Do Glue Sticks Work on Wood? How to Use Them Correctly
You might be working on an art project or a DIY home project that involves wood and you want to avoid using nails or power tools to hold the materials together.
Fortunately, there are various kinds of adhesives you can use on wood but one of the most commonly used adhesives for these kinds of projects is hot glue.
So, do glue sticks work on wood? Hot glue sticks do work on wood. However, you need to make sure that the surface of the wood is smooth and free of any contaminants for the glue to bond properly. You also need to use a glue gun with a temperature setting appropriate for the type of hot glue stick you’re using otherwise the hot glue might damage the surface of the wood.
Keep reading to learn more about hot glue and how to properly use it on wood
Contents
What Is Hot Glue?
Hot glue is a synthetic adhesive made of a chemical called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
It typically comes in the form of solid cylindrical sticks of different diameters. The adhesive is applied to the surface by melting the glue sticks using a specialized glue gun that operates at a temperature suitable for the glue.
Hot glue has many advantages over other kinds of adhesives, such as being quick and easy to use, versatile, and relatively inexpensive.
Can Hot Glue Sticks Be Used on Wood?
Hot glue sticks can be used on wood. You can use hot glue to stick some materials to wooden surfaces such as different kinds of paper and fabrics. However, you might not be able to stick two pieces of wood together using hot glue as the adhesive bond will not be strong enough.
When applying hot glue to a wooden surface, there can be some limitations to how well the glue will stick depending on several factors such as:
- How well the surface is prepared for adhesion – If the surface of the wood is too wet or has any contaminants like dust or oil, it will not be able to properly bond with the glue.
- The type of hot glue sticks you’re using – There are different kinds of glue sticks on the market. Some hot glue sticks only work on porous surfaces while others are designed for non-porous surfaces.
- The Temperature settings on your glue gun – Glue guns are designed with high, medium, and low temperature settings. Using the wrong temperature setting might cause the glue to damage the surface of the wood
How to Properly Use Hot Glue on Wood?
Using hot glue on wood can be tricky and you might end up damaging the surface if you do not apply the glue properly.
So, here are some tips on how to properly use hot glue on wood:
- Make sure that the temperature of the glue gun is set to low heat and that you’re using the right kind of hot glue sticks.
- If you’re using a new or untested type of hot glue stick, it’s better to do a test run on a small piece of wood to ensure it will not damage the surface.
- Make sure the wooden surface is completely clean and dry before applying the hot glue.
- Make sure not to use or apply any pressure on the glued surface until the glue is completely dry.
Related Questions
How to Remove Dried Hot Glue from Wood?
To remove dried hot glue, you can soak a cloth in hot water to help loosen the bond between the glue and the surface. Use the cloth to wipe the surface the glue was applied on while focusing on the edges of the glue spot. Wait a few seconds before peeling the glue away using your fingers.
What Kinds of Glue Can Be Used to Stick Wood Together?
The kinds of glue that can be used to stick wood together are liquid glues like PVA Glue, Super Glue, Gorilla Glue, Epoxy Glue, and Animal Glue. These are extremely strong adhesives that will be able to bond different kinds of wooden surfaces together without damaging the word or wearing out over time.
Are Hot Glue Sticks Safe?
Hot glue sticks are safe as they generally do not contain any toxic ingredients. However, you need to make sure you’re handling them properly to avoid danger. Make sure not to ingest any amount of the glue or touch it while it’s still hot. Also, make sure not to overheat the glue, as this might cause it to release fumes that are harmful to inhale.
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