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Sticking Around in Wet Conditions – The Tale of Glue Guns

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Written by: Jeremy Sanchez

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Sticking Around in Wet Conditions – The Tale of Glue Guns

The humble glue gun has been a steadfast companion in our creative adventures, effortlessly binding materials together and bringing our visions to life. 

But, when faced with the wrath of water, does it still hold up? Can the glue from a glue gun defy the liquid challenge and retain its adhesiveness? 

Let’s embark on this exciting exploration of the waterproof nature (or lack thereof) of glue gun adhesives.

The Flow of Creativity: An Overview of Glue Gun Adhesives

  • Glue guns operate by heating and melting sticks of a special adhesive, which can then be applied to various surfaces.
  • Upon cooling, the adhesive hardens, firmly bonding the materials together.
  • Hot glue from a glue gun is a type of thermoplastic adhesive, which means its properties change with temperature.

Diving Into the Depths: Is Glue from a Glue Gun Waterproof?

The truth is, standard hot glue from a glue gun isn’t completely waterproof. 

While it might resist a certain degree of moisture and handle occasional splashes, continuous or heavy exposure to water may weaken its bond over time. 

The glue may soften or lose its adhesive qualities when subjected to a lot of water.

Splashes, Showers, and Soaks: How Much Wetness Can Glue Gun Adhesive Handle?

  • Light Moisture: Hot glue can withstand light moisture and humidity reasonably well, making it suitable for indoor applications where exposure to water is minimal.
  • Splashes and Spills: Occasional splashes or accidental spills are unlikely to ruin the bond of hot glue. However, the adhesive may soften temporarily until it dries out.
  • Heavy Moisture and Soaks: Continuous exposure to water or submersion in water is likely to compromise the adhesive’s strength over time. In such cases, it’s better to opt for waterproof or marine-grade adhesives.

Stick with It: Ideal Projects for Glue Gun Adhesives

Hot glue from a glue gun is best suited for:

  • Crafting Projects: This includes paper crafts, scrapbooking, holiday decorations, and more.
  • Light DIY Tasks: Hot glue can be useful for quick fixes around the home, like securing loose fabric or adding a non-slip grip to hangers.
  • Floral Arrangements: Glue guns work wonderfully in securing artificial flowers and decor elements in arrangements.
  • Woodworking: For light woodworking projects or for temporarily holding pieces together, hot glue can be quite useful.

Conclusion: Holding Together, Come Rain or Shine

While glue from a glue gun may not be the champion swimmer of the adhesive world, it does provide a sturdy bond that can resist light to moderate exposure to moisture. 

Remember, though, it’s not the best option for projects that will face heavy or sustained water exposure. But, in the world of crafts, DIY repairs, and quick fixes, the humble glue gun continues to be a reliable, steadfast ally. 

So, don’t let a few raindrops dampen your creativity. Get that glue gun fired up, and keep creating magic!

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