One thing about hot glue is that it works with various surfaces. Perhaps that explains why this adhesive is becoming a staple weapon for professionals and hobbyists alike across the globe.
Even so, we still have to acknowledge that hot glue really isn’t a one-product-fits-all solution. You still need to be careful about what surfaces you use it on. And yes, this is where knowing if hot glue sticks to aluminum foil come in handy. So, does it?
Well, now that you’re here, chances are you want to find out the answer to that question. And herein, we have everything you need to know about hot glue, so you will always know whether the project at hand is a good candidate for it. Let’s dive right into it!
Will Hot Glue Stick To Aluminum Foil?
Unfortunately, hot glue doesn’t stick to aluminum foil. Hot glue isn’t ideal for smooth surfaces like aluminum foil and will only form weak bonds that break easily. So, if you want an adhesive that you can use with aluminum foil, you’re better off using varieties meant for smooth surfaces.
I began by saying that hot glue is a multi-purpose adhesive you’ll appreciate having as part of your paraphernalia. It suffices in most projects likely to come your way as a passionate DIYer.
Even so, we have a few areas hot melt adhesive isn’t the appropriate option. And yes, one of those applications is joining aluminum foil. Yes, you can’t use hot glue for aluminum foil!
You see, aluminum foil is a smooth surface. And as we just established, hot glue doesn’t work too well with such. That’s because for this adhesive to work, it needs a place to bond, something smooth surfaces like that of aluminum foil don’t offer.
So, the next time you are working with aluminum foil and need to glue something, hot melt adhesive shouldn’t be part of the options to consider. It’s just too smooth to work with this multi-purpose adhesive.
But don’t get it wrong! We don’t mean that you can’t use hot glue on smooth surfaces altogether. You totally can. However, it will form a weak bond that will break faster than we’d consider ideal.
For aluminum foil projects, it’s best to work with Cyanoacrylate. Also known as super glue, this fast-drying adhesive works well with smooth surfaces and will form a strong bond with aluminum foil.
Alternatively, you can go for the Epoxy variety. This glue is another reliable adhesive that works with various surfaces, including aluminum foil.
Can Hot Glue Melt Aluminum Foil?
No, hot glue cannot melt aluminum foil. The melting point of aluminum foil is 1220 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature of a hot glue gun doesn’t exceed 450 degrees Fahrenheit. So there’s no way hot glue will melt the aluminum foil.
So that you know, we call it hot glue because the adhesive has to heat up to a high temperature before its dispensation. That high temperature allows the glue to flow better and bond surfaces more effectively.
Low-temperature hot glue guns heat up to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the high-temperature guns dispense the glue at temperatures of not more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neither of these temperatures comes close to the melting point of aluminum foil. So, even if it were possible to use hot glue for aluminum foil, the glue would still not melt the material.
In fact, aluminum foil won’t melt even when using it to wrap meats or other foods during cooking – leave alone hot glue So, if the severe heat can’t melt aluminum foil, neither will the heat from the adhesive.
What Does Hot Glue Not Stick To?
Hot glue generally doesn’t work with very smooth surfaces, just as earlier established. So, besides aluminum foil, don’t expect this adhesive to work any better for metals, silicone, some plastics, greasy, or even wet surfaces.
Usually, hot glue works best with rough and porous surfaces. Pores allow adhesive to penetrate material and create a more long-lasting bond as it solidifies. But that’s not the case with smooth surfaces.
Unlike rough ones, smooth surfaces don’t have the best porosity. Hence, they usually won’t provide a place for the glue to hold on to. So, when you apply adhesive to a soft surface, it will just flow right off the surface without bonding anything.
Examples of such surfaces include some plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and some metals.
As for silicone surfaces, it’s impossible to use hot glue – or any other non-silicone glue – because silicone only bonds to itself. So, the glue will just sit on top of the material without connecting to anything.
The same goes for greasy and wet surfaces. Oil and water block the pores, preventing the hot melt adhesive from forming a bond with the surface. So, if you are dealing with wet or oily surfaces, you can achieve a better bond by first cleaning the surface before applying the glue.
Does Hot Glue Stick To Rubber?
