The first layer is without a doubt the most important layer in a 3D print, as it establishes the model’s base and connects it to the build surface. Unfortunately, that second point can also be one of the biggest challenges of 3D printing. If the first layer isn’t well bonded to the build plate, your print may warp or completely fall apart.
Of all the different bed adhesion techniques out there, glue is perhaps the least expensive and easiest to use. Here, we’ve looked at a number of popular choices for glue sticks, so you can find the best tool for the task.
Why a Glue Stick?
While there are many ways to ensure that your print sticks, like different build surfaces and adhesives, the humble glue stick is one of the most simple. Glue and similar adhesive substances offer a few benefits:
- Easy cleanup: Many glue sticks are water-soluble, allowing you to quickly rinse your build plate with water to remove any leftover or excess adhesive. Other adhesion solutions, like tape, tend to leave a residue that’s more difficult to remove.
- Easy application: Glue sticks are applied directly to the bed, meaning no sticky spray getting everywhere as you might experience with spray adhesives. While tape also contacts the bed, it’s difficult to correctly align and apply the tape on the build plate in an even layer without air bubbles.
- Easy print removal: Unlike some other solutions, glue sticks don’t over-adhere models to the bed once it cools. Glue also comes in handy when printing certain materials, like PETG, which naturally have more adhesive properties. For these types of materials, glue serves as something of an interface layer, so the material doesn’t permanently stick to your build surface.
While glue is one way to solve adhesion, be mindful of other factors that affect bed adhesion, such as your bed levelness, Z offset value, and even the condition of your filament (like whether it has moisture in it). Also, make sure to wash your build plate after every few applications so that the residue doesn’t harden.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Stick
One of the most prolific glue manufacturers around, Elmer’s has been formulating new glues for over 70 years. One of the most notable industries that the company supports is general education and schools.
This glue stick makes it to the top of the list for the color-changing effect that it has – it applies purple and then changes to clear once it dries. This is a serious help when it comes to ensuring effective coverage of your print bed. Furthermore, its harder consistency makes it easy to apply a thin coat.
Some makers have recommended combining this glue with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in order to achieve very thin layers and get the most uses out of a single stick.
3DLac Stick
3DLac is a brand that grew out of Spain’s RepRap community, and it became well known for its eponymously named adhesive spray developed specifically for 3D printing. Many of the product reviews found on YouTube report positive results; even Thomas Sanladerer praised its adhesion for PLA and PETG printed on a cold print bed.
3DLac’s assortment has grown over the years, and since 2023, they offer the 3DLac Stick. When it comes to the formula, the primary difference between the stick and the original 3DLac spray is that the former is water-based, while the original is alcohol based. Although the adhesive is liquid, the stick can apply the adhesive to the print bed in the same way one uses a regular old glue stick, offering a bit more control over the delivery compared to the original aerosol spray.
Those who have tried the stick have also reported positive results, especially with a heated bed. You’ll have to wait until the build plate cools down before removing the print, though.
Layerneer Bed Weld
Layerneer is a California-based company centered around their one and only product, Bed Weld. This adhesive solution was developed to enhance bed adhesion for PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, CPE, and PVA filament materials. According to Layerneer, Bed Weld is water-soluble and low-odor, making cleanup super easy.
Layerneer’s Bed Weld is a special 3D printer adhesive that can be applied just like glue. The bottle features a foam tip that helps prevent over-application but still allows for direct contact.
As pointed out by multiple customer reviews, Bed Weld remains effective in keeping prints in place for a pretty long time. Also, this substance is said to adhere to surfaces when hot but release them when cold – similar to a textured glass bed. This function is great for quickly removing parts without too much force that could potentially cause damage.
Magigoo
Produced by the start-up Thought3D, Magigoo is a specially formulated adhesive intended for direct use in 3D printing. After several revisions, including a glue stick form, their current offering is a liquid in a stick deposited through a felt membrane. While the current version is not technically a glue stick in its traditional sense, the stick applicator is popular in the 3D printing community.
The consistency of the liquid is just right, applying incredibly smoothly. Also, since it’s for 3D printing, the glue deactivates once the heated print bed is cooled. The releasing action makes it a breeze to remove your 3D printed model once the job is done.
One other thing to note about Magigoo is that there are different products for different printing materials, meaning that you’ll have the right level of adhesion for whatever you’re printing with.
Scotch Purple Glue Stick
Scotch, a 3M brand, is well known for the transparent sticky tape first offered in the 1930s. Scotch is one of the industry leaders making tapes, glues, decorative items, and much more. The brand is so popular, it has become a household name in parts of the world and even generic clear tape bears the name of “Scotch tape”.
Similar to other glue sticks, this one applies easily, as it has more of a firm consistency. The added bonus is that, similar to Elmer’s glue stick offering, this one applies purple and dries clear, making it easier to tell if you missed a spot. Cleanup and reconditioning of a glass 3D print bed is a breeze with simple soap and water.
UHU Stic
UHU created the first batch of their famous all-purpose glue in 1931. It’s made and owned by the German brand UHU as a part of the larger Bolton Adhesives company. Their glue is on the market as a general-purpose glue, useful for paper, cardboard, foams, and surprisingly, 3D printing.
One can count on a smooth application due to the soft consistency of this glue stick. Further, the grip gives you an accurate way to adjust the amount of glue exposed, and a convenient screw-top lid ensures your glue will never dry out.
If you’re living in Europe, this may be more readily available than either of the purple glue sticks, but you’ll get comparable results.
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