How to use a glue gun and hot melt adhesive correctly: scope of application

What it is

Hot glue, what is it, people wonder before deciding whether to purchase it or not. The product is a chemical substance that can be converted into liquid and solid form more than once. For the transition, it is necessary to expose the composition to a hot temperature in the range of 80-150 degrees. The glue is produced in the form of a rod; for comfortable application, use a glue gun for crafts.

The demand for hot-melt adhesive is high due to the high quality of the connection obtained and its versatility of use. The product is suitable for: paper, glass, wood, leather, metal, cardboard and other materials.

The glue is produced in the form of a rod; for comfortable application, use a glue gun for crafts.

Decoration of interior items

Using hot glue you can make exclusive New Year's toys.

Christmas ball

To complete this craft you will need:

Christmas tree decorations of different sizes;
glue gun;
paints of different colors.

Functional and design features

Before you understand what can be made from a glue gun, you need to understand its features. The device is called a pistol because of its external resemblance to a weapon. A special hole has been created for the glue stick, where it is inserted and when the device is turned on, it begins to heat the mass, after which it can be applied by pressing the trigger. The design includes the following parts:

Heating model;
Ring pusher;
coupling;
Nozzle.

The device is called a pistol because of its external resemblance to a weapon.

Scope of application of liquid nails

Liquid nails are silicone-based glue.
Its main feature is the ability to harden almost instantly, firmly connecting the parts to be glued. Either water can be used as a solvent, since organic solvents are volatile. Glue is used to solve a variety of problems in construction and repair. Here are some examples:

Gluing heavy types of wallpaper (for example, bamboo).
Strengthening problematic tiles when repairing floor or wall coverings.
Permanent connection of parts made of wood, chipboard, fiberboard when assembling furniture.

However, such glue is more expensive than many specialized ready-made mixtures. For example, when creating a tiled apron in the kitchen, gluing all the tiles with liquid nails is unprofitable, but using this instant glue in problem areas (first row, corners, etc.) is quite advisable.

Professional and household hot glue guns

The cost of a hot glue gun varies; all guns are basically similar in design, but professional models are more powerful and can be equipped with additional features. This is done due to the specific nature of the use of devices by professionals; in such cases, a large amount of work is implied, and it is necessary that the glue be heated for a long time without interruption.

For simple household use, this property is not necessary; when you glue a little, you can get by with an inexpensive gun.

A model with a power of 40-150 watts is suitable for everyday use. Professionals may require up to 500 watts of power.

A model with a power of 40-150 watts is suitable for everyday use.

Main manufacturers

On the market of glue gun manufacturers, a unique rating of brands that you can trust has formed. Which one to give preference is the user's choice. Sometimes purchasing an unnamed model is justified if you need a tool for a certain period of time. If it breaks, you don’t mind throwing it away later. But among such “masterpieces” of Chinese consumer goods there is also a great marriage.

Dremel

A reputable North American brand, famous for its high-speed grinding machines, which came to be called Dremel. Thermal guns under this brand are reliable and fully worth the money spent on them. A switch is built into the handle, and a special stand is created in the front part. The nozzle is replaceable. It is convenient to work with such a gun, and it will last a long time. Dremel users, one and all, note the ergonomic handle of the unit and its lightness. But original glue sticks are not cheap.

Steinel

German scrupulousness, full compliance of the stated characteristics with the actual ones. Such a pistol, purchased for home crafts or repairs, will not let you down. Designed for a 220 V household network. There are models with temperature control, as well as battery-powered ones. By the way, autonomous Steinel pistols are considered one of the best: they contain electronic temperature controllers and an automatic shutdown unit.

Bosch

The products of the Bosch concern are known and respected far beyond the borders of Germany. Household and professional tools under this brand are reliable, trouble-free equipment. The products use high-quality components. Solutions are offered for amateurs and professionals. The pistol fits comfortably in the hand and is equipped with an electronic stabilizer.

The brand of the same name produces glue sticks of consistent quality. There are mains guns and compact battery guns.

Hobby and pro

Mid-class models for universal use are produced. The gun is equipped with a switch and has good ergonomics. One of the obvious advantages of the pistol is its low price (700 rubles). Provision is made for blocking the leakage of adhesive mass.

UHU

Another average one. You shouldn’t expect super quality from products under this brand, but the heat guns will live up to your hopes. They are classified as low-temperature (110 degrees), suitable for household purposes and handicrafts.

