first layer sticking problem  

RE: first layer sticking problem

You did not get the first layer calibration done correctly but ended up a bit to high. The glue you applied effectively reduced the offset by adding some material on the bed. Result: correct hight achieved by incorrect means. You do not need glue to print PLA on the smooth PEI.

Redo the first layer calibration on the cleaned sheet (go a bit lower) and post a pic of the resulting square still on the bed.

RE:

What you’re saying makes sense if I had made the bed too low after the first layer calibration, not too high. Unless when you say “too high” you mean too far away from the nozzle. I was thinking about it like height from the ground  

But this brings up the fact that I can’t tell which way the bed is moving when I adjust the dial. I assumed it is the larger the (negative) number, the lower it gets. But I couldn’t really tell, so I just turned it till it was squishing out onto the plate in a way that was more even and consistent than before. I’m petty sure it was too low before because it would grab the plate in periodic globs. Now it makes nice solid lines. I’ll do it again and post a pic later today

RE: first layer sticking problem

larger negative numbers take the nozzle closer to the build plate 

RE: first layer sticking problem

The bed is not moving at all (how and why should it without motors) the nozzle is being moved. As Joan pointed out: higher negative numbers mean lower nozzle, closer to the bed. Meaning -.955 is higher and has a bigger gap between nozzle and bed as -1.100, which is lower, leaving a smaller gap between nozzle and bed.

I hope that clears things up.