Hot Glue

Contrary to what Martha Stewart may believe, hot glue is not the answer to all our problems. Like any glue, it is designed for certain bonding requirements. It dries fast, is relatively non toxic, and is easy to use. There are different types of hot glue, ranging in melting temperature, and strength. The drawbacks of this glue is that it can melt the material you are working with, it will never give you a smooth application, it leaves those telling spider webs, and it does not with stand cold temperatures.

Here are some tips for using hot glue:

• Always keep your glue gun in an upright position. Leaving it on its side damages the thermostat.
• If you have let the gun sit for a while, there will be a build up of melted glue at the nozzle, just waiting to gush out uncontrolled. Release the trigger on a piece of cardboard before applying the glue to what you wish to bond.
• Use a popsicle stick to spread out the glue while it is still hot.
• Keep a bowl of cold water handy, for if you do burn yourself.
• The faster you manage to get the glue applied and the materials bonded, the smoother your application will be.
• Hot Glue can attach a porous material (e.g. wood) to a small piece of non porous material (e.g. glass beads) provided it can encase it. Much like the setting of a gemstone in a ring.

 Toxicity: Inhalation: Ingestion: Absorption: (except when it's hot!)

 Time to Adhere: fast

 Cost: Several types of gun/glue