How Do You Make Glue? 6 Recipes You Can Make at Home

Why run to the store for more glue when you probably have everything you need to make your own in the kitchen? Here are 6 easy DIY glue recipes you can make with common items in your pantry like flour, cornstarch, vinegar, gelatin, or skim milk. While not as long-lasting as commercial glue, these pastes are great for crafting, paper and cardboard projects, and possibly bonding some fabrics or wood. Let’s dive in!

Homemade Glue Recipe

Mix together ½ cup of flour and ⅓ cup of water in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it just boils, stirring constantly. To make the glue thicker, add more flour. To make it runnier, add more water. Use the glue for light paper crafts and cardboard. Store in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Making Simple Flour Glue

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Mix ½ cup (63 g) of flour and ⅓ cup (159 mL) of water in a bowl with a spoon. Blend the mixture until it is about as thick as pancake batter. The paste should not be too thick or too drippy. If it’s too runny, add more flour 1 teaspoon (3.3 g) at a time until it’s the right consistency. If it’s too thick, add more water. ^{[1]
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- Ingredients: ½ cup (63 g) of flour, ⅓ cup (159 mL) of water
- If you need less glue, start with the amount of flour you will use, then add water, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
- What this glue works for: This simple flour glue is great if you’re making crafts for a party or something short-term. It will not usually last on long-term projects because it will dry out.
Pour your glue paste into a saucepan and stir constantly until the mixture bubbles. Take it off the heat when the paste starts bubbling, and wait until the mixture cools before you use it. ^{[2]
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Use the glue shortly after making it. You can use a brush or your fingers to apply the glue to your crafts. The glue paste can be used to stick paper together for a variety of craft projects and decorations such as making greeting cards and kids’ projects.
- This glue can become moldy over time. To prevent mold, dry your craft project completely over a heater or let it air dry fully.
4
Store the glue in the fridge. Keep any unused glue in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The glue should last for 1 to 2 weeks.
- If the glue gets too dry in storage, add a little warm water to reuse it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Making Papier Mâché Glue

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Mix 1 cup (125 g) of flour with ⅓ cup (200 g) of sugar in a small saucepan. Combine the flour and sugar with a spoon or whisk until well-blended. ^{[3]
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- Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) of flour, ⅓ cup (200 g) of sugar, 1 to 1.5 cups (237 to 355 mL) of water, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of vinegar
- If you want a smoother paste, you can sift the flour before you make your paste.
- To make papier mâché glue , the basic proportions are 3:1 for the flour-sugar mixture. Use 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of vinegar for every cup of flour you use.
- What this glue works for: You can use this glue to make papier mâché and light craft projects. It's totally non-toxic, too!
Blend the mix until it is very smooth and lump-free. It will have the consistency of a thick paste. When smooth, whisk in the rest of the water (¼ to ¾ cup (59 to 177 mL) depending on how runny you want your paste) and mix thoroughly. Blend your ingredients until your glue is smooth and a little runny but not watery.
Stir the mixture constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Once your mixture starts to boil, you can turn off the heat. ^{[4]
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Let your glue cool before using it. When the mixture has cooled, use it for any craft projects including papier mâché. Once you have finished, keep any unused glue in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. This glue will keep for 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry any of the crafts you make with this glue.
- If the project stays damp, it may grow moldy over time. Pat your products dry or heat them over an oven to keep mold away.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Making Cornstarch Glue

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Boil ¾ cup (177 mL) water, 1 tsp (5 mL) vinegar, and 2 tbsp (30 mL) corn syrup. Mix ingredients together in a small saucepan. Turn the heat up to medium heat and bring the mixture to a full boil. ^{[5]
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- Ingredients: 1 to 1.5 cups (237 to 355 mL) of cold water, 2 tablespoons (16 g) of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of corn syrup, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of white vinegar
- What this glue works for: This recipe is non-toxic and great for paper crafts, découpage, scrapbooks, journals, and other paper projects.
- According to DIYers, this cornstarch glue recipe is the closest to mimicking Elmer’s Glue. Real Elmer’s Glue requires an emulsion of expensive and hard-to-find ingredients and isn’t practical to make yourself.
Make a cornstarch paste while the water is heating up. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ¼ to ¾ cup (59 to 177 mL) of water with 2 tablespoons (16 g) of cornstarch. Blend thoroughly. ^{[6]
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Add the cornstarch paste to the boiling water. When the water is boiling, carefully mix in the cornstarch paste, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. ^{[7]
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- Cook for 1 minute at a boil, then remove from heat so the mixture doesn’t boil too long and burn.
- Stir the mixture with a spoon constantly while it boils.
4
Let the glue cool before using it. After using your glue, pour it into a sealable container and store it in the refrigerator. This glue will keep for 2 to 4 weeks.
- The glue may work better if you let it stand overnight before using.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Making Simple No-Cook Flour Glue

