How to use a hot glue gun: our step-by-step guide
Glue guns are ideal for crafts and hobbies, as well as household repairs. Learn to use a glue gun like a pro and be ready for anything with our Bostik Hot Melt Glue Gun step-by-step guide.
What to do before you glue
When you’ve got a hot glue gun like the Bostik HG3 Hot Melt Glue Gun in your home, you'll be ready for anything; whether you need to repair a few things around the house, help your child with a school project, or perhaps express yourself with something creative. Check out these step-by-step instructions to find out all you need to know about how to use a glue gun.
- Fit the metal stand onto the slots by the nozzle at the front of the HG3 Hot Melt Glue Gun
- Load a Bostik Hot Melt Glue Stick through the grip ring at the rear of the gun
- Press the trigger several times until the stick is positioned firmly in the gun
- Plug in the gun and a light will come on at the rear to indicate that it is in operation
- Rest the gun on its stand and allow it to warm up for around five minutes
Good gluing
- Ensure the surfaces to be glued are clean and dry. Surfaces should also be at room temperature to prevent the adhesive from cooling too quickly
- Press the trigger until glue flows from the nozzle
- Apply the adhesive to the surface that is the most difficult to bond (in general, metal, hard and smooth surfaces are more difficult to bond than rough, porous surfaces). There’s no need to spread the glue
- Press the surfaces together as soon as possible after application (within 15 seconds for best results), and apply pressure
- To ensure a continuous flow of glue, insert further glue sticks into the rear of the gun and wait a few minutes until the stick has heated to the correct temperature – never force the trigger
After you’ve glued
- Unplug the gun when you’re finished and allow it to cool before storing
- Don’t pull the glue stick from the rear of the gun, as damage may occur. Surplus glue sticks may be trimmed off using a sharp knife
- The glue will set as soon as it has cooled and appears dry and hard. However, you may want to put your items aside for a couple of hours to ensure maximum adhesion
- Excess glue can be removed mechanically once dried by scraping carefully with a blade edge. A residual thin film may remain, which can then be removed using a solvent cleaner
- Sensitive surfaces may be damaged by the hot adhesive or by the solvents used in the cleaning process. Always carry out a test before use
Need-to-know: the Bostik Glue Gun range
Bostik Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun
The Bostik Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun is safe and easy-to-use so it’s perfect for arts and crafts, as well as light household repairs. It’s compact and comes with a retractable stand and safety warning light. The trigger control delivers a consistent application while the Bostik Mini Hot Melt Glue Sticks are ultra-strong and fast-setting, for a long-lasting bond.
Bostik HG3 Hot Melt Glue Gun
The Bostik HG3 Hot Melt Glue Gun is the ultimate heavy-duty glue gun for DIY tasks, household repairs and crafts. When used with the Bostik HG3 Hot Glue Sticks, it will bond most household materials including ceramics, wood, leather, fabric and metal cleanly and easily. The constant thermostatic control allows easy application and delivers an ultra-strong, long lasting bond to tackle even the most demanding jobs.
Hot Glue Gun craft ideas
Check out these ultra-simple ideas for some inspiring new ways to use your Bostik Hot Melt Glue Gun, or take a look at some of our hot glue gun craft projects.