MasterHand

Cheap and cheerful - this is how the products of this manufacturer can be characterized. Not Bosch, but suitable for home crafts. There are no additional functions, including a power supply switch. There is no regulator either. One of the simplest and most inexpensive pistols, this is where its advantages end.

Stavr

Russian manufacturer. It produces pistols with good ergonomics, a replaceable nozzle and a convenient rocker key. Among the undoubted advantages is fast heating (about a minute). There is no control over the temperature regime for melting the glue.

Defort

Glue guns with conflicting reviews. Judging by the complete case and spare attachments (2 pieces), this is a tool for professionals. The slightly curved handle leaves a pleasant impression. But the price (up to 2 thousand) and the design of the suitcase are not particularly encouraging.

Kolner

A brand with mixed Russian-Chinese roots. The manufacturer provided a switch and lighting for the work area, and equipped the gun with a long power cable. And the price of the product is not too bad. In its price range, Kolner crushes its competitors with a set of additional functions; they almost never have a backlight or toggle switch. Not to mention the removable and spare nozzle.

How to use

Electric glue gun, what can you glue, and how to do it correctly? The base must first be cleaned and degreased; glue can only be applied to a dry surface, preferably not cold, otherwise the glue will harden too quickly.

Place the glue in the gun, turn on the device and wait about five minutes until the composition warms up, pull the trigger and apply a layer to the base. Afterwards the parts need to be connected together.

Glue can only be applied to a dry surface.

Wardrobe fragrance

A pleasant smell in your wardrobe is important, because fabrics tend to absorb all odors. It is for this reason that housewives usually use sachets or other flavorings. And you can use your favorite perfume, and a glue gun will help with this again.

PHOTO: YouTube.com Draw an adhesive mesh on a polyethylene backing and wait until the composition hardens

PHOTO: YouTube.com Make two identical meshes, and prepare a hook on one of them using the same glue. Place a piece of fleece or felt between the meshes and connect them along the edge

PHOTO: YouTube.com All you have to do is hang the improvised sachet on a rod in the closet and sprinkle it with your perfume

What can be glued with “hot glue”

What can be made from a glue gun, is it worth purchasing? A similar device in the home will help glue a wide variety of objects; its use is not only comfortable, but also gives high-quality results. It is suitable for handicrafts, construction work, minor repairs and more. The following types of materials can be glued:

Paper, cardboard;
Metal;
Wood;
Ceramic;
Glass;
Textile, leather;
Plastic;
Foam.

The list of bases that hot-melt adhesive can be reliably applied to is huge. It is easier to mark materials that cannot be joined with it: plaster and concrete.

A similar device in the home will help glue a wide variety of objects; its use is not only comfortable, but also gives high-quality results.

Use in construction

The product is widely used in construction. With it you can quickly perform the following types of work:

Eliminating gaps in window frames;
Filling tile joints;
Sealing wooden products;
Filling of connecting areas in plumbing;
Closing door recesses.

You can glue fallen parts of finishing materials with glue, repair broken objects, etc.

The product is widely used in construction.

Application for creating decorative products

Recently, hot glue is often chosen for creating creative crafts. You can use it to create a variety of decorative elements. Girls make jewelry for dolls and for themselves; glue reliably glues rhinestones, stones, fabrics, and leather. Needlewomen create toys for Christmas trees with their own hands, connecting the parts with hot glue.

It is noted that the adhesive solution is applied precisely; you can apply a small drop so that it is invisible, but at the same time the adhesive strength will be high. Therefore, glue is used economically, and the seam is more accurate.

Recently, hot glue is often chosen for creating creative crafts.

Purpose

Glue guns are intended for decorative, installation, and professional work. There are even devices for straightening car body parts: using heavy-duty glue, they pull out dents in the sheet skin. There cannot be universal pistols. You need to immediately decide where the hot-melt adhesive unit will be used, and only then move on to the choice.

Decor

Gluing guns have long been used to create decorative panels and compositions to quickly and reliably attach parts to a base, surface made of wood or metal.

Repair

Another area in which glue guns have found application. To glue tiles to the floor, fix a suspended ceiling, or fix a wooden block to a stone wall, it is not necessary to use standard methods. 5 minutes of work with the gun - and the part is in place.

Needlework

A strip of glue from a gun glues fabric, thread products, knitting, and connects embroidered pictures to the base. The polymer mass replaces conventional synthetic adhesives, and surpasses them in strength and speed of hardening of the seam.