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Blend 1 cup (120 g) flour, ½ cup (118 mL) water, and ⅛ tsp (0.75 g) of salt. In a small bowl, pour in the flour and add the water a bit at a time to make a thick paste. Add a pinch of salt and blend thoroughly. Your work is complete! You can use a brush to apply glue to your crafts. ^{[8]
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- Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) of flour, ½ cup (118 mL) of water, ⅛ teaspoon (0.75 g) of salt
- What this glue works for: This non-toxic glue is good for bookbinding, découpage, collage, papier-mâché, and putting up posters or flyers.
This recipe doesn’t need to cool, so it’s ready for gluing as soon as you’re done mixing. Store any remaining glue in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glue will last for about 2 weeks.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Making Milk Glue

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Mix ½ cup (118 mL) of skim milk with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar. Combine the ingredients together well in a small bowl, then give the mixture 2 minutes to sit. The chemical reaction will turn the protein of the milk into lumps or curds (you’ll see the milk form small white clumps). The liquid that remains is called whey. ^{[9]
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- Ingredients: ½ cup (118 mL) of skim milk, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar, 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of water, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda
- What this glue works for: This environmentally-friendly recipe can work for paper, cardboard, fabric, and potentially wood gluing. Unlike some other recipes, this glue can withstand exposure to moderate moisture.
Put a paper towel or cheesecloth over the top of a cup or bowl with a large mouth. Push the paper towel down in the middle so that it caves in and place a rubberband around the top to hold it in place. ^{[10]
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Carefully pour the curds and whey on top of the paper towel. The whey will drain into the cup while the curds stay on the top of the paper towel.
- Leave the curds and whey on the paper towel strainer for about 5 minutes to give it time to strain.
- Choose a larger cup that you can pour the whole mixture of the curds and whey onto. Or pour the mixture onto the strainer, wait for it to strain and then pour on the rest.
Scoop the curds off of the top of the strainer and put them between two paper towels. Press down on the curds so that all of the liquid whey is squeezed out. Make sure that you get out all of the whey to make the glue. ^{[11]
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Mix the curds with 2 tsp (10 mL) of water and 1 tsp (5 g) of baking soda. In another small bowl, add the curds, water, and baking soda. Stir the mixture together well. You will be able to hear the sound of bubbles popping if you listen closely because the reaction of the baking soda with the curds creates carbon dioxide. ^{[12]
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- If the mixture does not have the consistency of glue, add more water to the mixture (one teaspoon at a time) until it is the correct consistency.
- Store any remaining glue in an airtight container in the fridge. Since it’s milk-based, it will last for about a week or so.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Making Gelatin Glue

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Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 2 tbsp (30 mL) of cold water. In a small bowl, add your water and then sprinkle the gelatin powder on top (or lay the gelatin sheets down in the water, if that’s the type you have on hand). Set the bowl aside for several minutes to let the gelatin soften. ^{[13]
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- Ingredients: 2 packets of unflavored gelatin (about ½ ounce (14 g) total), 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of cold water, 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of skim milk, and 3 drops of clove oil (optional)
- What this glue works for: This recipe works well on porous materials like paper, cardboard, some fabrics, and potentially wood. It’s also reversible, meaning it can be re-wetted and repositioned when warm. ^{[14]
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Heat 3 tbsp (45 mL) of milk until it’s just boiling, then combine with the gelatin. In a saucepan, warm the milk on medium heat until it begins to boil. Remove it from the heat and pour it into the bowl of gelatin and water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. ^{[15]
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- Optional: If you’re keeping the glue for more than 1 day, mix in 3 drops of clove oil to act as a natural preservative. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can help slow the rot of the glue. ^{[16]
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Use the glue while warm and store leftovers in a screw-capped jar . The glue is most workable when it’s warm and malleable, so plan to use it quickly. As it cools, the glue will become more gel-like (this doesn’t impact its adhesiveness, though). ^{[17]
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- To reuse the glue, place the jar in a pot of hot water to warm the gel.
- Store the glue in a cool, dry place (like a cabinet or pantry) for up to a week if clove oil was added.

