How Strong is Hot Glue – What it Can Stick to and What Not?

Hot glue is a type of adhesive commonly used in arts and crafts projects.

It is made from a polymer that is melted and then applied to the surface of the material being glued.

The hot glue dries quickly and forms a strong bond between the two surfaces, which is nearly permanent.

You can use it for both porous and non-porous materials to get a long-lasting bond, particularly for applications where epoxy is not a viable option.

The strength of the bond created will likely be much stronger if the surfaces are slightly roughened before application.

With that said, hot glue is not as strong as some other types of adhesives like epoxy and CA glue. But it is still quite sturdy and can be used for a variety of small crafts and DIY projects.

You can buy it in different colors, which can add an extra element of fun to craft projects.

What is a Hot Glue Stick Made of?

Hot glue sticks are made of polymers, resins, and waxes. These materials are melted down and formed into the shape of a stick so that they can be used in a hot glue gun.

The sticks are inserted into the glue gun, where they are melted down and dispensed through the glue gun nozzle.

When the hot glue comes into contact with a surface, it begins to cool and harden, forming a solid bond that can last for years.

What are Some Uses for Hot Glue?

Hot glue can be used for a variety of purposes, both practical and decorative, such as making handmade jewelry, ornaments, and scrapbooking embellishments.

Some other common uses for hot glue include attaching decorations to surfaces, repairing broken items, and creating model structures.

Hot glue can also be used to make temporary repairs on clothing or other fabric items, including leather. It can be a helpful solution if you need a quick fix for a ripped seam or a loose button.

You can even use hot glue on painted walls for sticking up pictures or other wooden decorations like cardboard photo frames. And if needed, you can paint over hot glue with regular acrylic or latex paint. 

Hot glue can also be applied to finished wood furniture, although it is always best to test the glue on a small area first to make sure that it will not damage the surface.

How long does the glue last?

Hot glue is a type of adhesive. So it will last as long as most other adhesives.

Adhesives will generally last for about two years if stored in a cool, dry place.

However, hot glue can lose its stickiness if exposed to extreme heat or cold.

So, if you live in a very hot or cold climate, it is best to use your hot glue within one year of purchase.

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What Will Hot Glue Generally Not Stick to?

Hot glue can be used on various materials, including paper, fabric, wood, and plastic.

However, there are also some materials that hot glue will not stick to. These include smooth surfaces such as metal, silicone, vinyl, wax, and greasy or wet surfaces.

Also, remember that hot glue is not designed for high-strength applications like gluing stones, rocks, granite, or steel together.

For these projects, you will need to use a stronger adhesive, such as epoxy or CA glue.

This also means that the maximum weight it can support is determined by the substance and glue used.

You should also avoid using hot glue in extremely cold or hot environments.

At high temperatures, the glue can become too soft and lose its bonding strength. Whereas at very low temperatures, the glue may become brittle and crack.

And it’s, therefore, suitable to use a silicone sealant as an alternative if you need highly durable glue that can work well in cold temperatures.

If you are unsure whether hot glue will stick to a particular material, it is always best to test it on a small area first.

This will help you to avoid any frustrating accidents later on.

Will Hot Glue Work on Aluminum?

Hot glue will not stick very well to aluminum surfaces like window frames because they are too smooth.

You might be able to get it to stick to the lightweight aluminum foils if you roughen up the surface of the aluminum first.

For heavy objects, it is not likely to hold very well for long. If you need to glue something to smooth and heavy aluminum objects, you might be better off using a different type of adhesive.

Can You Use a Hot Glue Gun on Glasss?

Hot glue will not stick well to glass surfaces like drinking glasses, vases, sea glasses, or other decorative glass ornaments.

Using it on glass can break the glass or leave behind a sticky residue that is difficult to remove.

So, if you want to attach something to a glass surface, you must use a different type of adhesive.

One option is to use double-sided tape, which can be found at most hardware stores. Another great option is to use a silicone adhesive, which can be found at most craft stores.

If, however, you do not have these options available and you need to use hot glue without worrying about the sticky residue, you can try roughening up the surface of the glass with sandpaper first.

This will give the hot glue something to grip onto so that it is less likely to slide off.

Also, make sure you set the temperature of your hot glue machine to low (between 250° and 270° Fahrenheit) before using it on glass.

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How Long Does it Take for Hot Glue to Dry on Surface?

Hot glue is a fast-drying adhesive, which means it sets quickly. On average, it will take about 2 to 3 minutes to set on most surfaces.

However, the length of time it takes for the glue to dry can vary depending on the type of hot glue and the surface on which you are using it.

For example, Gorilla Hot Glue Sticks take about 30 to 60 seconds to set, while Loctite Hot Glue Sticks take about 10 seconds to set on paper.

If you are setting two extremely hard pieces together, it’s best to leave the surfaces pressed for about 2 to 3 hours to allow the bond to set.

It is always best to read the instructions on your hot glue gun and sticks to find out how long you should wait for the glue to dry.

What Temperature Can Hot Glue Withstand (Safety Tips when Working)

Mostly Hot glue (or hotmelt) will start to melt at higher temperatures of about 200° Fahrenheit.

But it can withstand temperatures of up to 400° Fahrenheit depending on the type of gun model you are using for the application.

It is important to note that the glue will become less sticky as the temperature increases.

If you are working with hot glue on a project exposed to high temperatures, you might consider using a different type of adhesive.

One option is to use a silicone adhesive, which can withstand higher temperatures.

Another option is epoxy, a two-part adhesive that sets quickly and withstands high temperatures.

Safety Tips

Hot glue guns and sticks can get very hot, so it is essential to take some basic safety precautions when using them.

Always read the instructions with your hot glue gun before using it.

Be sure to keep the glue gun away from children and pets, as they could get injured by the hot glue.

If you do get hot glue on your skin, it is important to cool the area with cold water immediately.

Hot glue can also be dangerous if inhaled, so working in a well-ventilated area is crucial.

The Bottom Line

Hot glue is a type of adhesive that sets quickly and can be used on various surfaces.

However, hot glue will not stick to smooth surfaces, like metal, silicone, vinyl, wax, or greasy and wet surfaces.

It can also be dangerous if inhaled, so working in a well-ventilated area and avoiding touching the hot glue directly is vital.

Hopefully, the above information and tips will help you in your next hot glue project!

Happy gluing!