Easy Steps for Using a Hot Glue Gun

From craft projects to home decorating and DIY projects, both indoors and out, a hot glue gun is one of those little essentials that will have you wondering how you ever survived without one. Glue guns are a no-fuss tool that anybody can learn to use.

You can use your hot glue gun to make anything from artistic and rustic crafts for the kid’s bedrooms, kitchen or party tables, all the way to fixing broken items around the home. Some great project ideas include wooden or popsicle-stick coasters, rustic picture frames, laying down trim in the kitchen, mirror frame decorations, a simple shelf for books, Christmas baubles and planters and as I already mentioned they can help keep the kids busy for hours during those long, cold winters.

How to make the best use of your glue gun

Hot glue guns are easy to use and choosing one is even easier. Simply decide what you’ll be using your gun for, factor in a size that suits big medium (or little) hands and choose the right glue gun temperature for your needs.

Go hot or go home

There are high heat and low heat glue guns. Low heat glue guns melt glue sticks at about 120°C. This is an ideal crafting gun. Low heat glue guns are used to bond fabrics, paper and cardboard. This is the ideal glue gun for kids’ crafts and art projects. It’s great for attaching string, beads, flowers or small stones to card or wood. Once the glue cools down the items will be firmly bonded to the surface.

For heavy-duty projects, a high-temperature glue gun is more suitable. This glue melts at around 190°C and is a great choice for home repairs and small construction projects. It bonds plastics, ceramic, wood and metals tightly and is very durable. It’s a great option when you want to mend cracks or tears, even when the gap is fairly large. Use it for small repairs, trim, laminate countertops, mugs and glassware or other kitchen appliance mending.

Need a more flexible glue gun? A dual temperature glue gun can be used for both arts and crafts and DIY projects.

How to use a hot glue gun

To get the most out of your hot glue gun, follow some basic steps:

-Make sure the glue gun is working and clean the nozzle if necessary

-Insert a glue stick of the correct size into the gun and plug it in

-Turn on the glue gun and leave it in the stand while it heats up. This will take a few minutes

-Carefully apply the glue to the required areas. Err on the side of caution by first applying a very small amount. Add more as necessary

-Hold the items in place while the glue cools for a minute or two

-Turn the glue gun off and allow it to cool down completely

-Store in a safe location

Here are some more helpful tips for using your glue gun and even more great ideas for best DIY blogs craft projects to brighten up your home.

Creating with wood is a very popular DIY activity. Here are some ideas for incorporating wooden elements into your home for a more natural and warm look and feel.

Hopefully you’re feeling excited about tackling your first DIY or craft project using your hot glue gun! Remember to choose one that suits the size of your hands and remember a mini glue gun is ideal for small items like jewellery or art projects. These guns have lower temperature settings but bond items tightly. Choose a larger size at a hotter temperature for DIY projects in the kitchen or garden and for mending small appliances, bonding kitchen tops or countertops. Follow the steps above for safe and efficient use of this little DIY miracle and you will see your projects come to life!