Community Q&A

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Question

Which kind of flour should I use to prepare glue?

Community Answer

You should use plain, white flour. Other types of flours usually contain other ingredients, which may interfere with the effectiveness of the glue.

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Can I use the fourth glue example to make slime?

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No because flour, water, and salt together would not make a substitute for the glue in slime.

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If I make slime with the glue, will I have to throw it away faster than store-bought glue slime?

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Yes, you are going to throw it away faster than store-bought glue slime. The slime you make with these types of glue contains water, which will make mold grow on the slime. If mold grows, you have to throw it away.

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Tips

When making the milk glue be sure to use skim milk and not almond milk. Almond milk will not work and will not create lumps.

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If the glue seems too drippy, add more flour. If it seems too thick, add more water.

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It is fun to get children of any age making glue for themselves because these recipes are non-toxic. However, be sure to help younger ones to get the lumps out or the glue will be too lumpy to use. Sifting the flour first may help.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Clean up spills right away before glue dries using soap and warm water. For skin contact, wash immediately and thoroughly. For eyes, rinse with water continuously for 15 minutes. Seek medical care if irritation persists.
To reuse leftover homemade glue, seal it tightly in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a month. Let it come to room temperature before reusing. If dried out, stir in a small amount of warm water.
Add glitter, food coloring or essential oils to homemade glue for decorative craft projects. Or fill empty containers like lip balm tubes so glue with add-ins is portable. Getting creative expands possibilities.
Homemade glue takes only minutes to whip up from pantry staples, making it ideal for spontaneous kid crafts or last-minute school projects. Keep basic ingredients handy for glue anytime inspiration strikes!
When making homemade glue, carefully follow all safety precautions. Supervise children, wear protective gear, and keep hazardous items out of reach. Creating glue can be educational, but safety comes first.
Before beginning a project, test the adhesion of your homemade glue by gluing together test samples. Adjust your glue recipe until your samples bond well to avoid any issues mid-project.

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Warnings

Let any materials you use your homemade glue on dry completely . If it stays damp, it may go moldy.

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Things You'll Need

Flour Glue

½ cup (63 g) flour
⅓ cup (159 mL) water
Saucepan
Stirring utensil

Papier Mâché Glue

1 cup (125 g) flour
⅓ cup (200 g) sugar
1 to 1.5 cups (237 to 355 mL) water
1 teaspoon (5 mL) vinegar
Saucepan
Stirring utensil

Cornstarch Glue

1 to 1.5 cups (237 to 355 mL) cold water
2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
2 tablespoons (30 mL) corn syrup,
1 teaspoon (5 mL) of white vinegar
Saucepan
Stirring utensil
Mixing bowl

Simple No-Cook Flour Glue

1 cup (120 g) flour
½ cup (118 mL) water
⅛ teaspoon (0.75 g) of salt
Mixing bowl
Stirring utensil

Milk Glue

½ cup (118 mL) skim milk
2 tablespoons (30 mL) vinegar
2 teaspoons (10 mL) water
1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
Mixing bowl
Stirring utensil
Paper towels or a cheesecloth

Gelatin Glue

2 packets unflavored gelatin (½ ounce (14 g) total)
2 tablespoons (30 mL) cold water
3 tablespoons (45 mL) skim milk
3 drops of clove oil (optional)
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Stirring utensil

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How Do You Make Glue? 6 Recipes You Can Make at Home

Homemade Glue Recipe

Steps

Making Simple Flour Glue

Making Papier Mâché Glue

Making Cornstarch Glue

Making Simple No-Cook Flour Glue

Making Milk Glue

Making Gelatin Glue

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You'll Need

Flour Glue

Papier Mâché Glue

Cornstarch Glue

Simple No-Cook Flour Glue

Milk Glue

Gelatin Glue

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References

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