Hot glue sometimes referred to as hot melt adhesive(HMA), is a kind of thermoplastic adhesive sold as sticks meant to be applied with a hot glue gun. Apart from the apparent use of adhering surfaces, it is also a great option for doing raft and creative work. However, for it to be used effectively for this application, one feature that you cannot ignore is its ability to retain paint for decorative purposes. So, the question for this article is, can you paint hot glue.
Yes, you can. Hot glue quickly sets into a solidified substance that is a great working medium. Some of the best paints to use over hot glue include acrylic and latex paints. The results can be stunning when painted properly, with subsequent, thin layers until the desired effect is achieved.
You can also use hot glue to trace patterns and create textured designs on a surface. When painted over, hot glue can give an incredible 3D surface effect. The article below will explore in-depth the uses of hot glue and how you can leverage it for the best results.
How to Paint Hot Glue
Following the recommendations outlined below will allow you to paint hot glue effectively for the best results.
- Choose the right paint
When painting hot glue, you can choose to use latex or regular acrylic paint. These paints have various features that make them more suitable to people who are looking for specific attributes. For example, acrylic paint is beautifully elastic. Other properties also make it great for outdoor use, while latex paint is more affordable and a great choice for environmentally-conscious workers.
We will discuss the features of these paints in further detail down below.
- Apply multiple layers
Whether you use acrylic or latex paint, you will likely need to do multiple passes before being satisfied with the color intensity. If the first paint coat doesn’t cover the surface to your satisfaction, apply additional thin layers while allowing the paint to dry between layers. You might need to apply around four to five layers to get proper coverage.
- Primer
Primer is a vital part of any painting project, even more so when dealing with hot glue. This need is because as much as you can paint directly on hot glue, you will have to contend with the major problem of color falsification.
The problem becomes even more apparent when you are trying to paint a section of hot glue to match the surrounding paint. After drying, the paint may not match exactly and have a slightly different look. For some colors and projects, even these small differences can be glaring.
The easiest way to avoid this color falsification is to apply primer to the hot glue surface. The primer will allow the true colors of the paint to shine through without any interference. However, when using primer, you must determine the type you need. You can also opt for a special flexible primer if you are painting over something that will get exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Can You Paint Over Dried Glue?
Yes, you can. Acrylic paint will adhere to solidified hot glue. You can use this technique to create truly exciting designs and patterns if you want to go the extra mile. Below are some steps to painting over and incorporate dried glue in your art.
Step 1: Choose a design.
Before you begin working, settle on the design that you plan to use in your work. You can get amazing design ideas from the internet, or you can come up with one yourself.
Step 2: Transfer the design.
Use tracing paper to move the design onto the material you are working with, or if you are confident and skilled, you could choose to draw it on.
Step 3: Go over the design.
After the design is set out, this is where the glue comes in. Use a glue gun to go over the outline of the design carefully. Similarly, if you feel you can do this without an outline or would like to do some freehand work, you can skip step two, though we recommend it.
Step 4: Paint
Before you begin applying any color to your glue, make sure that it has completely dried. You can use a sponge or a brush, according to your preference. If you are using a sponge, first dip it into some water to wet it, and then dip it into the watercolor paint you choose. Then wipe the sponge with paint over the dried glue. You can repeat the same with a painting brush.
You could also choose to concentrate color inside the outlines of the dried glue and leave it as an outline, which gives an amazing effect. Painting over dried glue is a great way to get some complex texture into your art pieces.
Is Gorilla Hot Glue Paintable?
One of the best characteristics of gorilla hot glue is that it is usable for artwork, and you can mix it with regular acrylic paints to achieve different colors. When mixing, you should consider that the gorilla glue itself will dry to a yellowy buff, so ensure that you choose the base color carefully to get the desired result.
After your mix is dry, you can then paint over the surface if you need to make any adjustments.
What Will Hot Glue Not Stick to?
Before we talk about the surfaces to which hot glue will stick, it is first important to understand how it works as an adhesive. The hot glue, also known as hot-melt adhesive, has no water or solvents and is made of thermoplastic polymers combined with wax, mobilizers, and tackifiers.
