Throughout your life, you have certainly used various types of adhesives. There are many different kinds of adhesives, each of which can be used for specific tasks. All-purpose glue, wood glue, liquid glue, super glue, glue sticks, and hot glue are some commonly used types. As mentioned, each of these adhesives has different functionalities and can be used for specific jobs.
Among the most widely used types of adhesives is hot glue. This type of glue has various applications, especially on surfaces that should not be bonded with regular all-purpose glue, such as leather and foam. Hot glue guns are easily found in stationery shops, craft stores, and hardware stores at an affordable price. Additionally, they are odorless, which helps prevent respiratory issues and allergies during their use. Join us for the article “Practical Tips with Hot Glue.”
What is Hot Glue?
Hot glue is a plastic-based adhesive that requires heat to be applied for use. It is made from polymer/resin and produced in a tubular form. To use it, the glue stick is inserted into a special gun. This gun is connected to an electrical outlet, converting electrical energy into heat.
Since one of the main materials of this glue is polymer, it melts when heat is applied and gains adhesion due to the resin’s presence. The melted glue is applied to the desired surfaces and causes them to stick together. From this, we can understand that hot glue is solid at first but turns into liquid during application due to the heat. Eventually, the glue cools down and solidifies again. This mechanism results in unique features and diverse applications for this adhesive.
Applications of Hot Glue
Hot glue can be used to bond a wide range of surfaces, from cardboard, metal, glass, leather, and wood to ceramics, plastics, rubber, fabric, and foam. The high viscosity of hot glue makes it suitable for use on both non-porous and porous substrates, which would otherwise be more challenging to bond with solvent-based adhesives.
Hot glue is utilized in many commercial and residential applications across various industries. This material finds its uses in food packaging, carpentry, product assembly, labeling, children’s toys, arts and crafts, and more.
Important Tips for Using Hot Glue
Hot glue guns are known as versatile adhesives. They can be used for bonding different surfaces like paper, glass, fabric, wood, PVC, metals, etc. However, be cautious using this glue on heat-sensitive objects, as high temperatures can be detrimental.
- Before using this adhesive, ensure that the surfaces of the two materials are clean. Otherwise, its adhesive power will significantly diminish.
- Since hot glue is a thermoplastic material, it is not recommended for bonding surfaces at very low or very high temperatures.
- It’s advisable to apply pressure for several seconds on the glued surfaces after bonding them with the hot glue gun.
- Note that if the bonded surfaces are placed in a very hot environment, the adhesive properties may diminish.
- Ensure that the melting distance of the glue due to heat application until bonding the two surfaces is very short. Otherwise, the glue will solidify again and need to be reheated.
Creative Tricks and Applications with Hot Glue
You might find it interesting to know that simple hot glue at home has other applications beyond just bonding. A hot glue gun is an amazing and practical tool for any workshop. Besides its strong holding power and instant adhesion, the insulation and softness of the glue make it a handy tool to have. Let’s explore some surprising applications of this adhesive with “Ana Chemistry Araz”:
- Creating Clips for Hangers: Making clips for hangers with hot glue is possible. This trick is particularly useful for preventing slippery silk, satin, cotton, and other clothing types from sliding off hangers. Apply a little hot glue to the corners of the hanger and let it dry. This DIY trick with hot glue will keep even the slipperiest clothes on the hanger.
- Protecting Damaged Cables: You can create a protector for damaged cables with hot glue. If your charger or cable is damaged but still works, instead of throwing it away, make it more durable with a spring and hot glue. Wrap the spring around the damaged area and cover it with a thick layer of glue. This creates an insulation for your wire or cable to prevent further damage. If the appearance of the cable matters, use clear hot glue.
- Making Cabinet Bumpers: If your cabinet doors don’t have slow-close mechanisms, this DIY trick with hot glue is for you. Cabinets with spring-loaded doors can make loud noises when closed. You can pour a little hot glue where the door meets the cabinet frame, creating soft spots to eliminate these noises. These small glue spots will act as bumpers, and for a better look, use clear hot glue for this DIY project.
- Creating a Simple and Quick Eraser: Making an eraser is one of the DIY tricks with hot glue. You can help your child create a simple and quick eraser that will make them happy. Grab a regular black pencil and apply hot glue to the end. Make sure to use enough glue so that it doesn’t fall apart when used. Allow the glue to dry completely, and then it can be used as an eraser. Use clear hot glue for this DIY to keep the pencil and paper looking neat.
- Ring Holder: If you often misplace your rings and are constantly searching for them, create a ring holder with hot glue. For this DIY project, you’ll need an unused book or notebook. First, glue several pages at the front and back of the book or notebook to the cover. Then position each page so that it forms a droplet shape and glue it to the next page. Now, place your rings between the pages that are positioned to look like droplets.
Conclusion
In this article, we aimed to familiarize our loyal readers with hot glue, its features, advantages, applications, and home tricks. As mentioned, this glue melts due to the application of heat, bonding two surfaces together. Therefore, it is not advisable to use it on surfaces that may be damaged by heat application. It was also stated that to achieve optimal adhesive results, the surfaces must be clean and free from any contaminants. By paying attention to these points and ensuring a quality purchase, you can enjoy the benefits of this adhesive.