Whether it's for crafts and art projects, as well as getting things right on the fly, nothing compares to the benefits of hot glue. Unlike other adhesives, hot glue gun can glue a wide variety of objects quickly, firmly, and smoothly. While it's not the strongest adhesive force, hot glue can be used to glue a wider variety of objects than almost any other glue. Glue gun is also easy to use as long as you follow a few basic steps and keep safety in mind.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Filling Glue Shoot
Step 1. Read the user manual
Open the user manual for safety information while using hot glue. Observe the different components of hot glue and their functions. These instructions for use should give you an idea of when the hot glue will start heating up automatically or should be turned on and off, how long it usually takes to warm up, and what materials are recommended for gluing.
- Read the glue gun safety warnings carefully to reduce the risk of accident or injury while you are using it.
- The instructions for use should also include a description of the size and type of glue stick you need.
Step 2. Check the glue gun for signs of damage
Before applying or using hot glue, inspect the entire area for cracks, shards, cuts, and other signs of damage. Also be sure to look at the power cord to check for any broken or broken wires. Operating a broken glue gun would be very dangerous.
Because of its electrical and heating elements, a damaged glue gun can be very dangerous when used
Step 3. Make sure the nozzle is clean of residual glue
The melted glue should flow smoothly from the tip of the glue gun. If necessary, remove the nozzle and then rub a piece of aluminum foil to remove any remaining glue that has dried, or use a toothpick to clean the hole. Your glue gun must be free of any residual glue before use.
- Always make sure the glue gun is not plugged in before cleaning or removing the mouth.
- Never use water to clean hot glue guns. In the worst case, you'll just have to wait for the remaining glue to warm up and come off by dripping out of the nozzle.
Step 4. Attach the glue stick to the back of the glue gun
Take a new glue stick and screw it into the hole on the back end of the glue gun. Insert the glue stick until it can't move. If there's still some stick glue in there, finish off the old one before using the new one. Glue guns don't always have to be filled with new glue sticks before use.
Most glue sticks are the same size and are designed to fit into all models of hot glue. However, just in case, try to check the instructions or specifications of the glue gun first before buying a glue stick
Step 5. Attach the glue gun to the power outlet
Look for the power outlet closest to where you work. Plug the glue gun cable into the plug. Next, the heating element on the hot glue gun will start to warm the glue stick inside. So, do not touch the nozzle or leave the glue gun unattended after it is connected to a power source. Make sure the glue gun is in an upright position to avoid accidents.
- Again, check for signs of damage to the glue gun's power cord before plugging it into a power outlet. Damaged cables pose a risk of fire.
- Some models of hot glue don't come with a cord, giving you greater flexibility in where and how to use them. However, if you can't find a glue gun like this, try using an extension cord to extend its reach into your work area.
Part 2 of 3: Operating the Glue Shoot
Step 1. Wait for the glue to heat up
Wait a few minutes for the glue stick to soften. Once it's sufficiently melted, the glue will begin to flow out of the nozzle when the trigger of the glue gun is pressed. With most glue guns, this heating process takes about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, industrial hot glue may take up to 5 minutes to heat the glue until it melts and is easy to remove.
- Some models of hot glue guns have an on/off switch, while others do not. If this button is on your glue gun, set it to the on position to heat it up. However, in the absence of such a button, the hot glue gun will heat up as soon as it is connected to a power source.
- Place hot glue on the wire supports when not in use. Never place a hot glue gun sideways.
Step 2. Gently press the trigger to release the melted glue
Point the nozzle down and place it near the object you are going to glue. Gently press the trigger of the glue gun until the melted glue starts to come out of the mouth through his mouth. Apply glue directly to the surface of the object by touching the nozzles to form points, curves, or straight lines.
- Place a piece of cardboard or aluminum foil under the object you are gluing to catch the glue drip.
- Try glueing together some unused items to test the glue gun before using it on jobs that require precision.
- If possible, wear protective gloves while working with hot glue to protect your hands from the heat and drips.
