We all know hot glue to be one of the most versatile adhesives out there. Whether you want to join two pieces of wood, wood to metal, or even fabric to paper, hot glue is always up for the task.
But even with all this versatility and the so much knowledge we have on hot glue, there’s still one question that has been bugging a lot of people: does hot glue stick to glass?
Well, today’s coverage is all about answering this question – and many others – once and for all. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Will Hot Glue Stick To Glass?
Yes, hot glue sticks to glass, but it’s not the best option. Hot glue works best with rough surfaces, something that glass lacks. The smooth surface of glass makes it hard for the adhesive to adhere correctly, which leads to a weaker bond.
To begin, hot glue is a regular adhesive that suffices in various applications. Even so, just like any other glue out there, that doesn’t mean it works perfectly in all applications.
Precisely, hot glue favors rougher surfaces. The additional texture provides more grip for the adhesive to bond. Glass, on the other hand, is relatively smooth. As a result, it doesn’t offer the same kind of grip that other surfaces do.
So, if you’re looking for long-lasting hold, hot glue may not be the best option. It can still do, but it likely won’t be as strong. But for a temporary fix – like joining two pieces of glass together for a craft project – then hot glue will do just fine.
But again, you can still increase the glue’s bonding strength by preparing the metal glass. You can do that by roughening the place where you want to apply it. And as usual, ensure that the surface is also clean and dry.
But of course, not many of us will be willing to go through the whole of this ordeal when there are other, more suitable options out there. So, to save yourself the hassle and get better results for your project, it’s better to consider other more appropriate adhesives for your glass projects.
Does Hot Glue Break or Melt Glass?
Yes, hot glue will break the glass, but it won’t melt it. Hot glue comes out of the gun’s barrel red-hot. So, when it comes into contact with a cold glass surface, it causes sudden thermal shock.
To better understand why hot glue can break glass, let’s go slightly off today’s theme. I guess we’ve all heard of or even witnessed instances where you pour hot water into a glass, and it suddenly breaks.
Well, that’s because glass is generally a poor conductor of heat. The breaking happens because the inside of the glass becomes hot and begins to expand while the outer side of the glass retains its initial state.
And yes, that’s precisely what happens with hot glue and glass. The two sides of the glass expand disproportionately, leading to the glass breaking. So, if you’re looking for an adhesive that won’t break your glass, hot glue is not the one.
But again, your glass won’t break every time you use hot glue on it. It also depends on other factors, such as the glass’s temperature and the adhesive you are applying. If you must use hot glue, work with the low-temperature hot gun to minimize the chances of breakage.
As for the melting, it’s all about the glue’s highest temperature relative to the melting point of glass. Generally speaking, glass has a melting point of about 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot glue, on the other hand, leaves the gun barrel at a temperature of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit at its hottest.
So, as you can see, there’s a wide gap between the two melting points. This means that it’s just impossible for the hot glue to melt the glass surface. Actually, even glasses with the lowest melting point won’t melt with hot glue.
Can You Use Hot Glue on Glass Ornaments and Sea Glasses?
While we don’t recommend using hot glue on glass ornaments, it can do in sea glasses. Glass ornaments may break when applying hot-melt adhesive. So, for such applications, you better avoid hot gun adhesive.
However, for sea glasses, hot glue can work just fine. It won’t provide the best results, but you can still rely on it if you don’t have any other option. Even so, remember to work with clearer hot glue sticks to avoid ruining the beauty of your glass.
But if you can get a better adhesive for your glass, the better. And the good thing is – we have some options that work best for glass surfaces.
What Glue is Best for Glass?
The best glue for glass is epoxy, superglue, or silicone. These adhesives will create a stronger bond than hot glue and are less likely to break the glass. But before you jump for any of these, it’s crucial that you understand the properties of each so that you can match them with your project needs.
1. Epoxy
Epoxy resin is a two-part adhesive. So, you’ll need to mix the resin and hardener before using it. This glue sets quickly and can hold glass surfaces together quite nicely.
