Nothing can compete with the hot glue gun when it comes to making art, craft projects or making quick repairs. Unlike other adhesives, this type of glue spreads smoothly, dries quickly and ensures a secure hold on all sorts of surfaces. Although it does not possess the strongest adhesive power, it can still be used to bond a greater variety of materials than any other product. Using this gun is extremely easy as long as you follow the basic instructions and comply with the safety instructions.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Load the Gun
Step 1. Consult the user manual
Read it to know how to use the gun safely; observe the various components and their function. The manual should specify whether the gun begins to heat up automatically as soon as it is plugged in, whether it should be turned on and off, how long it takes to heat up, and what materials it can be used for.
- Read the safety warnings carefully to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries during its use.
- The manual should also state the exact type and size of glue sticks needed.
Step 2. Inspect the tool for damage
Before plugging it in or using it, look at the exterior to make sure there are no cracks, chipped parts, or other signs of breakage. Do not neglect the electric cable and pay attention to broken or frayed wires; it is very dangerous to use a hot glue gun in this state.
Using a malfunctioning gun is extremely dangerous, as it is equipped with electrical and heating components
Step 3. Verify that the nozzle is clear and free of old adhesive residue
The molten glue should come out smoothly from the tip of the gun. If necessary, disassemble the nozzle and clean it with aluminum foil to get rid of the dry glue or use a toothpick to clear the hole. Before each use, you should always clean the tool from glue residues left over from previous jobs.
- Always make sure that the gun is not connected to the mains before handling it or removing the nozzle.
- Never use water for cleaning. At worst, simply wait for the residual glue to heat up enough to run off.
Step 4. Insert a stick of glue into the back of the gun
Take a new stick and insert it into the circular opening located behind the tool; slide it until it stops. If there is already a partially used bar in the gun, finish it before inserting a new one; it is not necessary to use a new bar for each project.
Most of the glue bars are produced with a standard diameter to be able to be inserted in any model of gun; to be safe, check the instructions or specifications of your instrument when purchasing the replacement
Step 5. Insert the plug into the power socket
Find the outlet in the wall closest to your work area and plug in the gun plug. The heating element of the instrument automatically starts to heat the glue stick inside, so do not touch the nozzle and do not leave the gun unattended while it is connected to electricity.
- Remember to always inspect the power cord for damage or signs of wear before plugging it into the socket; a bad cable could cause a fire.
- Some hot glue guns are powered by batteries and allow you to work anywhere and however you like; if you can't get one of these models, try using an extension cable to be able to work at greater distances from the power outlet.
Part 2 of 3: Use the Gun
Step 1. Wait for it to warm up
Give the gun a couple of minutes to soften the glue. When the adhesive is sufficiently melted, it begins to come out of the spout as you pull the trigger. For most models, the warm-up phase takes about two minutes. The largest guns for industrial use take up to five minutes to heat the glue just enough to make it fluid.
- Some models have an on / off switch, but not all. If your gun has the switch, you need to set it to the "On" position to start the warm-up phase; if there is no switch, the gun automatically starts melting the adhesive as soon as it is connected to the electrical system.
- Place the gun on the support on the base when you are not using it; never lay it on its side when it is active.
Step 2. Press the trigger lightly to release the molten glue
Orient the spout down and bring it closer to the point you need to glue. Apply gentle pressure on the trigger until liquid adhesive begins to flow from the hole. Let the glue fall directly on the surface of the object, keeping the latter in contact with the spout; applies the adhesive smoothly forming a continuous, dashed line or curls.
- Place a piece of cardboard or a sheet of aluminum foil under the object you are gluing to prevent the adhesive strands from falling to the ground.
- Try gluing together a few pieces of scrap material to familiarize yourself with the gun before using it for precision projects.
- If possible, wear gloves when working with this tool to protect your hands from heat and avoid getting them dirty.