Whether hot glue will stick to your rubber surface depends on the rubber type. Rubbers with high oil content or plasticizers don’t work well with hot glue. So, if you are working with such rubber, consider using a different adhesive.
Rubber is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. In fact, chances, you are surrounded by various rubber products. Think of car tires, doorstops, shoe soles, and even your mobile phone case. It doesn’t end there. So, rubber is just part of our everyday lives.
However, one thing about rubber is that there are different types. In fact, that’s what makes it hard to give a definite answer as to whether hot glue sticks to all rubbers.
But generally speaking, hot glue works better with natural rubber and neoprene than synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and polystyrene.
Natural rubber is from the rubber tree sap and has a high level of tackiness, and that’s why it’s often used in gaskets, seals, and tires. On the other hand, neoprene is a synthetic rubber you frequently see in fuel hoses and gaskets.
Butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and polystyrene are synthetic rubbers but have a lower level of tackiness. And just so you know, synthetic rubbers are from petroleum products, which means they have a higher oil content than natural rubber.
So, if you are working with any of these rubbers, it’s best to use another adhesive. In this case, super glue, sometimes known as cyanoacrylate glue, would be a better option.
Does Hot Glue Stick To Acrylic?
A hot glue stick will not adhere properly to an acrylic surface, and this is because the glue needs some texture to bond correctly, and an acrylic sheet is very smooth.
If you need to glue two pieces of acrylic together, your best bet would be to use acrylic adhesives. A case in point is Acrifix acrylic adhesive, a unique adhesive made for bonding acrylic.
Again, it’s worth mentioning the issue of melting point here. Acrylic will melt at a slightly lower temperature than hot glue. So, if you use hot glue for acrylic, even with a low-temperature gun, you risk melting the acrylic along with the hot glue.
Does Hot Glue Stick To Parchment Paper?
The answer to this question is a resounding no! Parchment paper has a smooth surface. And as we’ve seen, hot glue isn’t for such applications. When you apply hot glue on parchment paper, it will easily peel off.
Parchment paper is a type of paper often used in baking. It features a silicon dioxide layer, which makes it non-stick.
This non-stick property is the reason parchment paper serves as a liner for baking sheets and cake pans. It keeps food from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
But speaking of its adhesion properties, or rather the lack thereof, you should avoid using hot glue on parchment paper.
If you need to use glue on parchment paper, your best bet would be to use a spray adhesive. This type of adhesive is designed for use with smooth surfaces.
Does Hot Glue Stick To Plastic Wrap?
It all depends on the type of plastic wrap you are using. If you are using PVC plastic wrap, the answer is no. PVC is too smooth for hot glue to bond correctly. On the other hand, if talking about PE plastic wrap, the answer is yes.
Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, food wrap, or Saran wrap, is a thin plastic film often used for sealing food items. It’s from either low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
LDPE is a softer plastic often used in food storage applications. It’s also ideal for making plastic bags and wraps. On the other hand, PVC is a stiffer plastic used in construction applications. It’s also used to make pipes and tubing.
Now, on whether hot glue sticks to plastic wrap, the answer is that it all depends on the type of plastic wrap you use.
If you’re using PVC plastic wrap, the answer is no. Using hot glue for PVC won’t give you the strong bond that you need. On the other hand, if you’re using PE plastic wrap, the answer is yes.
Can Hot Glue Get Wet?
Sure, hot glue can get wet and still maintain its bond. However, it’s worth noting that the bond will not be as strong as it would be if the glue were dry.
Water weakens the bond between the hot glue and the surface it’s adhered to. So, if you’re using hot glue on a surface that’s likely to get wet, it’s best to use another adhesive.
In general, hot glue is not the best choice for outdoor applications. The adhesive can easily weaken with extended exposure to water and other elements, such as heat and cold.
Final Verdict
While hot melt adhesive won’t melt aluminum foil, it’s still not the perfect glue for this material. This glue works best with rough and porous surfaces, and aluminum foil doesn’t fit into this category.
For aluminum foil, your best bet would be to use Cyanoacrylate, sometimes known as instant glue, super glue, or CA glue. It will bond well with aluminum foil and give you the desired results.