What Is Fugitive Glue?

Fugitive glue (also called removable glue, credit card glue or, in plenty of shops, booger glue) is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that holds an item in place but peels away cleanly without tearing the substrate. It stays tacky rather than setting hard, so the attached item comes off by hand and any residue rubs away without damaging either surface. That combination of hold and clean release is what makes it useful across direct mail, promotional print and packaging.

Common uses

• Attaching cards, gift cards, samples and magnets to mailers and inserts.
• Holding a folded brochure or self-mailer closed until the recipient opens it.
• Tipping a reply card or coupon onto a direct mail piece.
• Temporarily securing flaps, sleeves or inserts in packaging and kits.

Application and design notes

Fugitive glue is applied as dots or beads, either by hand or through automatic glue heads on a folder-gluer or tipping line. Automatic application puts a consistent amount in a consistent position on every piece, which matters when the product has to run through inserting or mailing equipment and still open cleanly at the other end. Glue pattern, dot size and position are set during make-ready and checked through the run. Too little glue and items fall off in transit; too much and the release gets messy or tears the sheet. A few design decisions make that balance easier to hit.

• Mark glue positions on the dieline or mechanical so placement is unambiguous.
• Keep glue off heavy coatings and laminates unless tested, since adhesion varies with the surface.
• Account for the weight of the attached item. Heavier items may need more glue points or a different adhesive.
• Review mailing requirements. Postal handling can dislodge an item that is not anchored well.
• Think about the person opening it. The item should release without tearing the card, the base sheet or any printed copy.

Fugitive gluing is part of the folding and gluing work C&H does in Santa Ana. Send us the piece, the item being attached and your quantities, and we will review placement and glue approach with you.