10 Essential Procreate Glue Brushes: A Guide

Published on 11 July 2023 11 min read

1. Get to Know Procreate Glue Brushes

3. Experiment with Brush Settings

7. Add Texture with Glue Brushes

If you're looking to elevate your digital artwork, mastering the use of Procreate's glue brushes can be a game-changer. These unique tools can add texture, depth, and a realistic feel to your creations. This guide will take you through ten essential steps to harnessing the power of the glue brush procreate. Let's dive in!

1. Get to Know Procreate Glue Brushes

Procreate glue brushes are more than just a fancy tool in your digital art box. They're your secret weapon to creating unique, textured, and lifelike digital art. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?

What is a Glue Brush Procreate?

Simply put, a glue brush procreate is a digital brush that mimics the look and feel of real glue on paper. It gives your digital art a tactile, textured touch, giving it a 3D feel. It's like adding a layer of reality to your digital canvas, making it look more handcrafted than ever.

How Does It Work?

When you use a glue brush procreate, it acts like a real glue brush. It creates a layer of "glue-like" texture on your digital canvas. The best part? You can control the thickness, transparency, and even the shape of your glue strokes, giving you total control over your artwork.

Why Use a Glue Brush Procreate?

Here's the deal: a glue brush procreate can take your digital artwork from good to great. It can add a level of depth and texture that's hard to achieve with other digital brushes. Plus, it gives your art a unique, handcrafted touch that can set you apart from other artists.

Getting Started

Ready to get started with glue brush procreate? Here are a few tips:

Explore Different Brushes: Procreate offers a variety of glue brushes. Each brush has a different texture and feel, so don't be afraid to try them all out. Beanscurd, Attki, and Gumroad are popular options.
Play with Settings: Each glue brush procreate comes with adjustable settings. You can change the size, opacity, and even the shape of your brush strokes. Experiment until you find the perfect settings for your art.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any new tool, mastering the glue brush procreate takes time and practice. So don't give up if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be creating textured, lifelike digital art like a pro.

2. Choose the Right Brush

The selection of the right glue brush procreate can be a game-changer for your digital artwork. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? Here’s a simple guide to help you out.

Understand Your Artistic Needs

Firstly, you need to understand your artistic needs. Are you aiming for a subtle, barely-there texture, or do you want a bold, heavy glue effect? Your choice of glue brush procreate should align with your artistic vision.

Test Different Brushes

Procreate offers a wide variety of glue brushes with different textures and effects. Don't shy away from testing out different brushes to see which one best suits your style. From brushes that mimic thick, heavy glue to those that create a subtle, fine grain effect, there's a glue brush procreate for every artist out there.

Adjust the Brush Settings

Don't forget, each glue brush procreate comes with adjustable settings. You can change the size, opacity, and even the stroke of your brush to create the effect you want. So, even if a brush doesn't seem perfect at first, play around with the settings, and you might just find your perfect match.

Remember, There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a glue brush procreate. What works for one artist might not work for you. So, take your time, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with it!

3. Experiment with Brush Settings

Now that you've chosen your glue brush Procreate, it's time to roll up your digital sleeves and get stuck in with brush settings. Playing around with these can significantly alter the look and feel of your work. But how do you get started?

Understand the Basics

Before you start, get to know the basics. Brush settings in Procreate are divided into several categories: Stroke, Shape, Grain, Dynamics, and Pencil. Each category offers unique ways to customize your glue brush Procreate. For instance, you can alter the brush's size and opacity in the Stroke tab, or change the texture in the Grain tab.

Start with Size and Opacity

The size and opacity sliders are perhaps the most straightforward brush settings. Adjusting the size can take your glue brush Procreate from a fine, detail-oriented tool to a broad, sweeping implement. Playing with opacity lets you control the intensity of the glue effect – perfect for when you want a subtle touch or a bold statement.

Experiment with Dynamics

Next, take a look at the Dynamics tab. Here, you can adjust the speed, jitter, and flow of your glue brush Procreate. These settings can give your brush strokes an organic, unpredictable feel, adding that extra bit of life to your digital art.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to brush settings on Procreate. Try different combinations and see what works for you. You might just stumble upon a unique style that showcases your artistic flair!

