What to Use for Glue: 10 FAQs - Sea Glass Mosaic Art

An update to my video on what to use for glue - plus 10 FAQs answered.
To see more about what I do with my sea glass, check out my other videos and my website: jackietrimperseaglass.com
Products that I use in my videos - if you use these inks to purchase, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. Thank You!! To order any of the products I use in my art click on the following links to Amazon.com:
Clear silicone - Kitchen and Bath Adhesive Caulking: amzn.to/3K48Iu4
Mosaic craft tweezers:amzn.to/3XZuDZ5
Glass scraper: amzn.to/3NVFI8V
Glass Cleaner: amzn.to/3Dkc3RT
Glass Cleaning Wipes: amzn.to/3XWtCB4
Blacklight Flashlight:amzn.to/44uazAl
Sharpie Oil Markers: amzn.to/37IlicH
8” X 8” white frame:: amzn.to/36xaY
Blank notecards: amzn.to/35niNvG
Makita Orbital Sander: amzn.to/2UjnTWa
This video was filmed using a Canon EOS Rebel SL2: amzn.to/30xBZDL
To see even more sea glass art, read the ramblings of a sea glass obsessed addict, and learn the “how to” of my process, check out my book: Windows to the Past - Creating Sea Glass Mosaic Art. Windows to the Past - Creating Sea Glass Mosaic Art: amzn.to/2OakC9C
0:00 Introduction
4:03 Which Clear Silicone do you use & where do you get it?
5:27 How Much Silicone do you use on each piece?
7:09 How do you prevent air bubbles and glue marks?
8:05 What do you do if it's hard to squeeze the silicone?
8:36 How long does it take the silicone to set?
9:10 Do you use resin or grout?
9:44 Does clear silicone work on other surfaces?
10:15 Does clear silicone work with driftwood, shells, or rocks?
10:48 Is the glass strong enough to hold the weight?

[@jcampbell100]

Thanks Jackie for your generosity. I asked a glass artist one time what she used for glue and she wouldn't tell me. To me real artists share the joy of creation.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks so much for that comment. It's appreciated

[@sandyschultz9317]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I made a window mosiac with broken glass and glass beads and used E6000. It looked fine but didn't hold long term. I hadn't seen anything like what i'd made on youtube so It was all trial and error, mostly error! The window has sat in my garage for atleast 3 years. Now I will reglue it with silicone and hang it up on my garden shed! Thank you for being so kind to share your talent with us.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I'm so glad you can recreate this project with a more permanent fix It sounds lovely.

[@dianerix497]

Very pretty work! Thanks so much for the Dap and other info re other products.

[@joannclupper7902]

Thank you for sharing so much of your talent and experience.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Your welcome. Glad you enjoy.

[@nirateller5603]

Thank you so much. You helped me a lot. Great video

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@jandramardges3368]

Thank you! I just saw this and find you so very talented, gracious and easy to understand and follow. It will be a pleasure to watch your other videos.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed this.

[@crystalstogner6570]

Thank you for sharing all this info. Glad to be able to start a Project with the right tools. Just found your site today and subscribed. Your work is so lovely and it shows your love for sea glass. God bless you.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad you’re making a project. I’d love to see what you make if can send me a pic through my website. Jackietrimperseaglass.com

[@skatekraft]

You have been wonderfully helpful. Thank you for the explanations and tips. I just subscribed!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad you find it helpful. Thanks for subscribing to my channel.

[@lisewarren2292]

Thank you so much this is spot on the information I needed to begin to use all my seaglass! I'm so happy! Many many thanks!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad you enjoy this. Best wishes as you start this journey. It’s a fun one.

[@lydvincecruz824]

Thank you so much for the information before I start a project and fine out they don't stay for long term.Very much appreciated coming from someone who has that knowledge.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Good luck with your projects

[@bizburgess1947]

Love the stacked pieces in the flowers! One of my favourite shapes. Thanks for the video. I got the answer the first time but it is so good to hear the DAP is still going strong. Have a great day.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks. I’ll show that whole piece in a video when I finish it. Soon to come...