Therefore, the glue becomes moldable and sticky at high temperatures and then resolidifies once it cools, thus bonding items at a high-setting speed. As versatile as hot glue may seem, there are some surfaces that it is best suited to and some surfaces to which the hot glue will not adhere.
Hot glue will not adhere to very smooth surfaces such as metal, silicone, wet and greasy surfaces, vinyl, or wax. It will also not stick to porous surfaces that can’t build strong and instant bonds with cyanoacrylate adhesive. This lack of adherence is because these very smooth surfaces do not offer the glue anything to bond with, making the glue not stick.
So, if it does not stick to these surfaces, to what will hot glue stick?
Hot glue works effectively for surfaces that are more porous and have a rougher texture since the glue can fill any small crevices and bond better to the surface as it solidifies. For example, hot glue will bond effectively with some types of fabrics that have rougher surfaces. However, hot glue may not be the best option for fabrics that respond poorly to heat.
The bonding strength of the glue with the material is one of the major features to be considered. Some factors determine how well it will stick, even on the surfaces to which hot glue will stick. Below are some factors that affect the bonding strength of hot glue.
- Temperature
The temperature of the glue is crucial to determining bonding strength. Generally, the bond is usually stronger when the glue is hotter, though this may not be the case for all circumstances. You will also need to regulate the heat, so it doesn’t go so high as to burn or melt the material you are working on.
Apart from the temperature of the glue, the environmental temperature is also quite important. Hot glue is not the best option in extreme temperatures, whether very hot or very cold. In weather that is too cold, the hot glue might break though the temperature will depend on the specific type of glue you are using.
- The surface characteristics
The type of surface to which you are applying the glue will also determine the bonding strength. Before applying the glue to any surface, ensure that it is porous, clean, and dry. If you are not sure that the surface is clean, use some rubbing alcohol to clean the surface, and you can also score the material’s surface and add tiny scratches, which will create more space for the glue to settle in.
- The weight
the exact weight that your hot glue will handle will depend on the specific glue you use and the material. However, it is also essential to note that hot glue is seldom used for applications that require high strength.
Which Paint Is Best for Painting Hot Glue
The two most common paints used on hot glue are acrylic and latex paints, as mentioned above. Understanding the characteristics and differences of these two paints is crucial to choosing the best one to paint hot glue. The choice of paint to use will also vary across individuals depending on each person’s preferences and most important features.
- Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a quick-drying paint that is made of acrylic polymer emulsion in which pigment is suspended. Most of these paints are chemical-based, and when dry, they become water-resistant. Below are some of the pros of using acrylic paint on hot glue.
- Once it has dried, acrylic paint is more resistant to outdoor conditions such as sun and water than latex paints. Another feature that makes the acrylic paint more suited to outdoor use is its elasticity. Acrylic paint expands and contracts with temperature, making it a great idea to paint hot glue that will stay outdoors. This flexibility also makes it a great choice if the glue you are painting may likely shift around.
- Acrylic paint is easy to apply and can easily be spread over your glue. If you use high-quality acrylics, you may not even need to get a topcoat, though you may need to apply several layers till you are satisfied with the color saturation.
- Acrylic paint will also prove more durable than latex paint and is a great choice if you are looking for a durable medium.
Some of the cons include:
- These paints can be costly
- The chemicals in acrylic paint are more toxic and less environmentally friendly than latex paints and subsequently require more care when handling.
- Latex paints
Latex paints are water-based paints that are made from vinyl resin or acrylic and pigments. When most people hear the word latex, they immediately think of it and associate it with rubber. However, this is not the case. The word latex in this context is used to mean an aqueous dispersion that is usually prepared through emulsion polymerization. Some of the pros of latex paints for painting hot glue are:
- Latex paint is cheaper than acrylic paint and can be a more affordable option if working on a large glue section.
- You can achieve the needed color intensity with fewer paint coats with latex paints, thus saving yourself a lot of time and money.
- These paints dry faster than acrylic paint, although they do take a long time to cure.
- Latex paints are also less toxic and more environmentally friendly.
