Bed Adhesion: Glue Stick, Hairspray, and When to Use What

Jackson B.

When Prints Don't Want to Stick

A clean, properly calibrated PEI spring steel plate provides excellent adhesion for most filaments without any additional products. There are specific scenarios, high temperature materials, particularly warp prone geometries, or materials that bond too aggressively to bare PEI, in which adhesive agents make the difference between a successful print and an expensive failure. Understanding which adhesive to use and when is a practical skill that saves both time and filament.

The general principle: adhesives either increase adhesion (helping a material that's struggling to stick) or act as a controlled release layer (preventing a material from bonding so strongly to the surface that it tears the coating or requires damaging force to remove). The same product (glue stick) can serve both purposes depending on the material: it increases adhesion for Nylon, but acts as a release agent preventing over-adhesion of PETG to smooth PEI.

Glue Stick: The Reliable All-Rounder

A standard purple PVA glue stick (Bic, Elmer's, or supermarket equivalent) is the classic bed adhesion solution. Apply a thin, even layer to the warmed bed, spread it with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent buildup, and allow it to dry before printing. The dried PVA creates a thin, water soluble layer that provides dramatically better adhesion for materials like ABS, ASA, and Nylon that struggle on bare surfaces. For PETG on smooth PEI, a thin glue stick layer prevents over adhesion, the PETG bonds to the glue rather than the PEI directly, allowing clean removal after cooling.

Cleanup is simple: wipe with a damp cloth or paper towel — the PVA dissolves in water and leaves no residue. Reapply every 3–5 prints, or when adhesion quality noticeably decreases. Some makers apply glue every print as a matter of habit; others go many prints between applications. Pay attention to your specific material and surface combination and calibrate your reapplication frequency accordingly.

Hairspray

Cheap supermarket hairspray (Schwarzkopf Extra Hold, Taft, or similar) works similarly to glue stick but is applied as a spray. The spray version is faster to apply evenly and can be easier to work with on large surfaces. Apply from 25–30cm away in even passes, allow to dry, and print. Hairspray works particularly well for ABS and ASA on glass beds. One quirk: the very cheapest hairsprays (high alcohol content, minimal conditioners) work better for 3D printing than premium formulations. The conditioners in premium hairsprays can reduce adhesion. A $3 bottle from a discount store outperforms an $18 salon spray consistently.

Clean residue with IPA (isopropyl alcohol) for glass beds, or warm water for PEI surfaces. Hairspray builds up over time and eventually needs a full surface cleaning to restore adhesion.

Specialised Adhesives

Magigoo and similar 3D printing specific adhesives are formulated for challenging materials. Magigoo Original works for PLA, PETG, and ABS. Magigoo PA is specifically formulated for Nylon, providing the strong adhesion needed to prevent warping whilst allowing clean removal after cooling. These products cost more than glue stick but last for hundreds of prints per tube. For serious printing of engineering materials (see our engineering filaments guide), Magigoo PA is worth every cent. Apply thinly to a warm bed and allow to cool slightly before starting a print, the adhesion profile of Magigoo is temperature dependent.