[@conorwilliamson6414]

So helpful!! I'm just starting out and this was a great guide, thank you!!!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lorrainehayes4688]

Very helpful video.❤️

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VanCityGirl16]

Hi from the west coast of Canada! Thank you so much for this video! It was super helpful and I'm so glad to hear that silicon can be used on paper too! I'm going to try and do a few small pieces :) Love your work and your videos.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks. I hope you're pleased with your creations!

[@maryskorstad2785]

THANK YOU😆😆. Your tips are just what I was looking for🙌🏻🙌🏻💐

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad!

[@j.c.7555]

Loved the information you just shared. I’m wanting to do glass on glass mosaic and I was struggling with what glue to use so now I can buy the Kwakiutl seal and complete my project! Thank you so much!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Hope it works out well for you

[@joychip5994]

Great video Jackie ❤️

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks

[@elainebenes5932]

This video saved me so much time! I was trying to figure out how to glue seashells to glass for framing. I was going to use Gorilla glue but came across this video and purchased silicone. Worked perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge Jackie!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad I could help!

[@davy1458]

I think that your sea glass art is so pretty

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks so much

[@nizawei8474]

Thanks love it

[@carlas6168]

Excited to find your channel❗️

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Welcome!!

[@andrewoneill5003]

Thanks for the advice. My boys and I are big sea glass collectors in Barbados. I am excited about making some faux stained glass featuring turtles, light house, sail boat, palm trees. I didn’t know what to do with all the nice glass we have collected. It looks difficult yet rewarding!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

andrew oneill that’s amazing. It’s not so hard and lots of fun.

[@lindadechiazza2924]

Really like your work.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks

[@elisabethpine3420]

Thank you!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

You're welcome!

[@theenglishherbalist]

I love this video. I'm a seaglass jewellery designer but have never made a picture. Thanks for the advice.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad it inspires you.

[@davidhill1220]

This is a great tutorial Thanks a ton! Patricia

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks for watching!

[@TermaMary]

Very helpful thank you

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad it helps. Best wishes with your artwork.

[@bernadettepierce8020]

Appreciate your information.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HoneyBeeBuz]

Thank you so much

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

You're most welcome

[@azieamakhan9240]

Thank you dear

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

You are so welcome!

[@melbabowen4389]

❤Thank you! Very helpful!!!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

So glad you found this helpful

[@teddyquinones4234]

Glad I found you....very helpful and informative....I like your artwork very much....thanks.....zorinanatasha😊

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I'm so glad! Thanks for your comments

[@bernadettepierce8020]

Very helpful

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks

[@elizacooper1487]

Thank you! This was so helpful! Can’t wait to get started! 🌊💙🐚

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

You're so welcome! Good luck with your project

[@siiiriously3226]

very useful Video! i am looking for a glue to decoraze glass baubles and all the glues are either very hard &brittle after drying or stink horribly, or both. i'll try the silicone!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Hope it works well. It’s easiest on a flat surface as it takes so long to dry but I have taped pieces in place and then removed the tape after it sets.

[@ginawells8230]

Thank yuo

[@dianematthews2912]

Jackie, I love your art work. Where do you get all your sea glass?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks so much. I've been collecting all my life. The lion's share is from PEI, Canada. Although I'm living in NS and haven't made it back there since October last year so I haven't been adding to my collection. Can't wait to get back to the beach.

[@lillyliliana6594]

Hi Jackie, thank you for your video. Clear silicone works also with tiffany -glass on glass support ? Also on plexiglass?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I haven’t tried either of those but it should work as long as what you’re glueing can lie flat to set.

[@heathernewton5564]

Thank you. Wonderful video. Can you use this glue to put pieces of glass on a canvas? Do you know if it will hold over time or what glue can be used for glass on canvas?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Yes you can! I’ve had no trouble with it not holding over time.

