How to remove excess glue from cards

Sometimes when I am glueing a tiny object to a card, it gets messy and extra glue seeps out and is visible when it dries. I have tried die cutting with an adhesive sheet backing (not always possible) and needle-point applicators but the problem persists. I use various clear drying glues such as kuretaki zig, but they dry glossy which makes matters worse. I have thrown away many otherwise great cards because of this issue. For one thing, I think I use too much glue, even with the needle applicators, but aside from that what else could I do? How much messy glue is considered acceptable? I suspect the answer is none. Thanks for any feedback!

I use a glue eraser. Sometime undue works also

Try using as little glue as possible and not close to the edge. For the smaller things were you have to use the tiny applicators I'll put the bare minimum down the middle.

There's no substitute for being light-handed when gluing tiny pieces, so follow Sewflakes advice. If you still have issues, here's a glue eraser. They work okay on glue that dries matte, but I haven't tried the erasers on shinny glue. Here's a link:

I just thought of something...yesterday I made a card that use the Tim Holtz Alphanumeric Typed Upper case. I was using Tombow fine-tipped glue but it is still a little big and some dripped down on my craft sheet. I got this idea to put some on my craft sheet and drag the tiny diecuts across it and it would be much easier and not too much glue on it!! Then you could wipe the glue off when you're finished with it with a wipe.

As others have said a light hand is best. But for tiny items use the bottle with an applicator meant to put out little glue. I find that there are 2 exceptional glues that dry clear and do a strong job. One is Gina K Designs Connects glue with the tiny bottle you can use and refill. The other glue is Bearly Art Precision and this one comes with several type of "needle" lids. Whichever glue you choose do tiny dots rather than lines or overloading the glue on the item. Watch Gina K videos to get the idea. Sure helped me!

Even if you can peel or wipe most of it, many glues leave behind a sticky residue. To remove glue, you can partially dip a clean cloth or paper towel in rubbing alcohol, vodka or vinegar. Then spread a wet towel over the glue stain and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the solvent to penetrate the glue. Use your finger or something plastic to scrape off the residue after soaking. Alternatively, you can loosen the residue with a hair dryer.

I have one of these it doesn't always seem to work. I have a bunch of needle point applicators so, from what I am read, I am on the right track to solve this issue!

Good advice about the edges!

I saw the Beary Art Precision used in a demo and have it in a cart somewhere will look for the Gina K glue and watch her video. Great hint about making dots rather than lines.

Great ideas. Never would have thought of trying those products.

I have started doing this using toothpicks and it works really well.

I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful ideas. I didn't know that I had received responses! I have now turned on updates so I will know when someone replies. I guess the answer to “How much visible glue is acceptable?” is “None. “ Not surprising. I have also found that Tim Holtz's oxide sprays, in addition to being awesome, can also help disguise any spills.

Toothpicks, hmm, that's a good idea!

Also forgot to add that a good eraser for glues, smudges, etc is called a Mono sand eraser from Tombow. I believe its used by artists but it does work.

Thanks for that tip! I use tombow erasers all the time but had never heard of that particular one.