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February 2025

Water-based glue for jar labels

A simple and cost-effective solution for attaching labels to glass jars is using homemade water-based glue. This method is not only cheaper than tape but also much more affordable than stickers. Unlike stickers and tape, which often leave stubborn glue residues when you want to reuse the jars, water-based glue offers a cleaner alternative. Stickers, which use polymer-based adhesives, tend to bond more strongly with glass than with paper or tape. Over time, the polymer molecules rearrange, creating a strong bond with the glass. After about six months, removing the sticker can leave unwanted residue on the jar.

In contrast, water-based glue provides a much easier and residue-free way to adhere paper labels to glass. When it's time to remove the label, simply place the jar in a bowl of water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, the paper label can be easily removed in one piece, leaving the jar clean and ready for reuse.

mason jar label, water based glue
mason jar label, home made water-based glue


There are a number of formulations to make a water-based glue that adheres well to glass but the best and cheapest is wheat paste:


This is a great way to attach nice big labels to your mason jars and easily re-use them later.

wheat paste: the perfect paper on glass glue
wheat paste: the perfect paper on glass glue




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