[@fionajackson5110]

Great information, thank you so much. Where do you get your sea glass, please

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

It all comes from the beach. I’ve been collecting my whole life and I’m kinda old 👵

[@frst78]

Check rivers too! I just discovered the river down the road from us used to be where the old city dump was in the late 1800s early 1900s. Its nothing but glass and old pottery in some areas! I'm so excited!

[@queenmermaid4935]

I luv ur art wk Jackie, when u do sea glass onto window frames, does the light shine thru? where are the idea locations for these windows? Do u look for old windows or utilize what u have? Which window frames seem to give u better results?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Thanks The light does shine through nicely making the look of the sea glass change with the changing light. I seek out windows and frames - the more unique the better. Now I have a large collection. I have only used a double pane window once and it was small enough to work, but I look for single pane vintage windows. I get them at yard sales, antiques shops and people give them to me, as they know I collect them.

[@queenmermaid4935]

Thxs very much for info. I do not know if I will take up the hobby or not but I am definitely interested in it’s beautiful wk such as urs❤️👍🏾

[@tinamaruco4920]

I have a long vertical frame w/o glass. If I bought glass either 1/8 or 3/16 thick how do I kno it will fit and stay in the frame? It has those metal fasteners on back to hold it in. Plus can I use kwik seal on back around the frame fir extra security? So fearful of the sea glass and agates etc to be too heavy fir glass. Also how do u clean it all from dust accumulating on it? Ty so much! U r very informative

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Order the glass to fit the frame See my video on to prepare a frame for a mosaic for more info. I do use the silicone all around the back. Dust with a stiffer duster.

[@thomasnathan7328]

Thankyou for your video. It is so informative but i do hv a question for you. I live in Malaysia where it is basically hot the whole year round. Would the silicon glue be able to withstand our heat? Thanks. Tammy🌻

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Hi Tammy, The Clear silicone I use is meant for use in kitchens and bathrooms and is meant to withstand heat and moisture so you should have success in your climate.

[@thomasnathan7328]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie thankyou Jackie. Please continue to show us your art as well as your seaglass hunts.

[@santanagreen6091]

Hey Jackie I’m new to the sea glass art world I was just wondering when you say you use a white silicone like in the time stamp 3:10-3:14 does the pack say dries clear or does it just stay white

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Buy one that says clear on the tube. I prefer one that goes on white and dries clear but I’ve used ones that go on clear and stay clear. They all work in the end. But if it says white on the tube it will stay white. Good luck.

[@nicolausharvot3825]

I got the DAP kwik seal silicone. I'm trying to complete 3-4 mosaics in few days as rapidly as possible. I could do them all tonight but the silicone is drying white. Not sure I need a different silicone. Or if I'm using too much. Can the tinyest(so) drops of silicone hold the duration of time? I've used it on turquoise and it holds very well. Just I see white...

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

If it's still white, it hasn't finished setting. The longer you leave it the more set it will be. Make sure you have the one that says "dries clear" and not the one that says "white". I have found even the tiniest bit does work on small pieces and it holds over time. Good luck. This doesn't tend to be "fast art".

[@barbmccarty4592]

Im using that silicone on glass with glass but some of them arent clearing up even after 5 days. The co. Says wait 2 weeks. What do you think? I smeared the silicone over the whole area where the piece would go. Thank you for your help. Barb

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I find it Depends on how much you use. The more you use the longer it takes to turn clear. I use as little as needed to hold the piece, But I have found that on larger pieces where I've used a lot it can take a few weeks to clear. I've never smeared the whole area - I just put some on each piece as I attach it.

[@marylawrence8537]

What glue do you use for an outdoor, glass-topped table? The ones you recommend are for interior only.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I've never made a glass topped table for outdoors so I can't say. However, I'm working on a mosaic to test hanging outside and I'm using the same product. I will post a video on how this works.