Step 3. Use glue as needed
Start by applying a little glue and determine if you need more. Just a little glue can really stick things together. The melted glue will flow quickly when the trigger is pulled, and it's easy to get too much out if you're not careful. So, try to keep the object you want to glue on is not saturated with spilled glue. This glue also dries quickly, try to use it according to your needs.
- For example, to glue Styrofoam letters to a diorama, you only need a small dot of glue. Meanwhile, you may need to apply glue in a zigzag or spiral pattern to glue an object to a large surface or a heavy object.
- The use of glue gun is intended to glue objects that are thick enough. However, overuse can make the soft surface harden and look odd.
Step 4. Wait for the glue to dry
Remove the nozzle from the object you just glued. If the glue gun model you are using is equipped with an on/off button, press the off button and set it aside. The bond between the glued surfaces will harden as the glue solidifies. Holding the object with both your hands can help form a tight bond.
Part 3 of 3: Using Glue Shoots for Multiple Purposes
Step 1. Prepare a hot glue gun for home repairs
Leave room in your home toolbox for hot glue so it can be used for small repairs. Hot glue works great on wood and plastic objects in cool, dry conditions. Whether it's gluing a loose frame or putting a children's toy box back together, hot glue can create a bond that's strong and flexible enough to hold things together.
It is best not to use hot glue to glue heavy or moving and dangerous objects. Heavy work should be done by a contractor with the right equipment
Step 2. Try using hot glue to make crafts
When helping kids with schoolwork or preparing holiday decorations, try using hot glue instead of regular paper glue. Hot glue is better for a variety of surfaces, gives a cleaner finish, and doesn't cause the paper to shrivel or fade like some craft glues. A drop of hot glue will help your creations last longer.
Glue that has solidified will be difficult to remove. So, make sure all the sizes, angles, and dimensions of your craft are perfect before gluing them
Step 3. Apply on clothes
Shorten your pants with hot glue, or use hot glue to attach any loose buttons. Unlike other glues, hot glue works pretty well on fabrics. However, the results will be even better on parts of the clothing such as buttons, zippers, and other parts. While it doesn't provide a permanent solution like sewing, using this glue can help change your outfit a bit when there's no other option.
- Glue used on clothes will eventually break down if you wash them over and over, especially in hot water.
- Use hot glue to glue patches, beads, or other accessories to the clothes.
Step 4. Use hot glue on fragile objects
Because of its thick, gel-like consistency, hot glue is better suited for bonding thin and easily damaged surfaces than more fluid glues like paste glue or even super glue. A thinner glue is more difficult to apply, takes longer to set, and is more likely to damage sensitive materials than hot glue. The use of hot glue is also very broad and can often glue fragile objects that are difficult to bond with other adhesives. It's just that, make sure the location of the object is perfect before applying glue.
- Just use a small amount of hot glue on fragile objects so they don't break.
- Hot glue can be used on lace, wicker, paper, cotton, and even foodstuffs such as those used to arrange candy and build gingerbread houses.
Tips
- Because stick glue will melt when heated, it's best not to use it on objects that may be exposed to high temperatures. This means that you may have to find another way to repair the crack in your coffee cup or glue the sole of your sneakers.
- Save extra glue sticks so you always have them when you need them.
- If hot glue melts on your skin, immediately run cold water on the area to cool the wound and harden the glue so it can peel off.
- Make sure the hot glue is cool enough before you store or remove the nozzle.
- Store hot glue in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If the glue doesn't flow smoothly from the nozzle, try turning the glue stick while pulling the trigger and pushing it further into the glue gun.
- Use a hairdryer on low to melt the glue droplets that usually form when you move the nozzle away from the hot glue gun.
Warning
- Never aim a hot glue gun up or use it on an overhead object.
- Do not touch the nozzle of the hot glue gun which is connected to a power source and is in the on position because the temperature is very hot.
- Do not leave a toddler or toddler in the vicinity of hot glue guns or use them as there is a risk of serious burns.
