Product Review: Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG)

Product Name
Scotch ATG - Adhesive Applicator Gun - Pink

Price
The ATG can generally be purchased for under $30 on sale. Refills, depending on the type, run from $3.00 - $5.50 per roll.

Product Description
The ATG was not invented for scrapbooking. It was first produced for the commercial market and became popular with picture framers who have been using ATGs for years. It is double-branded as Scotch and 3M which is noteworthy because refills are sometimes listed as Scotch and sometimes as 3M. Initially the ATG was only available in bright yellow or red. Once 3M realized the item's popularity with scrapbookers, a pink model (shown above) was released.

The adhesive is 1/4" wide. The pink model is essentially identical to the commercial 714 model. There is also a commercial model which takes a wider tape (1/2") but with the use of an adapter can also use 1/4" tape.

In Use
The ATG gun dispenses dry adhesive, much like what scrapbookers refer to as tape runners. The adhesive is quite strong and works very well with nearly all types of paper and ribbon. You may find it challenging with extremely glossy papers, however. You will also find that once you've adhered something using ATG, you can't change your mind. It is quick-adhering and quite permanent. If you glue something down and regret it, you can usually get it back off with some un-du. Adhesive refills come in acid-free and general purpose varieties.

If you have ever seen an ATG, your first reaction was probably that it's huge. Compared to tape runners that fit in the palm of your hand, it's a behemoth. But this size is also the ATG's number one feature: it holds a huge roll of adhesive and gives you a very low cost per inch of adhesive. Not only do you save a lot of money, but a roll of adhesive lasts for a long time. You can get through a weekend crop on one to two rolls of ATG compared to a whole box of tape runners.

I personally purchased a 714 model several years ago, and about two years ago changed over to this model. Yes, they are essentially identical, except this one is pink (need I say more?). In my experience, the 3M/Scotch brand refills are more reliable than other brands. I have never had a 3M/Scotch refill malfunction or not fit properly, which I have experienced with other brands of adhesive that fit in the ATG.

Tips & Techniques
The ATG is very easy to use. Despite its size, it's not very heavy and works much like a tape runner. The two tips I've found most helpful are 1) apply a lot of pressure when you start so the adhesive attaches firmly to your item; and 2) when you're done applying adhesive stop abruptly, push down slightly to ensure good adherence, and then lift the ATG straight up.

Loading the adhesive the first few times can be daunting; be sure to take a look at how it's feeding through the dispenser before you remove the spent roll. There is a helpful video here.  

Project Ideas & Examples
ATG adhesive can be used to replace other dry adhesives. Here are some gallery examples of projects done with ATG adhesive:

Cake Glorious Cake! by Tracy S. ATG adhesive forms a smooth, tight bond perfect for layering papers.

May Boys Boys Boys Challenge - Baby Battles by Denielle.c.podraza. The ATG makes adhering ribbon smoothly the whole way across a page easy.

Sleeping Beauty by Msdky1. ATG is a super strong adhesive that attaches even the heaviest embellishments firmly to your layouts.