What is the difference between a hot melt and low melt glue gun?

Unless you are a crafting professional or enthusiast, you probably have no idea whether you should be using a hot melt or low melt glue gun.

So, what’s the difference? And when should you use each one?

That all depends on the application and the materials you are working with.

Hot melt glue gun

If you want pure bond strength, then look no further than the tec 305-12 hot melt glue gun.

It runs at a temperature of 195°C, meaning the glue runs smoother, is easier to apply and increases overall bond strength.

That makes it great for repair work and construction. So materials like leather, fabrics and hard plastics would all be ideal for use with hot melt glue.

Low melt glue gun

On the opposite side, you have the tec 305-12 low melt glue gun. This gun is much more appropriate for heat sensitive materials and detailed projects.

The gun runs at a much lower temperature of 130°C, meaning it can be applied to delicate materials such as balloons, polystyrene, and softer plastics. The lower heat also means that the viscosity is greater, which is perfect for forming raised dots for decoration.

It’s a great option if you are new to crafting and are starting out with small projects where the glue is for decorative purposes rather than out and out bonding.

So when do I use them?

The main benefit of the low melt glue is that it can be used on delicate materials without damaging them.

So if you didn’t think you could use a glue gun with balloons, foams and films – think again.

Hot melt glue’s main purpose is to hold less sensitive material together with a stronger bond. The glue dries much quicker than the low melt variant and has less viscosity – which means it can be easier to apply.

So whatever your project, there’s a glue gun to fit.

You can get your hot melt or low melt 305-12 glue gun here.