4. Master Stroke Techniques

Using a glue brush Procreate isn't just about choosing the right brush and tweaking the settings. It's also about how you apply those strokes on the digital canvas. So let's dive into some key stroke techniques to help you get the most out of your Procreate experience.

Start with the Basics: Straight Lines and Circles

Start by mastering straight lines and circles. It sounds simple, right? But you'd be surprised how these foundational shapes can influence your artwork. With a glue brush Procreate, your lines can have a unique texture and fluidity that can add depth and interest to your work.

Experiment with Pressure Sensitivity

If you're using an Apple Pencil or another pressure-sensitive stylus, take advantage of it! Applying different levels of pressure can vary the thickness and opacity of your strokes, giving you more control over the final look of your art.

Try Different Angles

Don't forget about the angle of your strokes. Different angles can create different effects, especially with a glue brush Procreate. You can achieve a variety of textures by simply changing the direction of your brush strokes.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Just like with traditional art, the key to mastering digital brush strokes is practice. Spend time getting to know your glue brush Procreate, experimenting with different strokes and techniques. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your unique style and refine your digital art skills.

5. Create Custom Brushes

After you've had a taste of what pre-existing glue brush Procreate can do, you might feel the urge to create something truly unique — your very own custom brush. And guess what? You can!

Start from Scratch or Modify

When creating a custom brush, you're free to start from scratch or modify an existing brush. If you're new to this, it can be easier to begin with a pre-existing brush, like a glue brush Procreate, and make adjustments to it.

Tweak the Brush Settings

Procreate allows you to alter a multitude of settings to create your custom brush. From the size and opacity to the pressure dynamics and stroke properties, you're in control. Experiment with these settings to see how they impact your brush's behavior and appearance.

Add a Shape and Grain

Every Procreate brush, including the glue brush Procreate, is made up of two components: a shape and a grain. The shape determines the brush's silhouette, while the grain gives the brush its texture. You can import your own images to use as either the shape or grain, giving your custom brush a truly personalized touch.

Test Your Custom Brush

Once you've designed your custom brush, it's time to test it out. Draw some strokes, try different pressures and angles, and see how it performs. Remember, it's okay if it's not perfect at first. You can always go back and make further adjustments until your custom brush works just the way you want it to.

6. Blend Colors Effectively

Now that you've got a handle on creating your own brushes, let's shift gears to color blending. Procreate's glue brushes are a fantastic tool for blending colors, but knowing how to do it effectively is key.

Choose Your Colors Wisely

Before you even touch your glue brush Procreate, the first step in color blending is choosing the right colors. You don't want to choose colors that are too similar, as they won't create a noticeable blend. On the flip side, colors that are too contrasting can create a harsh transition. Aim for a balance - colors that are different, but still harmonize with each other.

Layer Your Colors

Begin by laying down your colors side by side. Don't worry about blending them just yet. This is where your glue brush Procreate comes into play. With its unique texture, the glue brush can seamlessly blend these colors together, creating a smooth transition.

Blend With the Glue Brush

With your glue brush selected, lightly stroke across the boundary where your colors meet. The trick here is to use a light touch. Pressing too hard can cause the colors to mix too much, resulting in a muddy color. Keep the pressure light and gradually build up the blend until you're satisfied with the result.

Practice Makes Perfect

Color blending with a glue brush Procreate isn't something you'll master overnight. It takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't quite what you expected. Keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be blending colors like a pro!

7. Add Texture with Glue Brushes

Adding texture to your digital art can take it to a whole new level. And guess what? Your glue brush in Procreate is an excellent tool for this job. Let's walk through how you can leverage this unique brush to add exciting textures to your creations.

Start with a Base Color

Just like when blending colors, you'll want to start by laying down a base color. This will serve as the foundation for your texture. Choose a color that complements the rest of your piece and fills in the area where you'd like to add texture.

Select Your Glue Brush

Now, for the fun part—grab your glue brush Procreate! The glue brush is perfect for adding texture because of its unique properties. It's not too hard, not too soft, but just right for creating interesting effects.

