What Glue Gun Do I Use? Low-temp versus Hi-temp

Crafts/DIY

Knowing when and where to use low-temp vs. hi-temp glue gun is crucial in the crafting world! Here’s everything you need to know!

The world of crafting has grown so much and new tools come out all the time. There used to be a time that we had one glue gun for ALL the things.

Today though, if you’re on the hunt for a new hot glue gun, the options can seem pretty overwhelming! I’ve tried to put together this handy sheet for you to keep on hand so you get exactly what you are needing.

Low-temp glue has a higher viscosity (the thickness of a fluid). Because you are melting glue at a lower temperature, you get glue that is less likely to seep, have less burns, and is fast drying.

Hi-temp glue has a lower viscosity which allows for stronger adhesion and a longer working time. Hi-temp glue dries harder as well. So when there is something that I needing to be really secure (a door hanger, for example), I opt for this option.

Personally, I prefer hi-temp glue over low-temp and it’s what I use 90% of the time.

There are also hot glues for fabrics, among other things, but those will be talked about in another post. For today, I am just wanting to focus on the glue temps.

Many glue guns are tailored to each temperature, meaning in order to use low-temp, you need a specific glue stick and glue gun and vice versa. For hi-temp, you need a specific glue stick and glue gun.

However, SureBonder makes an amazing dual-temp gun which I use all the time!

Here’s all the details on low-temp versus hi-temp:

Low-Temp Glue

  • Ribbon
  • Burlap
  • Thin foil
  • Styrofoam
  • Kids crafts

Hi-Temp Glue

  • Wood
  • Fabric
  • Rocks
  • Floral
  • Metal
  • Plastics

Please know that this is not an all-inclusive list. There are times that you may use them interchangeably.

Here is a handy sheet to print out and keep on hand for reference.

There you have it – all the differences of low-temp versus high temp glue! Now you can be confident when you are creating and using hot glue.

TIP: If you have some old glue laying around your house and you don’t know whether it is low or hi-temp, the color typically signals which it is. Low-temp is typically a milky color, whereas hi-temp tends to be a clearer color.

I truly hope this helps you when you are crafting! Share it with your friends in the crafting community.

What do you think?

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