But beware; some epoxy glue types may leave some residue that can mar the beauty of your clear glass. So, if you’re looking for an adhesive for clear glasses or mirrors, pick one that doesn’t leave residue on your glass.
2. Superglue
As you probably know, superglue – or Cyanoacrylate – is a solid adhesive. So, it can hold glass surfaces together just fine. In fact, superglue is even stronger than epoxy in some cases. However, like some epoxy adhesives, superglue isn’t the best option for clear glasses.
Superglue leaves some whitish residue on your clear glass, which can be pretty tricky to remove. So, if you’re looking for an adhesive that dries clear, you may need to think of a different type.
3. Silicone
Silicone is probably your best bet if you’re looking for the best glue for glass. It’s clear, sets quickly, and creates a strong bond. Moreover, it’s also quite flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications.
You can use silicone on several surfaces like glass, metals, plastics, etc. But just so you know, silicone creates a permanent bond with surfaces, so have that in mind.
Is Hot Glue Permanent?
Whether hot glue is permanent depends on where you apply it. In porous, rough, and clean surfaces, you can expect hot glue to create a strong, and in some cases, permanent bond with the materials.
As we began by saying, hot glue usefulness doesn’t cut across all applications. It works best on porous and textured surfaces. In the ideal surface, the hot glue can form a strong and, for the most part, permanent bond.
On smooth and non-porous surfaces hot glue doesn’t adhere as well. So, the bond it creates on these surfaces isn’t as solid and permanent.
What Materials Does Hot Glue Work on?
Hot glue works best on materials such as wood, fabric, paper, leather, and some types of plastic. You can still use it for metals, glass, and some plastics, although it won’t bond as strongly as it does with other materials.
If you want to reap the best from any product, you need to use the product correctly. And on hot glue, we don’t just mean applying the product properly but also using it for suitable applications.
Generally, hot glue works best for;
- Fabric
- Paper
- Some plastics, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polypropylene (PP)
- Leather
- Organic elements
- Acrylics
- Foam
- Cardboard
- Rubber
In general, hot glue is best for porous materials with a rough texture and a higher melting point than the glue itself.
As for metals and glass, they have a higher melting point, but they don’t meet the other two criteria. So, the bond between hot glue and these surfaces isn’t as strong or permanent.
Other materials that don’t work best with hot glue include;
- Vinyl
- Softer plastics
- Wax
- Aluminum foil
- Silicone
- Any wet, greasy, or oil surface
Can I Use Hot Glue on a Mirror?
You can use hot glue on a mirror, but it’s not the best option. First, it’s not as clear as other adhesives. So, it will leave some residue on your mirror. Second, the bond it creates isn’t as strong or permanent.
As already said, hot glue won’t work on glassy or wet surfaces. So, if you’re looking for the best adhesive for glass or a mirror, we recommend looking elsewhere. That way, you’ll avoid the risk of damaging your mirror or glass.
How Long Do Hot Glue Sticks Last?
Hot glue sticks have a long shelf life and will most of the time remain usable for at least a year. They can have a much longer shelf life, depending on how you store them. Ideally, keep your glue sticks in a cool and dry place between 41 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you bought a pack of hot glue sticks and used only a few, you could be asking yourself how long these sticks can remain usable. And to answer you – their shelf life more depends on you than anything else.
Pay attention to where and how you keep your unused glue sticks for the best shelf life. And if you ask any professional or the manufacturer, they’ll confirm that a cool and dry area makes the ideal place for your remaining hot gun adhesive sticks.
Also, remember to reseal the sticks properly. When appropriately sealed and stored well, glue sticks can last for about four years. I guess that’s more time than any DIY’er will take to use up the entire pack.
Final Verdict
So, does hot glue stick to glass? Yes, it does. But if you can get epoxy, super glue, or silicone adhesives, they deliver much better results on glass than hot glue. Hot glue works best on wood, paper, fabric, foam, some plastics, and other porous materials with a rough surface and better tolerability for heat.