermann glue).  However, in my opinion there are a few differences that I will talk about here.

 

The quick to read verdict is this: The Gutermann glue will always be my first love, BUT in the absence of the Gutermann, the Hemline glue works really, really well...with caveats that I will talk about in this blog post.  Basically, the Gutermann and Hemline both have an excellent bond and both are great to work with, but the Hemline glue applicator is a bit of a disappointment - fear not, I am here to show you easy workarounds for the hemline applicator. 

 

What makes Gutermann glue perfect:

1. Nozzle - It has a fine metal nozzle which is great for getting into purse frame channels
2. Bond strength - the bond is bomb proof, as I said back in 2006: "it has more grip than a pot of angry lobsters'.
3. Consistency and colour - the consistently is perfect, it is neither too thick or too runny. This gives you a reasonable amount of time to work with the glue. The clear colour is perfect for obvious reasons.
4. Drying time - It is good at 10 minutes, which isn't too long to wait.
5. Tube size - 30g this is a good size to work with.  Large enough to make several purses and small enough so the tube is not so large as to hinder you getting into nooks and crannies (and the last bit of glue at the end of the tube isn't too dry or crusty).

How does the Hemline compare with the above points?

1. Nozzle - there are 3 plastic nozzles provided with this glue. I'm not enamoured with this, but there are easy work arounds  which I will share in a minute.
2. Bond strength - the bond is excellent. Easily comparable with the Gutermann glue.
3. Consistency and colour - the consistently is a teensy runnier than the Gutermann glue. No big deal, it's just as easy to work with.  The clear colour is perfect for obvious reasons.
4. Drying time - It is longer at 20 mins. 
5. Tube size - like the Gutermann, this glue 30g.

   Inside the box: (comprehensive) instructions; 30g tube of glue; and 3 twist on nozzles.

 

 The supplied cap only fits the tube minus the nozzles - Ahhhhh!   To get around this, read on...

Ok so I love the bond of the Hemline glue, but I don't love the Hemline plastic nozzles, but life is about making the best of what we have so here is how I workaround the plastic nozzles. Firstly, you may be asking why don't I like the plastic nozzles?  

1. You can't put a lid onto the nozzle - you are supposed to remove the plastic nozzle and screw the small cap on.  Well, you can forget that buddy!
2. Does this mean that you only use a nozzle for 3 projects (as you are provided with 3 nozzles)??  Nope read on....

 

Easy nozzle work arounds:

1. Firstly, don't be afraid to make a sizeable hole in the metal seal of the glue top.  This is important for allowing the glue to sink back inside the tube (after we have finished working with it).
2. Snip a 1cm long tip from one of the plastic nozzles - AND RESERVE THAT TIP.  You need it to act as a bung/stopper for the plastic tip (whilst the glue is not in use).
3. Always wipe the outside of the nozzle clean after working with the glue. When not in use always store the glue in an upright position. A mug or glass is perfect for this.  When upright the glue will run down from the nozzle and back into the tube. Remember to pop the little tip into the nozzle hole.  This clears the nozzle of glue ready for your next project (I've done this for up to 4 purses with 1 nozzle and it is still working fine).  At some point the nozzle will get gummy, by which time I will need to use another nozzle.  So by my reckoning 3 nozzles will last fine for the life of the glue tube.

   1. Make a good size hole in the glue top metal seal.

 

 2. From one of the nozzles snip off a 1cm long tip. DO NOT LOSE THE SNIPPED OFF TIP.

 

 3. Always store the glue in an upright position and use the snipped off tip as a stopper.  The glue inside the tip should run back down inside the nozzle, into the tube.  In my experience the snipped off tip does not get glued into the nozzle.

 

There!  Go forth and use the Hemline with confidence!  X