Construction

Fastening carpet, installing electrical fittings, securely fixing plumbing fixtures - and a glue gun will help with this. Polymer rods have high adhesion to any surface. You just need to clean them from dust, degrease and dry them.

Warehouses and movers

The device is suitable for temporary fastening of structures in a warehouse, creating an instant connection between plastic and metal, wood and glass. One powerful gun is enough to apply glue in a small warehouse. You can fix parts pointwise, in stripes, along a contour - there are enough options for a solution. It’s also convenient to use colored rods to mark goods, creating a strip of glue in the required place.

Life

Repair broken dishes, glue tiles, flooring, fix the tabletop. To do this, you do not need to keep several different synthetic adhesives on hand.

Having a compact, reliable gun with a set of rods immediately solves all the problems of a home craftsman.

Plastic and PVC models

And with the help of molten glue you can quickly and reliably fasten plastic parts together. But not all. There is a restriction on PVC; Hot glue cannot repair a torn shower curtain.

Fabrics

Such a complex and impractical material to glue as fabric, with rare exceptions, is successfully joined using a hot-melt gun. The choice of base and combination of fibers does not matter - for hot-melt adhesive they are all equivalent and are easily bonded.

Concrete, gypsum and similar materials

One of the few exceptions, white spots, for which a glue gun is not suitable. It will also not work to glue plaster or create a strong seam between the concrete surface and another structure (paper).

Rules for using a glue gun

Understanding what a glue gun glues together, you should also know the rules for working with it. Indeed, due to the hot type of gluing, use is dangerous if the device is used incorrectly. Basic working conditions:

Only rods of suitable size can be inserted into the coupling;
To ensure uniform distribution of glue from the nozzle, it must be cleaned after use;
The part that is held in the hands is made of plastic, so it does not heat up; you do not need to wear gloves, but sometimes they are required;
The gun comes with a stand, where it is placed during a break from gluing;
It is not allowed to touch drops of glue, this can cause burns, so the device should not be laid on its side.

To ensure uniform distribution of glue from the nozzle, it must be cleaned after use.

Read the instructions

The most disliked condition by Russian users. As a result, the pistol that worked in the store at home for some reason refuses to cooperate, and the rods bought on the cheap do not want to melt normally, drip and shoot. Most problems with technology are hidden precisely in the lack of knowledge about the principles of its operation. If the instructions say that the glue gun should not be left on for more than half an hour, and then you should give it a rest, then that is exactly what you need to do.

What you need to know about glue sticks

What to make from hot melt adhesive is not the only question that needs to be sorted out; you need to understand that there are different stickers for a gun. They vary in diameter, shade and length. The diameter of the glue is important; it must be chosen strictly according to the permitted size for the device. The colors of the adhesives are as follows:

Colorless, an option that matches any product;
Multi-colored, the colors are matched to the color of the product so that the layer is invisible against the general background;
Black ones are selected for sealing work;
Yellow ones are suitable for paper, cardboard, finishing products;
Shiny ones are used for crafts, white ones are suitable for seams between tiles.

The diameter of the glue is important; it must be chosen strictly according to the permitted size for the device.

Range

Hotmelt adhesives of various colors are in demand, as this makes it possible to choose the adhesive to match the color of your material so that the adhesives do not stand out. Of course, PVA cannot be compared with thermoplastic glue; PVA does not have such strong adhesion.

The most common shades available on the market are transparent (universal: suitable for cardboard, ceramics, plastic, fabric, tiles), opaque (for glass and metal), yellow (suitable for wood), black (suitable for insulating wires, suitable for as a sealant), colored (suitable for decorative work, used on cardboard and paper).

Popular models:

Bamfutura;
5 second fix;
Rtv-904;
Sealant;
Termo.

They differ in technical properties: fire resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, heat resistance.

What are the rods made of?

The main element, which is contained in the rods up to 50%, is polyester polymer. Also included are resins and plasticizers. The following types of stickers can be distinguished by polymer type:

Ethyl vinyl acetate;
Polyamide;
Polyester;
Modified silicone;
Made from synthetic rubber;
Made from reactive polyurethane.

The main element, which is contained in the rods up to 50%, is polyester polymer.

Types of hot melt adhesive rods

It is difficult for novice artists to understand how to choose the right sticker. To make it easier to recognize the purpose of the rods, it was decided to mark them by color. So, knowing the designation of shades, you can understand what material the sticker is suitable for.