Some of the cons include:
- They are not as good for outdoor use as they are not very resistant to outdoor conditions.
- Latex is not very elastic and is not a good idea for surfaces that may later expand and contract.
It is vital that you keenly consider these factors when choosing paint for your hot glue. If you plan to paint a hot glue surface that will often get exposed to the exteriors or is flexible, then acrylic paint is a better option for you.
If you are more environmentally conscious and operating under a tight budget, use latex paints.
Can You Spray Paint Over Hot Glue?
Yes, you can. With the right equipment and materials, spray painting over hot glue is faster and simpler than using a sponge or brush. While you could not spray paint using latex paints until recently, latex paints today are made of new synthetic resins that are compatible with water, are wet enough, and have a thin enough consistency to spray paint.
When working with spray paint, you must get yourself the proper respiratory and eye personal protective equipment to keep from inhaling the small paint particles. Also, if you are doing craftwork, be sure to section off the areas you don’t want paint getting to.
Can You Paint Hot Glue With Acrylic
Yes, you can. Acrylic is one of the best types of paints for painting hot glue. It will adhere to the glue surface properly and is water-resistant.
Acrylic paint is also elastic and able to expand and contract flexibly with weather changes. This flexibility, paired with the water resistance, makes it an especially great choice of paint if your project will constantly be exposed to outdoor conditions.
However, as mentioned above, acrylic glue also has some disadvantages that may give you pause. It can be expensive, especially for larger projects. It can also be toxic to the environment due to its chemical base. Despite this, it is a great option for anyone looking for durable, color-fast paint with strong adherence to hot glue.
Does Hot Glue Damage Wall Paint?
If you would like to use hot glue to decorate inside your home, one of the forefront questions you would be asking yourself is whether it will cause any damage to your wall paint. Damaged wall paint could cost you plenty of time and effort to correct. Fortunately, you can use hot glue on your wall paint.
You can do this by using a dab of hot glue on the item you plan to hang, allow it to cool a bit, and then stick it to the wall. Very seldomly will the hot glue damage your wall paint when you remove it.
The highest probability for hot glue to ruin wall paint will be when you pull it off. This reason is why you must learn how to take it off correctly. To remove hot glue from your walls, one of the best solutions you can use is rubbing alcohol. Saturate a cotton ball or even a Q-tip with the hot glue, and then rub the edges of the glue to soften its hold on the wall.
After the glue’s hold softens, use a scraper to scrape off the glue carefully. If your glue is remaining stubborn and not releasing its hold, you can also use heat to remove it. Melt the glue using a blow dryer and then scrape it off. You can also use a glue gun that has no glue inside. Heat it and touch the metal part to the glue, remelt it, and scrape it off.
Can You Paint Over PVA Glue Craft?
PVA glue is a widely available adhesive usually used for porous materials such as cloth, paper, and wood. Apart from adhering things together, you can also use PVA glue for craftwork. However, when painting over PVA glue craft, you mustn’t use waterborne paints. This restriction is because the PVA will create a waterproof barrier that waterborne paints will not adhere to.
The PVA glue will dry to touch after 30 minutes at around room temperature and 50% humidity. Lower temperatures, higher humidity, and poor ventilation will affect its drying time.
With acrylic paints, a pouring medium is a substance that you can use to improve the consistency of the acrylic paint and allow it to pour more fluidly. You can also use it as a pouring medium with great success, apart from painting over PVA glue. You will need to mix the PVA glue, acrylic paint, and some water, and you will have some pouring paint for your craftwork.
Final Thoughts
Hot glue is an incredibly versatile substance whose uses are only as limited as your imagination. With a creative mind, you can find uses for it that are beyond what you had initially imagined. Its great adherence to paints is just but the cherry on the cake. Still, the main questions remain…
Can You Paint Hot Glue?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can use either acrylic or latex paints to achieve the color you want on your hot glue. Both these paints have their pros and cons, as discussed in the article above, and it is up to you to choose the best one for you after considering all the factors.
Thank you for reading this article to the end, and we hope that you have learned something. Feel welcome to leave any questions, comments, and suggestions in the comment section below.