[@mchris65]

Thank you. What glue would you recommend for gluing vertically, like for glass candle holders?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Vertical glueing is tough with silicone because it takes too long to set and slides out of place. I’ve had bad luck with glues so I would recommend laying the candle stuck down and doing one side at a time. That way you can use silicone.

[@mchris65]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie Thank you very much, sounds good. Yes I have tried several different glues with no luck!

[@jennifercoakley5869]

What would you use if you needed the bonding agent to dry quicker to make a 3D tree of sea glass on wood?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

When I do 3D I use the same glue. I just let it set over night between layers. Products that go on clear instead of white do set quicker. Some of them have a bit of an odor. Try the ones recommended for marine uses. It sets

[@rukusband]

I enjoyed Your Video . I have a Question : can I use this white Silicon to adhere sea Glass to Plexi glass ?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

It works fine but I don’t like the look as well as on glass. It doesn’t shine as much.

[@rukusband]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie Less Chance of Breaking and Cutting You Though Perhaps , Thanks Jackie , This is Probably a Winter Works project for Me.

[@nicolausharvot3825]

Also would mineral spirits be the way to clean or cut the silicone off the glass? Sorry I know you cover some of this. I might try silicone that goes on clear w/ odor.... Your art is very beautiful as well. I'm greatful for your videos because the glue was really just not doing it.....

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I've never tried mineral spirits. I never use smelly stuff so I probably wouldn't try it. I'm so glad you enjoy my art and my videos.

[@teravallelunga1723]

Question what do I use on my seaglass project to make my seaglass shine

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Here's the link for my video on tips for making your sea glass shine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opvJoKmKp8tkg8U

[@janmontarsi.-blendangles7960]

I have a question once you have a piece that has been silicone glued together. And after finish have you ever had to take a piece off and redo it does the silicone grab really hard or can you use a blade and scrape underneath to remove a piece of Seaglass. Or if you pull on a piece of Seaglass does the silicone stretch and Peel . A second question if you cover the piece of glass like a vase all the way around. Without grout. If you wash something like that with soapy warm water. Does it affect the silicone where do pieces come off.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

You can pry the pieces off and scrape off any excess silicone. If covering a surface that isn’t flat you have to have it laying flat and don’t stand it up until it’s set or it will slip out of place. And yes you can submerge it to clean with soap and water. If a small piece falls off just reattach

[@janmontarsi.-blendangles7960]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie Thank you and one more comment if you want a link a friend of mine makes her own sea glass because she can’t find enough I can give you a link

[@almabayomi8065]

Is there a particular weight of glass that you purchase when replace glass in a large picture frame? Also, I don’t live near the beach so I couldn’t get the sea glass. Does anyone sell sea glass.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Go for 1/8 or 3/16 thickness. Some people sell sea glass on Facebook. Join some sea glass Facebook sites. Good luck.

[@DenGio55]

For the Kwik Seal do I buy white or clear? I don’t see the white version saying it dries clear. Thanks!

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Buy the one that says "Clear". The quik seal white does not dry clear.

[@myriareisolas2530]

Can you tell me what adhesive to use if I am making a piece to hang outside?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Same thing.

[@cravinsunshineNW]

I see you have a link to a UV Blacklight Flashlight, why? What do you use it for?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

See my video on UV sea glass. It’s amazing to see how the UV glass shines under the UV light.

[@pam1557]

👍🏾

[@melodyogden8379]

Not so much concerned with the glue, but do you use the sea glass on the front or the back of the glass as it's going on the wall?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I put the glass on the front of the glass because I like the texture of the glass. But if you want it to look very flat, you can put the glass on the back - just make sure your adhesive dries clear. Be aware that glue products do dry out and fall off eventually but silicone doesn't.

[@tamerakeeney1704]

I put sand on some of mine. I use modpodge for the sand. Will that hold up?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I think so. I haven't done it, but my cousin's wife does beautiful work with sand. Check here out on facebook: Ocean Tossed Creations.