To make it easier to recognize the purpose of the rods, it was decided to mark them by color.

Colorless Transparent Glue Sticks

Universal stickers that work with most substrates. The seam is soft and reliable, the level of adhesion is high.

Universal stickers that work with most substrates.

Yellow transparent rods

This type is suitable for paper, cardboard, wooden bases. Can also be selected for some metals and plastics. It has an average level of adhesion and moisture absorption.

It has an average level of adhesion and moisture absorption.

Opaque white rods

This option is great for glass and metal products. Also able to cope with plastic, textile and wooden bases.

This option is great for glass and metal products.

Opaque multi-colored rods

Their characteristics are the same as colorless rods, but they can blend well against the background color of the product if you choose a similar shade. Created on the basis of EVA.

They can blend well against the background color of the product if you choose a similar shade.

Black and gray hot melt adhesive

These are specialized stickers. There are two types of their purpose: for filling and protecting the seam areas of objects from moisture; for insulating electrical contacts.

There are two types of their purpose: for filling and protecting the seam areas of objects from moisture; for insulating electrical contacts.

Decorative rods for arts and crafts

The presence of sparkles in color is in demand for creating creative crafts. The composition is safe and can therefore be used by children under adult supervision.

The presence of sparkles in color is in demand for creating creative crafts.

Melting point of hot melt adhesive

The constituent components affect the temperature at which the rod will melt. So, for household appliances, ethyl vinyl acetate types are used, which turn into a liquid state at 80-150 degrees. Polyamide will melt when heated to 150-200 degrees. Accordingly, the gun must heat up to similar temperatures.

For household appliances, ethyl vinyl acetate types are used, which turn into a liquid state at 80-150 degrees.

Glue gun refill sizes

The most popular types of stickers are 7 and 11 mm in diameter. They are designed for most household pistols. They can handle minor repairs.

Professional pistols can be refilled with rods of 12, 15, 43 mm.

The most popular types of stickers are 7 and 11 mm in diameter.

Safety precautions when operating the device

When working, do not forget about safety, the device operates from the mains, and high temperatures are also used, so the operating standards are observed:

Study the instructions for the device, which states how long the gun can be used without interruption;
Do not turn on the device without hot glue;
The cable must always be placed at the rear of the device;
The tip of the nozzle and the adhesives themselves become very hot during operation; they should not be touched during this period;
Working in wet conditions is prohibited; hands should not be wet either;
During operation, the glue is placed on a stand; it is not installed horizontally, otherwise the melted glue will damage the equipment.

The tip of the nozzle and the adhesives themselves become very hot during operation; they should not be touched during this period.

How to change the rod in a gun after it has cooled down

Removing the rod from the device after use is not considered a mandatory action. If you still need to remove the sticker, you can only do this by heating the hot melt adhesive, otherwise you may break the parts of the device.

Removing the rod from the device after use is not considered a mandatory action.

How to use glue sticks without a gun

If the device is not at hand, but you need to glue the parts with a similar tool, then needlewomen have come up with options for heating the glue without a special device:

The sticker is placed in a ballpoint pen and melted with a burning candle;
A little heated glue is dripped onto the sulfur part of the match, when the gun requires a break in operation, then light the match and drip glue from it.

The sticker is placed in a ballpoint pen and melted using a burning candle.

How to change the color of the rod correctly

If you work with different shades of rods, then you need to remove them correctly. You should not do this with force; you need to press the trigger to squeeze a piece of the rod through the nozzle; for this, a new color is charged next, and it will push the remainder forward.

If you work with different shades of rods, then you need to remove them correctly.

Technology for preparing pine cones for crafts⋆Children's world

Cones are a very fertile material for crafts, because they are very different in shape and appearance. Spruce, pine, cedar, fir, larch - all these are coniferous trees and shrubs on which they grow and which have needle-shaped leaves - needles. It was about these trees that the proverb was invented: “winter and summer are the same color,” because they are always green. And the cones are large and small, round, oblong, lumpy, hard, soft, smooth. They also differ in color and shape, and in the strength of the scales. Cones come with closed and open scales.

But, despite such diversity, the collection recommendations are the same. And I want to say a few words about which pine cones are best collected and how to store them.

You need to collect unopened cones; they take up less space, since they are much larger in volume than open cones. Any plucked, unopened cone will open up when it dries and change its appearance. To ensure that the cone retains its appearance longer, it is covered with a thin layer of wood glue.

