How to Use Hot Glue
Hot glue is used for a variety of craft projects as well as certain small household fixes. The glue is operated through a hot glue gun powered by a wall plug. Hot glue bonds almost any two materials together instantly. It cools quickly, allowing the glue to dry faster and hold longer than most conventional glues. Hot glue is preferred by those who do craft work because when it is applied between two materials to create a bond you do not have to hold the objects together as they dry.
Instructions
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Set up your hot glue. The glue stick inserts used to create hot glue are solid tubes before they are melted within a hot glue gun to create hot glue. A hot glue gun turns the glue stick inserts from a solid into a hot glue substance by passing the insert through the heated gun canal, which melts the glue stick. It is then forced out of the gun's tip when the trigger is pressed. Start with your glue gun not plugged in. There is a circular opening in the back of the gun. Insert a hot glue stick into the back of the glue gun. Apply pressure, pushing the glue stick through the circular opening until it won't go in any further. Plug your glue gun into the nearest outlet and allow the gun to heat up for approximately five minutes.
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Apply hot glue. Commonly, hot glue can be used on any craft material. Consult the manufacturer's guide for a list of materials that are and are not suitable to use along with hot glue. Press the trigger of the gun to release glue from the tip. The harder you push the trigger the more glue and the faster the glue will be applied. Once you have applied hot glue between the surfaces of your materials, there is no need to hold the materials together until they dry. After you initially press the materials together, the glue will bond, holding the materials together until it has dried fully.
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Use a craft stick to spread hot glue. When the glue is first pushed through the tip of the gun, it is still very hot. Do not attempt to spread the glue with your hands. Use craft sticks to maneuver any glue that needs to be spread.
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Allow the glue to dry. Hot glue creates an instant bond between materials when applied. This is the very reason crafters love to work with hot glue. Although, you do not need to worry about applying pressure while the glue dries it is still important to allow the glue to fully dry before using the item or craft you created. Let the hot glue sit for two to four hours to ensure it has fully dried and hardened to create a long-lasting bond.
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Tips & Warnings
Since hot glue bonds so quickly, keep a wet cloth near by to easily remove any glue that attaches to your skin. Once the hot glue is no longer pushing through the tip of the gun with ease, insert a new glue stick.
When working with hot glue, always refrain from touching the actual glue until it drys. Always monitor children when hot glue is present.
