How to Use a Hot Melt Glue Gun

If you’re a hobbyist or ever had to help your kids with a last-minute school project, you have probably had to deal with messy adhesives such as white glue, instant glue, or rubber cement. If you aren’t already using one, consider a hot melt glue gun.

A hot melt glue gun is ideal for many projects where other types of adhesives won’t work—or won’t work well. You can use a hot melt glue gun with paper, fabrics, styrofoam, plastics, and various other materials.

Hot melt glue guns give the user greater control when applying the adhesive. Hot melt glue also dries fast and creates less mess than other types of glue, so it can be the perfect solution for hobbyists and industrial projects. Read on to learn about the different types and how to use a hot melt glue gun.

What Is a Hot Melt Glue Gun?

Hot melt glue guns melt solid glue to create a liquid adhesive that can be applied to almost any material. Once the pieces of material are placed together, the glue cools to form a lasting bond.

Hot melt glue guns aren’t new. Glue guns have been around since the 1940s when they were used to glue the soles on shoes. Hot glue continues to gain popularity for all kinds of projects because the glue is smooth, neat, easy to apply, and dries quickly.

There are three types of hot melt glue guns:

1. Low-temperature hot melt glue guns will heat to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt the glue but not dangerously hot. Low-temperature glue guns are suitable for children’s craft projects—which don’t require strong glue—because they reduce the chances of a severe burn.
2. High-temperature hot glue guns operate at a heat of up to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature creates a longer-lasting bond. The higher operating temperature can cause burns and blisters, so these guns are unsuitable for kids. Even adult users should be extra careful and might consider using safety gloves.
3. Dual-temperature hot glue guns provide the most flexibility. Users can set the temperature to suit the needs of the project they’re working on.

Different glue guns require different glue sticks. Low-temperature glue is silicon-based and melts quickly. It’s strong enough for paper projects and scrapbooking. High-temperature glue uses thermoplastic compounds, polymers, or acrylics, and the higher temperature makes for a lasting bond. High-temperature glues are good for repairs.

How to Use a Hot Melt Glue Gun 

A hot melt glue gun works like a soldering iron or caulking gun. The gun heats the glue, which melts and is dispersed through the nozzle of the glue gun. The trigger of the glue gun dispenses the glue on the material to be bonded. As the glue gun is used, the glue stick melts until it’s used up.

Using a hot glue gun requires a few simple steps:

1. Make sure the gun is ready to use. Check the nozzle and remove old glue and gunk to make sure the nozzle is clear. Never use water to clean a glue gun because the moisture could short out the gun. The best way to clean a glue gun nozzle is to heat the gun and melt the old glue.
2. Load the glue gun. Insert glue sticks into the back of the gun. They will stick out of the back, melting as the glue is used. Slide the stick in until it stops, twisting it if necessary. You can use new glue sticks to push down the remains of used sticks that are still in the gun.
3. Heat the glue gun. Be sure to stand the glue gun up while heating so it won’t burn the work surface or cause a fire. It’s best to leave the glue gun unplugged until you are ready to use it. If you prefer, cordless glue guns are also available.
4. Go to work. Once the gun is heated and the glue begins to melt, you can pull the gun trigger to dispense the glue.
5. Clean up. Hot glue can be hard to clean up once it has dried. You can apply heat to soften and remove the glue or try scraping it away. Isopropyl alcohol will also serve as a solvent to remove dried hot glue.

Hot glue is incredibly versatile and can be used to secure various materials. Hobbyists typically use hot glue for paper, fabrics, wood, and foam. A hot melt glue gun is incredibly handy for household repairs. Hot glue is also used for industrial applications, such as cementing metals, glass, and ceramics.

Shop for adhesive products and accessories, including glue guns, on the Bay Supply Marketplace.