[@stephanieallen5550]

Will silicone peel off of an acrylic canvas painting! I’d like to do a glass mosaic over my painting. Will silicone work, or should I use something else?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Yes, absolutely. I've often used silicone to hold sea glass on paint and it holds well. Good luck

[@stephanieallen5550]

Thank you so much! You’re the reason I now want to do mosaics!❤

[@aliciagreen3394]

Hello are either of these the correct best glue you recommend?

[@kathleenmarch3170]

Can I use the silicone to glue the glass to canvas?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Yes I've had good luck with that.

[@myriadplanes]

Im going to try using acrylic sheet instead of glass sheet so i hope the glass will stick. cant see why i wouldnt. Thanks for this vid

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Archie Watts I cant see why it wouldn’t work. I find it works well on paper, wood, fabric, and plastic. Even driftwood. Hope your project turns out well.

[@myriadplanes]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie Thanks very much : )

[@Aaron84danielle]

Hi will the silicone work to make sea glass Christmas trees? I wasn’t sure because it drys slow and the glass may slide down any suggestions?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I haven’t tried but I’ve made tea lights. You can see in that video that I did a few layers at a time. If you let it set you can then put more layers on top. It may work well.

[@Aaron84danielle]

Is it silicone or caulk I tried some white caulk but it’s still why it didn’t change clear and I get the right stuff Would it be possible to send a photo of what you use I’m kind of confused I want to get the right stuff

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

@@Aaron84danielle it has to say clear or dries clear on the tube. I use either silicone or caulking as I find it all works well. There’s a number of different ones that work but I prefer the caulking because it has less odor. I like the Kwik seal kitchen and bath adhesive caulking. The one labeled white will not dry clear.

[@rebeccaparker1982]

How do you clean the art piece once it has gotten dusty?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Swiffer duster. If it's really dirty, I have used a gentle cleaner in water and scrubbed gently with a toothbrush. The silicone holds

[@antigonipitsos5892]

How you can hang the sea class up please

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I did a video of different ways to hang: Check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6bLm4GEpNiLq6M

[@WifeOfAHero86]

Would this silicone be strong enough to adhere a fused piece of glass 3”x3” to glass on a picture frame?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Yes. I have had good luck with pieces that size

[@WifeOfAHero86]

@@SeaGlassArtbyJackie I also make fused glass night lights, I’m having a hard time with E6000, would this silicone be good for adhering metal to glass?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

@@WifeOfAHero86 yes it would adhere well. I did find that when I used it for tea lights the heat from the light softened the silicone. It did set again after the light was turned off.

[@loredanadcn5431]

What to use as glue for seaglass on canvas?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I use the same. Clear silicone caulking. It works great

[@judyfarmer2962]

How do you find that much sea glass?

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

Lots of beach time and help from my family.

[@estellegiroux8165]

DO YOU HAVE THE TUTORIAL FOR THIS PIECE? CANNOT FIND IT. I KNOW IT IS AN OLD VIDEO. I JUST STUMBLED ON IT. I WATCHED MOST OF YOUR VIDEO.

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

3D Sea Glass Flowers kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKnEZHSZjKikl8U. This video tells a bit more about the piece but I didn’t do a start to finish tutorial on this one. Hope this helps.

[@mrs.americanmade7452]

will this hold up outside

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I think so. Check out this video. I’m giving it a try. Sea Glass Mosaic Tree to Hang Outdoors kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYO9pmV3d7iGr7M

[@aliciagreen3394]

ugh I cant share the photo 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@yomama8873]

🤩🤩🤩💜💜

[@angiesullens2126]

I am afraid to use epoxy resins they look great they are durable but I’m afraid they will have some kind of off gas especially in the house

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

I agree. I’ve also avoided using them.

[@silvertonguedaywalker9116]

Hi Good to know not to use Glue x

[@SeaGlassArtbyJackie]

It really is!