Learn how to use a hot glue gun! One of the most versatile tools to have in your craft arsenal is a hot glue gun. Whether you want to stick a few materials together or seal your new DIY Ottoman, a hot glue gun is a great tool to have. Even if you don't do any crafting projects, a hot glue gun can be a handy tool to have around the house. You can make minor repairs and use it to create traction between your rugs and the floor.
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How to Use a Hot Glue Gun
Before we move on to how a hot glue gun is used, it is better to understand what a hot glue gun is.
What is a Hot Glue Gun?
Hot glue guns have been in production since the 1940s. They are devices that use and dispense hot adhesives to help you stick anything you want together. Hot glue guns are not only limited to crafting uses but also have industrial uses. When they were first introduced, hot glue guns were intended to help bind shoe soles. Now they are a great tool to have with a variety of uses. The adhesive from hot glue guns is usually very smooth and dries very quickly. This allows you to finish your projects much quicker.
On average, a hot glue gun takes 5 minutes to heat up.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun – Types
3 main types of hot glue guns can be found in the market. The main difference here is the temperature that they run on. The temperature then dictates what kind of glue should go in the gun and what projects you can do with the glue gun.
- Low Temperature – Low-temperature hot glue guns will heat up to a maximum of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While that is a temperature that is high enough to make the tip of the gun really hot, it’s not a dangerous level of heat. These low-temperature glue guns are great for projects that you might be doing with kids or those crafts that don’t require a lot of strength from the glue.
- High Temperature – On the different ends of the spectrum, you have the high-temperature hot glue guns. These glue guns can heat up to 380 degrees and create longer-lasting bonds. High-temperature glue guns can also work with any type of glue as the temperature is high enough to melt it. These hot glue guns carry the risk of causing burns and blisters and are better suited to projects that are being done exclusively by adult crafters. You can also wear safety gloves.
- Dual Temperature – Dual temperature hot glue guns are hands down the best option in the market if you love crafting either by yourself or with kids. These hot glue guns have a temperature range that you can control and set to whichever temperature you need for your project. Dual temperature hot glue guns basically give you the freedom to have one glue gun that you can use for a wider variety of craft projects.
Types of Glue for Glue Guns
Like there are different types of glue guns, there are different types of glue sticks that you can use with those glue guns. Hot-melt adhesive is what is sold in the stick form you see in craft stores. They are available in different diameters depending on what your glue gun needs. There is an array of materials that the adhesive can be made of.
- Low-Temperature Glue – This type of glue is best suited to low-temperature glue guns. The adhesive here is made from a silicone base as that melts easily under lower temperatures as well. The glue is strong enough to help you do paper crafts and scrapbooking but should not be used to secure heavier projects.
- High-Temperature Glue – For high-temperature glue guns, adhesives that contain thermoplastic compounds, polymers, or acrylic ingredients are used. The higher temperature is great for melting these stubborn compounds and they yield a better grip as well. If you're doing a project that requires a stronger hold, this is the type of glue that will serve you best. High-temperature glues are usually also the best ones for making any repairs.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun
A hot glue gun is not a very difficult tool to use while crafting, but it does require attention to be paid as it can cause burns and blisters. Learning how your glue gun will work best from the electricity it will use to the kind of glue that is recommended, will help you get the best results.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun:
Step 1 - Preparation
Reading the instruction manual that comes with your glue gun should be the first step as that will help you understand your glue gun better. You can understand how the glue gun needs to be turned on or off, if there any temperature ranges, and how long it will take to heat up.
Step 2 - Clean
Check your glue gun on the outside for any residual glue that may be left from a previous crafting session and clean it as it can hinder the smoothness of the glue when you start applying it.
Step 3 - Insert Glue
Load up your adhesive stick in the space at the back of the glue gun, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. You will notice that the glue stick has a lot of excess at the back. As it melts, this will get shorter.
Step 4 - Gluing
Once the gun has heated up, which will usually take around 5 minutes, you can use the trigger to control the amount of glue that comes out and make your masterpieces.
Tips for How to Use a Hot Glue Gun
- Be patient with the heating-up process. If the glue gun is not at its top temperature, the glue that comes out won't stick as well.
- Work quickly so the glue doesn't have time to cool down.
- Try and keep constant pressure on the trigger so you don't get big blobs of glue coming out.
- Have a rag or piece of paper handy to wipe away any excess.
- As the glue stick gets shorter, you may have to push it in slightly before adding another glue stick to the back.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun Safely
An important thing to remember when using a hot glue gun is safety. Lower temperature glue guns are safer to use as the glue coming out of the nozzle is not very hot. You can use them with children around and even if you get some glue on your hand, it won’t really leave a mark. Higher temperature glue guns require a little more caution. If you fear that you may not be able to keep your finger protected from the glue, wear gloves. Gloves can protect you from any blisters or burns.
Another safety concern that comes with a hot glue gun is that it is connected to electrical power and even the slightest damage can be a possible fire risk. Store your hot glue guns properly with the wiring under no pressure and always perform a check when you are about to use them. Always use hot glue on a heat-resistant surface to avoid any damage.
Hot Glue Gun Uses
Now, we’ve been over how versatile a hot glue gun is and how it is not only for crafting purposes but can also help you around the home. There are so many uses for a hot glue gun and having this tool in a drawer somewhere will always serve you well.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun for Crafting – There are so many different crafts that you can do with the help of a glue gun. Hot glue guns can be used on every type of craft material and fabric available in the market. You can also just use glue to make different ornaments, patches, and even jewelry. You can use the glue gun to write out different words and paint them to make different signs. There is a reason why a hot glue gun is essential and that is the versatility of its uses in crafting.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun Around the House – Apart from helping you create your masterpieces, a hot glue gun can also help with small things around your home. You can use the hot glue gun to add traction to rugs, to make knife covers, and even make your slippery hangers better at holding clothes up. Hot glue guns can also help you fix stripped holes and plug nail holes on many different surfaces.
Where to Buy a Hot Glue Gun
After reading the information above about how to use a hot glue gun, you may now be wondering where you can get yourself a hot glue gun. Hot glue guns are readily available in all craft and home improvement stores. There are also tons of different types of hot glue guns available online on popular websites such as Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.
How to Use a Hot Glue Gun – In Conclusion
Once you start using a hot glue gun for crafting and fixing things around the house, you might never find an easier solution. It is a tool that you should have as it can make crafting much faster for you and can help you plus holes and stop your rugs from sliding around the house. Hot glue guns when used according to instructions are easy to use and very safe as well. You can always wear gloves to be extra safe. Get yourself a hot glue gun and discover the world of possibilities that it has in terms of its usage! Thanks for reading how to use a hot glue gun.
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