DECOUPAGE CUT & PASTE

Craft Glue is the multi-purpose choice — a liquid white glue that dries slightly opaque, acid-free, non-toxic, and adheres to most surfaces. It washes out of fabric.

School Cold Glue is described by Dala as a classroom favourite, value for money, and suited to paper and cardstock. Acid-free and non-toxic, semi-opaque when dry.

Powder Glue is mixed with water as needed — Dala calls it perfect for the classroom because it is economical and can be made up in the quantity a lesson needs.

Construction Glue is the heavy-duty one, described as ideal for school project use. Non-toxic, dries opaque.

Paper Glue is clear, non-toxic, and can be diluted further with water for papier mâché.

Glue Sticks are solvent-free and non-toxic, and scoped by Dala to lightweight materials — cardstock and paper. Dries fast and clear.

Styrofoam Glue is the one for craft materials: pure or partly plastic items, and Dala names styrofoam, pom poms, googly eyes, ribbon and felt.

Stencil Glue is repositionable — hold a stencil securely, then remove or move it without reapplying.

Varnishes. Three Deco Varnishes — dead flat, high gloss, and a heat-resistant version rated by Dala for surfaces that meet heat, such as trays, coasters and table tops. The other two carry no heat rating.

Casting. Plaster of Paris, Casting Stone (similar but harder), and Plaster Plus, an additive Dala says makes plaster up to five times stronger when added at up to 25% of the water phase.

Waxes for batik, candle-making and encaustic work.

Scissors — 14cm with 6.4cm blades and non-slip grips for small hands, and 21cm with 9cm blades.

Match the glue to the material. This is the most common ordering mistake in school craft. Glue sticks are for paper; craft materials need Styrofoam Glue or Craft Glue; heavy projects need Construction Glue.

Powder Glue is the economical choice for volume. Mix what a lesson needs and no more.

Only the heat-resistant varnish is rated for heat. If pupils are decorating coasters or trays, that is the one.

Casting Rubber contains ammonia — Dala states this explicitly. Adult handling and ventilation.