How Strong Is Hot Glue Actually?
The hot glue is a type of adhesive that bonds things together. It is also known as hot melt adhesive or HMA. It is made of melted polymers, resins, and waxes that are formed into sticks and used with a hot glue gun.
The melted glue is applied to a surface and cools down quickly, forming a long-lasting bond. But how strong is hot glue? And what are the best materials to use it on? In this article, I will answer these questions and more.
Read More: Hot Glue vs E6000
The Best Materials for Hot Glue
Hot glue can be used on various materials, including fabric, plastic, ceramic, glass, wood, paper, Styrofoam, and more.
However, it won’t stick well to some materials. Surfaces such as metal, silicone, vinyl, wax, and greasy or wet surfaces fall into this category.
In addition, it is not recommended to use hot glue for high-strength applications, such as gluing stone, granite, or steel together.
To get the best results with hot glue, it is advisable to use it on porous and rough surfaces that have more surface area for the glue to adhere to. It is also helpful to slightly roughen the surfaces before applying the glue to increase the bond strength.
Moreover, hot glue can be used on painted walls for sticking up pictures or other decorations, and it can be painted over with regular acrylic or latex paint.
The Benefits of Hot Glue
Hot glue has many benefits that make it a popular choice for many users. Some of these benefits are:
- Easy to use: Hot glue is simple to apply with a hot glue gun. It does not require mixing or clamping like other adhesives. It also does not create a lot of mess or waste, as the applicator is neat and precise.
- Fast curing: Hot glue sets and cures very quickly, usually within seconds or minutes. This allows for faster completion of projects and less waiting time.
- Versatile: Hot glue can be used on a variety of materials and surfaces. It can also be bought in different colors to add an extra element of fun or creativity to the projects.
- Safe: Hot glue does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or harmful chemicals that may pose health or environmental risks. It is also easy to dispose of as it does not require any special precautions.
- Long-lasting: Hot glue has a long shelf life and can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. It also creates durable bonds that can last for a long time if properly maintained.
The Drawbacks of Hot Glue
Hot glue also has some drawbacks that may limit its use or effectiveness in some situations. Some of these drawbacks are:
- Heat-sensitive: Hot glue can melt or lose its adhesion if exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. This may cause the bond to weaken or fail over time. It may also damage some materials that are sensitive to heat, such as plastic or vinyl.
- Cold-sensitive: Hot glue can become brittle or crack if exposed to very low temperatures or freezing conditions. This may also affect the strength and durability of the bond.
- Not removable: Hot glue is very difficult to remove once it has cured. It may leave behind residue or damage the surface if scraped off or peeled off. It may also stain some fabrics or materials if not removed immediately after application.
- Requires power source: Hot glue requires a hot glue gun that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet or powered by batteries. This may limit its portability or availability in some places where there is no access to electricity or batteries.
How Strong Is Hot Glue?
The strength of hot glue depends on several factors, such as the quality of the glue stick, the type and condition of the materials, the amount and thickness of the glue applied, and the temperature and humidity of the environment.
On average, hot glue can support weights between 10 to 25 pounds, but it is not as strong as superglue or epoxy.
Hot glue can also lose its stickiness if exposed to extreme heat or cold, so it is best to use it within one or two years of purchase.
Hot glue is considered one of the strongest glues and can hold a lot of weight. It is much stronger than ordinary glue and holds together metal, wood, and plastic very easily.
It forms a strong bond quickly and dries quickly. Furthermore, it is waterproof, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
However, hot glue is not intended for high-strength applications like gluing stones, granite, or steel.
It may also not be suitable for some surfaces that are exposed to high temperatures or moisture, such as outdoor furniture or appliances.
What is The Strongest Type of Hot Glue?
It is widely known as cyanoacrylate, which is the strongest hot glue on the market.
You may also use a two-component epoxy, which is considered the strongest hot glue or adhesive used in plastic materials. It provides the best results in terms of strength.
Is Hot Glue Stronger Than Tape?
The strength of hot glue is greater than that of tape. Due to the tape’s low bonding strength and inability to hold much weight, it is not suitable for bonding heavy materials. It can all be done with hot glue.
Is Hot Glue Permanent?
Yes, hot glue is a permanent adhesive. Upon cooling, hot melt glue forms strong, long-lasting bonds when cooled below its melting point.
How Long Will Hot Glue Last?
Hot glue’s lifespan is determined by how much heat it receives during use as well as how well it’s stored afterward. Most hot glues last about six months, but they can last up to a year if they are stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Hot glue is a type of adhesive that can bond different materials together. It is strong and durable but not as strong as superglue or epoxy.
It works best on porous and rough surfaces that have more surface area for the glue to adhere to. It can also be used on painted walls and can be painted over with regular paint.
Both practical and decorative uses can be found for hot glue. It is easy to use and has a rapid curing and drying time. It is a versatile and fun option for many arts, crafts, and DIY projects.
I hope you enjoyed this article about “how strong is hot glue”. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
