A stand can come in handy, as can on/off switches and dual temperature control. Put some real thought into what you’ll require for the project or projects you have in mind. How We Selected As mentioned above, to turn on your glue gun this is normally just a matter of plugging it into the mains and leaving it to get up to temperature.

Also, ensure that your work surface is flat and level. The support stands that come with most off the shelf glue guns aren’t that great and can easily topple over if not resting on a level surface, and you certainly don’t want that happening when it’s turned on and up to temperature. Cords can limit mobility, but depending on a battery has its disadvantages too. Think about which style works best for your needs. Accessories Apply adhesive to one surface. Press surfaces together within 15 seconds. Use of clamp or other holding device is not necessary With everything now prepared it’s time to apply some glue. Before applying the glue straight on to any surfaces it’s a good idea to do a test first. If you are using a high temperature, hot melt gun or a heavy duty gun then this can take anywhere from 5 – 8 minutes.With your work area now prepared and ready, the next job is to turn on your glue gun and get it up to temperature so it’s ready to use.

In reality the type of glue gun for you will be dictated to you by the type of job you need it for. Whilst waiting for your glue gun to get up to temperature, now is a good time to do any prep work needed to the items you’re gluing.

How Long do Glue Guns Take to Heat up?

Hot glue guns can sometimes be an impulse buy, but it’s worth putting serious thought into which kind you want before dropping one in your basket. Keep the following in mind and you’ll end up a happy customer. Use

At Bostik, we have two types of hot glue gun, Bostik Handy Hot Melt Glue Gun and Bostik DIY Hot Melt Glue Gun. Both provide strong adhesion to most materials like paper, wood, metal, glass, card, as well as many craft materials, so you can repair or create almost anything. Low melt glue guns are safe and easy to use. Low melt glue guns reduced risk of burns due to the adhesive being applied at a lower temperature and are commonly used for bonding heat-sensitive materials like polystyrene which a hot melt adhesive would melt! Also used extensively in arts and crafts and schools. If there is any surplus glue then it’s best to leave this until it’s hardened off at which point you can scrape it off with a knife or scraper. During use: Use the gun in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling glue vapours. Make sure it has a stable stand to rest upright when not in use, and don't rest it on its side. When the gun is switched on, focus on the glueing task and do not look away unless it's rested securely. If you need to leave it unattended, switch it off at the wall.Never use a glue gun tilted upwards or overhead.Additionally, if the surfaces you are gluing are polished or very shiny, gluing them together as-is may not be that effective as the glue will have very little to bond to. Any tool handled carelessly or incorrectly can cause painful and sometimes permanent injury, and a glue gun is no exception. With that in mind, please take a minute to read this safety advice for the next time you or a loved one uses your new glue gun. Plug in the gun and a light will come on at the rear to indicate that it is in operation. Then, rest the gun on its stand and allow to warm up for approximately 5 minutes Ensure surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry APPLICATION Before use: Remember, always read the manual before using a glue gun for the first time. Then, inspect the casing and plug wiring for damage before plugging it in. You should put on heat-resistant work gloves and safety goggles too, and place somecardboard or newspaper underneath the gun to protect your worktop.

Working in a well ventilated area is also very important. Under normal operating conditions both hot and cool melt glue should not be dangerous, but if overheated then toxic vapours can be released.Most glues should have set enough to allow you to move the object you’re working on, but if you can, allow 12 hours for the glue to really harden off. For surfaces of this type they will need to be roughed up first to provide a key for the glue to bond to. Use some 120 – 160 grit sandpaper and gently rub over the gluing area.