Maybe you’re a crafter, and you need to liquefy the glue so you can use it in a project, and you need it FAST. And you start to wonder ….can you microwave glue sticks?
Here’s the answer:
You can melt most hot glue sticks in the microwave. Most all-purpose school-type glue sticks and hot glue gun sticks can be melted in a microwave.
However, you should be aware that not all glue sticks are made alike. Different brands have different formulations. One brand may be easier to melt than another, while others may be more resistant and difficult to get liquified.
Always test a glue stick before microwaving it and only microwave a small amount at a time until you are confident that your particular brand of glue sticks melt well in the microwave without any problems.
Now you know that you can microwave most hot glue sticks without any problems. But how do you go about it? In the following section, I will share step-by-step instructions on how to use your microwave to melt your glue sticks safely and quickly.
What Are Hot Glue Used For?
Many people would be surprised to learn that hot glue is used for more than just crafts. In fact, it’s a versatile adhesive that can be found at your local hardware store and many other places.
Yes, you might use it to put together some of those Pinterest projects you’ve been seeing online lately but there are so many other practical uses as well.
Here are just a few common examples:
Quick Fixes Around the House
From fixing a stripped screw hole to plugging a nail hole, hot glue sticks can help you out in a bind. If you’re ever faced with a quick repair job and don’t have any other adhesive on hand, reach for the hot glue gun.
Crafting
From creating a piece of art to embellishing scrapbooks, hot glue sticks are the perfect crafting supplies for a variety of projects.
Whether you’re working on a DIY design project or just want to punch up your crafty creations around the house, there’s no wrong way to use hot glue guns and sticks.
Repairing broken objects
The almighty hot glue gun can come to the rescue during a time of need and fix that broken vase or figurine right up.
Stick Run Cables on Surfaces
Have you just moved to a new apartment and feel like the cable management sucks? If so, then hot glue sticks can help you out.
Woodworking
Hot glue guns and woodworkers are like two best friends that go together. If you’re a woodworker, then you’ll definitely want to consider having a hot glue gun as part of your toolkit.
Hot glue guns are perfect for woodworking projects because they can easily be used for various different purposes.
You can use a hot glue gun to attach wood together, to attach wood to other materials, and to create joints. You can also use it to attach moldings and trim, create raised panels, and fix broken pieces of wood.
How to Melt Glue Sticks in The Microwave
There are different ways to melt glue sticks, but one of the most popular methods is to use a microwave. Whether or not it’s a good idea to use a microwave is up for debate. Some people say that it’s not safe to microwave glue sticks, while others say it is.
One thing that’s for sure is that microwaving glue sticks can be messy. The melted glue can splatter and cause a mess in your microwave. It can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
There are many reasons why you might need to melt a glue stick. Perhaps you’re a crafter, and you need the glue so that you can use it in a project, or maybe your kids want to make something with the leftover pieces of their old toys?
Whatever your reason, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to melt glue in the microwave.
1. Remove The Glue Sticks
The first step in microwaving any glue stick is to remove the glue stick from its packaging. As mentioned early, there are two types of glue sticks that you can safely microwave: hot glue gun sticks and regular all-purpose glue sticks.
To remove all-purpose or school glue sticks from their original packaging, you’ll need to pull or break off the glue stick from its plastic casing. If your glue stick has a plastic piece through the center, you’ll need to carefully cut it away using a knife.
Hot glue gun stick is simpler. All you need to do is remove it from any wrapping or wrapper.
2. Place The Removed Glue Sticks into a Microwave Safe Container
You’ll need to have a microwave-safe container before you can continue with the next step. It doesn’t matter if it’s ceramic or glass, but make sure it’s microwave-safe.
You can use a single-use paper bowl or a ceramic or glass mug to house the glue sticks. If you’re planning to use the same bowl or mug for your crafting project, feel free to use it.
However, if you just need to melt the glue sticks occasionally, then a single paper bowl that you can dispose of when you’re done with it may be a better option.
3. Microwave On Full Power in Short Intervals
Next, place the container in your microwave and turn it on. Set the power to the highest setting, and be sure to keep a close eye on your glue sticks.
Ideally, you shouldn’t need more than twenty seconds in the microwave. Stir it with a plastic spoon after microwaving it.
The glue should already be somewhat melted, but if it’s not, then you can microwave for another twenty seconds until you notice that your glue is completely melted and there are no more clumps or chunks left.
4. Remove The Glue and Use It Right Away
Finally, carefully and slowly remove the container from your microwave and use it immediately. If the glue re-hardens again after some time, then simply re-heat it in your microwave for another twenty seconds to melt it again.
Safety Precautions When Microwaving Hot Glue Sticks
Just like with any other activity, there are some safety precautions that you need to keep in mind when microwaving hot glue sticks. Here are some of them:
- Inspect the glue stick and make sure there are no plastics or wrappings inside or around the stick. If there is, remove them all before microwaving.
- Be sure to put the glue stick fully inside the container to avoid the glue melting out.
- If this is the first time you are using a particular hot glue stick, use smaller amounts to test how long it takes to melt.
- Never leave your microwave unattended. Always supervise it at all times while you melt the hot glue.
- Don’t overheat it. The glue can release fumes and smoke if heated for too long, which isn’t good to inhale.
- Make sure to have a potholder or oven mitt to avoid getting burned.
- Do not touch the melted glue with your hands since hot glue adheres to the skin easily and causes injury and burns in the process.
- Do not inhale the fumes as some glues may contain toxic chemicals.
Conclusion:
So, can you microwave hot glue sticks? The answer is: yes, you can! Just remember to follow the instructions and safety precautions outlined above, and you’ll be good to go.