Step 3. Use only the minimum amount needed
Start with a little adhesive and consider later if you need more. Molten glue flows fairly quickly when you pull the trigger and it's easy to apply too much if you're not careful; avoid impregnating the object with too much adhesive or applying the latter in sticky lumps.
- For example, to attach polystyrene letters to a diorama, a small drop of glue is sufficient, while you should apply a larger amount following a spiral or zig-zag path to adhere objects with a large surface or with heavy elements..
- Hot glue is designed to be spread in a rather thick layer, but if you use too much, you can harden the softer surfaces and get a bad result.
Step 4. Wait for the adhesive to dry
Pull the nozzle away from the object you just finished gluing. If the gun has an on / off switch, put it in the "Off" position and set the gun down; let the glue dry for several minutes. The bond between the surfaces is consolidated as the glue hardens.
- If you are short on time, use a hair dryer set at its lowest setting or so that it blows cold air to speed up the hardening process of the glue.
- Dry adhesive ensures a firm seal, but may become soft again, especially if exposed to high temperatures.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Gun for Various Projects
Step 1. Keep it handy for simple repairs
Make room in your toolbox for a hot glue gun, as it is very useful for home repair jobs. This type of adhesive is particularly suitable for wooden and plastic objects that remain in a cool and dry environment. Whether you need to attach a loose piece of cover or repair your child's toys, this product creates a pretty strong, flexible bond that's perfect for any type of bonding job.
You shouldn't try to join moving parts or heavy, precariously balanced objects with hot glue; Demanding jobs should always be done by professionals with the right tools
Step 2. Use the gun for creative craft projects
The next time you need to help the kids with a school chore or want to make some home decor for the holidays, take the hot glue gun instead of a regular sticker. This product is perfect for use on a wide variety of surfaces, applies neatly and does not crumple paper or fade colors, as is often the case with vinyl glue. A small drop of hot glue fixes the handcrafted creations better and longer.
It is not easy to remove this adhesive once it has hardened. Check that the measurements, inclinations and dimensions of the project are correct before gluing everything together
Step 3. Do some tailoring work
Hem a pair of pants of the wrong size with a ring of hot glue or replace a button that has come off. Unlike other fastening materials, this type of adhesive is quite effective on fabrics; however, it does its best on elements such as buttons, zippers and other functional details. While not a permanent solution like seams, glue allows you to make small changes when there are no alternatives.
- When applied to clothing, it can deteriorate with repeated washing, especially with those in hot water.
- Use hot glue to attach patches, rhinestones, and other accessories to clothing.
Step 4. Apply this type of glue to delicate surfaces
Thanks to its dense and gelatinous consistency, this adhesive is perfect for joining thin and easily damaged surfaces; moreover, it leads to better results than more liquid glues and even super glue. Aqueous adhesives are difficult to apply, take longer to dry and carry a greater risk of damaging delicate materials. Hot glue is versatile and is often capable of fixing "difficult" materials that would not adhere to each other with different adhesives.
- Apply a small amount of glue when working with delicate materials to avoid damaging them.
- Hot glue can be used on lace, wicker, paper, cotton and even on objects that are used in confectionery, to create gingerbread houses and candy compositions.
Advice
- Stock up on sticks of glue, so you have plenty of them on hand for large projects.
- If you get hot glue on your skin, run cold running water over the area to soothe the burn and harden the adhesive just enough to peel it off.
- Make sure the gun has cooled down sufficiently before storing it or removing the nozzle.
- Since this type of glue melts with heat, it is not the best product to use on items that can be subjected to high temperatures. This means that you need to find other solutions to fix the chipped coffee cup or to reattach the sole to the sneakers you use in the summer.
- Use a hair dryer set to low to melt and remove the strands of glue that often form on the spout when you peel it off.
- Store the gun in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If the glue stops flowing freely from the nozzle, rotate the bar as you squeeze the trigger and gently push it into the tool.
Warnings
- Do not touch the nozzle when the gun is plugged into the electrical outlet and switched on, as it is extremely hot.
- Never aim the gun straight up or use it on objects that are above your head.