Add Your Texture

With your glue brush, lightly tap over the area where you want to add texture. Remember, less is more. It's easy to overdo it and end up with too much texture, which can distract from your overall piece. So, take it slow and build up your texture gradually.

Experiment and Have Fun

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Try using the glue brush Procreate in different ways. Vary your brush size, pressure, and even the color to see what kinds of textures you can create. Art is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so let your creativity run wild!

8. Use Layers for Depth

When you're using a tool like Procreate, layers are your best friend. They can help you add depth to your artwork in a way that's both easy and effective. And yes, the glue brush Procreate can play a major role in this process. Let's dive in!

Create Your Base Layer

Start with your base layer. This is the layer where your main design elements live. It could be a character, a landscape, or an abstract pattern—whatever you're working on. This base layer is your starting point.

Add a New Layer for Texture

Next, add a new layer on top of your base layer. This is where your glue brush Procreate comes into play. Use this brush to add texture to your new layer. Remember, the goal here is to create depth, so don't be afraid to experiment with different brush sizes and pressures.

Adjust Layer Opacity

Once you've added texture, you can adjust the layer's opacity to control how much of the texture shows through. Lowering the opacity will make the texture more subtle, while increasing it will make the texture more prominent.

Play with Blend Modes

Procreate offers a variety of blend modes that can drastically change how your texture layer interacts with the base layer. Play around with these to find the look that works best for your piece. Remember, there's no right or wrong here—it's all about creating a depth that feels right to you.

And there you have it! That's how you can use layers and your handy glue brush Procreate to add depth to your digital art. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by the results!

9. Optimize Your Workflow

When it comes to digital art, having a streamlined workflow can make all the difference. It helps you create more efficiently and can even improve the end result. But how can you optimize your workflow, especially when you're using something like a glue brush Procreate? Let's break it down.

Know Your Tools

First things first, get to know your tools. Procreate offers a plethora of brushes, including the versatile glue brush. Understanding how each brush works and what effects they can create will save you time and effort in the long run.

Organize Your Brushes

Next, organize your brushes. Keep your most commonly used brushes, such as the glue brush Procreate, in an easily accessible location. This way, you won't have to waste time searching for the right brush when you're in the middle of a project.

Use Layers Wisely

As we mentioned earlier, layers are a great way to add depth to your artwork. But they can also help streamline your workflow. Use layers to separate different elements of your design, making it easier to edit and modify them later on.

Practice Regularly

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you use Procreate and its brushes, like the glue brush, the more efficient you'll become. So make time to practice regularly. You'll be amazed at how much faster and smoother your workflow can become.

In conclusion, optimizing your workflow isn't about cutting corners; it's about making the most of your tools and time. And with Procreate and the glue brush at your disposal, you're well on your way to a more efficient and enjoyable digital art experience.

10. Practice and Improve

Once you've spent some time with your glue brush Procreate, you might feel like you've got a handle on it. That's great! But remember, there's always room for improvement. Don't be afraid to push your boundaries and explore new techniques. Here's how you can continue to grow and improve as a digital artist.

Try New Techniques

Are you always using your glue brush for the same effects? Why not mix it up a bit? Try using the glue brush to create different textures or blend colors in a new way. You never know what you might discover.

Learn from Others

There's a whole world of Procreate artists out there, and each one has something unique to offer. So, why not learn from them? Check out online galleries, watch speed-paint videos, and join digital art forums. You can learn a lot from the techniques and styles of others.

Set Challenges

Nothing spurs improvement quite like a challenge. Set goals for yourself, such as mastering a new technique with the glue brush Procreate, or completing a complex piece within a specific time frame. As you work towards these goals, you'll find your skills improving.

Be Patient

Finally, remember to be patient with yourself. Learning any new skill takes time, and digital art is no exception. So don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. With practice and perseverance, you'll see your efforts pay off.

Achieving mastery over the glue brush Procreate doesn't happen overnight, but with consistent practice and a commitment to improvement, you'll be creating stunning digital art in no time.

If you enjoyed our guide on the 10 Essential Procreate Glue Brushes and want to dive deeper into the world of digital art, we recommend checking out the workshop 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will help you master the basics of Procreate and enhance your digital drawing skills with expert tips and techniques.