How to process pine cones for crafts

To do this, the glue is melted with the addition of water until it becomes as liquid as water. Then, using tweezers or tweezers, slowly dip the cone, base down, into the glue two or three times.

Emerging bubbles indicate that the glue has penetrated under the scales. The cone with glue should be held over the glue boiler to drain off excess glue, and then placed on the prepared oilcloth. After 10-15 minutes, turn the cone over to the other side.

After 3-4 days, the cone will dry, it can be put in a box and stored in any room. You need to make sure that the cone is completely covered with glue, otherwise the uncovered scales will open - such a cone cannot be used for crafts.

But if you only have a cone that has dried and opened, and you need an unopened cone, then you need to put it in water and hold it until the scales press tightly against one another and the cone closes. After this, you need to cover the bump with glue again.

If, on the contrary, during the preparation of the cones, an open cone is required for the craft, then it should be placed in a warm, dry place, for example in the oven, for a day. The cone will dry well and open.

What you need to prepare buds

Cones come in different shapes, but what to do if you still need a cone of a certain shape, but there is no such cone? Then you have to invent.

Take a flat pine cone, put it in boiling water and cook until it becomes soft and easily bendable. Then give the cone the shape you want and tie it with rope or seal it with adhesive tape. When the cone dries, be sure to cover it with glue.

When making crafts from a pine cone, you have to drill and cut it a lot, and since this breaks the integrity of the adhesive layer, the places where you drill and cut to prepare the pine cones must be immediately treated with glue. In this case, you need to make sure that the glue gets behind the scales, and to do this, set the cone for 20-30 minutes with the scales facing up so that the glue does not leak out.

Great skill when preparing the cones requires drilling the cones. Drilling a cone is not easy, especially a spruce one, since its scales are fragile, especially at the base, and are easy to break. The cone crumbles. To prevent this from happening, you need to try to get the tip of the drill into the center of the shaft of the cone and with light rotations, without pressing, deepen it.

It is more difficult to strengthen parts in open cones. Therefore, insert the drill deeper, and make the ends of the inserted parts with a margin. And cover the holes and scales with glue all the time.

If you need to insert sticks-legs into the end of a cone, then the end of the cone is simply sawed off and the sticks are inserted.

It is easier to drill unopened cones from the sides than opened ones. It’s better to try inserting stick parts into the opened cones directly under the scales, and then fill them with glue or cover them with plasticine.

And further. Sometimes when making crafts you only need pine cone rods. In the forest you can find ready-made “naked” cones, which are good for making tails and necks for birds and animals. However, if you want to fantasize, you will always find the right bump.

In the next article we will look in detail at what crafts can be made using pine cones.

Features of choosing a tool

A tool is usually purchased with the intention of using it for a long time, so it is important to choose an option that is convenient for you. The following parameters need to be taken into account:

The presence of a battery will make it possible to work anywhere without being tied to the mains;
Type of rod feeding mechanism, there is a slider and carousel version. The second one is less comfortable because you need to turn the handle and not press it, as in the first type;
The number of heating elements, if there are several of them, then this is better. They will replace each other during operation, but the cost will also be higher.

The presence of a battery will make it possible to work anywhere without being tied to the mains.

Price categories

Prices for pistols, like any instrument, vary widely. There are simple ones, for 600 and even 400 rubles, and there are supermodels for 2.5 thousand. In the lower range there are unpretentious products with a minimal set of options. The exception is the Kolner with a long cable, a replaceable nozzle and a switch key on the handle.

The cheapest Dremel will cost 800 rubles, and it does not have any additional functions. Convenient, productive models of self-powered pistols (built-in lithium-ion battery) Bosch or Steinel cost 2400-2500 rubles. For comparison: a Bosch network high-temperature gun costs 2.1 thousand rubles.

Units costing more than 5 thousand are considered professional. If you need a pistol one-time, you can find a model for 300-400 rubles, a “one-day” one, since among similar products the mean time between failures is low. They are not even repaired, they are simply replaced with new ones.

How to make it yourself

Sometimes you want to save money and create a rod yourself. However, finding the necessary elements is not so simple, and in the end you will hardly be able to save money. It is difficult to make a sticker of the desired diameter and shape, so it is better to use ready-made ones, of which many different types can be found on sale.

It is difficult to make a sticker of the desired diameter and shape, so it is better to use ready-made ones.

The article described a hot glue gun that can glue. Its use can be called universal, and the resulting result pleases with accuracy and strength.