Hot Glue is not just for crafts. It can attach an object to pretty much any surface, including metal and glass, in a minute. I've used it for many of my art projects and it has never failed me. I used it to fix ceramic sculptures, strengthen the bonds in my wood frames, forming architectural models, fill in molds, and even stick a black boot to a pickle jar. I was surprised how many people in my art class did not know about the usefulness of hot glue, so I've created this guide to spread this little bit of wisdom.

There are several special types of hot glue sticks ranging from circuitry to add hair extensions; this guide will concentrate only on hot glue made for crafts. Before anyone should buy and use a hot glue gun, they should first learn what hot glue is, how to use it, and the various products out on the market.

What is Hot Glue?

To be technical, hot glue is a combination of polypropylene and various resins. A simpler way to think of hot glue is a plastic that is solid at room temperature. Heat makes it turn into a liquid. Hot glue cools very quickly when compared to other various types of glue such as wood glue. It is also nontoxic and waterproof. Hot glue usually comes in round sticks, but I've seen oval shaped hot glue too. Most hot glue guns use round sticks.

There are various types of hot glue formulas. Some are made to be water clear, make no glue strings, or are colored. Some even have glitter in them. The most important thing to look for when buying hot glue is finding what temperature melts at. There is low temperature, high temperature, multi temperature, and ultimate temperature hot glue. Each glue has its pros and cons, but ultimate temperature hot glue is the most variable of them all.

• Low Temperature (Melts at 260°F - 127°C) - Best used on glass, fabric, floral, paper, foam, and jewelry

• High Temperature (Melts at 380°F - 193°C) - Best used on floral, paper, frames sewing, and needlecrafts

• Multi Temperature - Best used on home décor, ceramics, glass, fabric, plastic, wood, polymer clay, metal, foam, and leather/suede

• Ultimate Temperature - Best used on home décor, ceramics, glass, plastic, wood, polymer clay, metal, framing, jewelry, leather/suede, sewing, and needlecrafts

Depending on the project, a low temperature hot glue may be the best kind. High temperature hot glue can burn fabrics and melt certain types of plastics. High temperature hot glue, though, does not dry as quickly as low temperature so it is easier to move objects in the correct place. Never put an industry grade hot glue such as one made out of just polypropylene for this will ruin any normal hot glue gun.

How do I use a Hot Glue Gun?

Using a hot glue gun may appear simple enough to not need instruction, but there is more than just plugging it in and pushing the trigger. If a hot glue gun is not used properly, it can easily be broken. Below is a simple step-by-step guide of how to prepare the workspace and getting the hot gun ready for use.

1. Put the glue sticks in the freezer. Heat, humidity, or other things in the environment can cause the glue to release web-like strings. These can build up fast. Putting the glue sticks into the freezer for a few minutes before use cuts down on the number of strings.
2. Clean off the workspace. Remove dust, crumbs, wood shavings, and other junk that can easily get caught in with the hot glue.
3. Plug in the hot glue gun. It takes about ten minutes for a hot glue gun to reach the right temperature. Trying to use the hot glue gun early can bust the trigger of the grip that pushes the hot glue inside the gun. If no glue is coming out of the gun when the trigger is pushed, then wait a few more minutes for it to heat up. Don't force the hot glue out of the gun.
4. Set a plate, a dryer sheet, and a bowl of ice water by your work area. The plate is the place where the hot glue gun should sit. Some hot glue guns have the tendency to drip once in a great while when they become warm. The dryer sheet is for cleaning the hot glue gun if anything happens to get stuck to it. Remember not to clean the tip of the hot glue gun until it cools down for a few moments. To be extra safe, put on an oven mitten. The last item, the bowl of ice, is for hot glue burn accidents. Even low temperature glue is hotter than boiling water. Also, dipping the fingers into the water makes it possible to work around spots just dabbed with hot glue.
5. Bring the project and other items like paint and glitter to the workspace. If the project contains really slick, smooth surfaces like glass, make sure to clean the surface. This type of surface is the hardest to bond to. Cut or sand the surface to create nooks for the glue to hold if this is possible.
6. If ten minutes have passed since the hot glue was plugged in, the gun can start being used. This is a good time to sprinkle glitter with the glue.
7. Always unplug the hot glue gun when finished or if it will not be used for a long period of time.
8. After the glue cools down, it may be painted with acrylic paints. Another layer of hot glue can also be spread over it too.

Types of Hot Glue Guns

There are several types of hot glue guns. Standard size and mini size hot glue guns can be found at the local department store in the sewing and crafts section. The main difference between the two sizes is the mini size glue gun is great for precise projects such as attaching rhinestones to a jacket. The standard size hot glue gun is for larger projects since it can release more hot glue faster than the mini glue gun.

When buying a hot glue gun, make sure it will melt the type of hot glue selected for the project. Like hot glue, there are low temperature, high temperature, and dual temperature glue guns. I do not advise mixing low temperature and high temperature glue sticks with different glue guns.

Beside size and temperature, another difference between glue guns is whether or not they have a cord. Cordless hot glue guns can be a blessing, but they are more expensive and require batteries. Hot glue guns with cords can be very expensive though depending on the brand and what features they have. I've seen craft glue guns going for over $50 on the web. The cheap glue guns last for years if they are treated with kindness.

Hot glue is a great adhesive for many projects in the art studio, the home, or the shop. If handle with care, no unpleasant accidents should happen. And if a glob of hot glue should land on the finger, at least everything is prepared. Be creative, have fun, and save some time by using hot glue.