Introduction
You decided to use hot glue to fix some of the household materials. But you soon noticed that the glue is not curing well on some surfaces.
So you start to wonder, what does hot glue not stick to?
Hot glue doesn’t usually stick to surfaces that are very smooth, lacking room for bonding. Non-porous objects like glass and metal are prime examples of that. The hot glue favors surfaces that are rough in nature. It helps the glue to bond well and cures firmly with the surface.
These are only a few of the surfaces hot glues don’t stick to. Want to know more about it? Read the article to learn more about hot glue and its properties.
What Are The Adhesive Properties of Hot Glue?
Usually solid at room temperature, the hot gules are solid formulations based on thermoplastic resins. By heating above their softening point, they can be softened, reshaped, and dispensed.
The formulas of hot glue might vary depending on the purpose. But there are four common components present in every hot glues-
- Polymer
- Antioxidants
- Tackifiers
- Plasticizers
These ingredientss are tweaked in proportion to change the attributes of the hot glue.
Additives such as fillers, dyes, UV stabilizers are also added to the adhesive for improved performance.
The hot glue requires a special glue gun to melt and apply. The electrical gun melts the solid polymer and turns it into usable hot, liquid glue.
It has a long shelf life and cures very quickly. The strength of hot glue depends on its temperature and the surface it is applied on. It’s easier to dispose of hot melt glue without any precautions.
The bond of a quality hot glue is robust in nature and properties. But it favors some surfaces more than others.
What Are The Best Materials for Hot Glue Bonding?
Hot glue excels in bonding more types of materials than the other adhesive counterparts. With a few exceptions, the hot melt adhesive can be best-suited for-
- Fabrics
- Paper
- Wood
- Ceramic
- Styrofoam
- Plastics
- Metal and organic substrates.
Glass, metal, and other non-porous objects should be bonded with high-tack polyamide hot glues. This will ensure a sturdy application of hot glue on smooth surfaces.
Quality, temperature, and the type of glue gun influence the effectiveness of hot glue bonding.
You need to choose the proper kind of glue gun depending on the scale of application. Here are some of the best hot glue guns you can purchase-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
What Does Hot Glue Not Stick To?
Hot glue needs surfaces like fabric and other rough surfaces to stick. The hot, liquid glue penetrates woven materials and fills in crevices of those surfaces. It gradually solidifies with the surface as it cools.
Smooth surfaces are not ideal for hot glue application. This includes-
- Metal
- Silicone
- Vinyl
- Wax
- Other greasy and wet surfaces.
Hot glue won’t stick to the above-mentioned surfaces and struggle to bond properly. Smooth surfaces lack the necessary spaces for the hot glue to stick. It doesn’t offer anything to the hot glue to bond within.
Hot glue is also not the best glue to use in RC tires that regularly face extreme environments.
Neither high-heat nor cold environments are ideal for hot glue usage. It’s because hot glue can lose its adhesive properties when the temperature is high. On the other hand, cold weather can break the glue. The breaking temperature varies with glue types, so check them out before using them.
How to Make Hot Glue Stronger And More Effective?
The properties and effectiveness of the hot glue can be strengthened in a number of ways. Here are some tips and tricks to make your hot glue stronger and more efficient.
Roughening The Surface
Rough up the smooth surfaces with abrasive materials. This will give the glue an uneven surface to grab onto and seat properly.
Giving the bondage surface a quick alcohol wipe will also help the glue bond well.
Using High-Temperature Hot Melt Adhesive
High-temperature hot glues that melt around 375°F are very effective for heavy-duty surfaces.
Glue guns with potentiometers allow users to dial in temperatures. This makes it suitable to use on surfaces that are sensitive to heat. Big industries use high-tack polyamide, aided with industrial glue guns for better performance.
Using Durable Variants of Hot Glue
Thermobond hot melt adhesive is a durable variant of hot glue. This glue is highly resistant to harsh environmental factors and can be used for heavy-duty applications.
You can also use silicone sealant for its durability in cold temperatures. But it takes longer to cure compared to regular hot glues.
Hot Melt Adhesives can be made significantly stronger for heavy usage. But it is rarely used for high-strength applications.
It’s still advisable to use better alternatives, like Epoxy or Gorilla glue. These glues offer better support than hot glue for specific tasks. Here are some effective alternatives to choose from-
- Epoxy Glue
- Gorilla Glue
- Plastic Glue.
- Spray Adhesive
RC tires require glues that can withstand various adverse external environment factors. Hot glue simply can’t meet those requirements. It cannot endure the heat produced by the RC and can lose its adhesive capabilities.
We recommend using super glue on your RC tires for better performance.
FAQs
Question: Does hot glue wash off fabric?
Answer: Yes, you can wash hot glue off from fabrics. By freezing the hot glue from the fabric, you can pop them off of the clothes by scraping them off with a knife.
Question: How long will hot glue hold?
Answer: The cure time depends on various factors. The glue gun temperature, size of the bond, type of surface, etc. Regardless, hot glue cures pretty quickly. Usually within minutes.
Question: Can I machine wash hot glue?
Answer: Hot glue holds a superior bond to materials like fabric and other woven materials once dried. We recommend you wash it in lukewarm water and air dry rather than machine drying.
Conclusion
Now that we have answered the looming question, what does hot glue not stick to? We hope that this knowledge will help you choose the proper glue for proper surfaces.
Perform some intensive research before buying any hot glue to choose the best option for you.
