Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are excellent for crafts, home projects, and quick fixes. Choose from a variety of these glues that you can spread on immediately, heat at different temperatures, or squeeze out of a thin tube onto any project. Staples® carries all types and sizes of glue like super glue, as well as several models of heat guns to safely spread hot adhesives.

Find Different Types of Glue Sticks for Your Project
These bonding tools are a staple in day care centers and elementary schools for paper crafts because they're easy for children to use and spread over a large area in a short time. You should only apply this adhesive to paper and other light materials. Most white craft glue sticks are also water soluble. They're easy to clean and are nontoxic.

A similar type of adhesive is a glue pen. Because it has a precision tip, it's an excellent tool to add subtle details to scrapbooks and other crafts. To cover larger spaces, remove the tip and generously apply the adhesive. Most of these glues dry clear and are safe for photos. You can also choose hot glue for most project surfaces. Hot glue sticks are long, solid pieces of glue that are cylinder-shaped. You need a craft gun to use this type of adhesive. Although this glue dries in a few minutes, it does not set until it's dry.

Choose the Right Type of Hot Glue Sticks for Your Craft Gun
This type of adhesive varies by temperature. Hot-melt glue guns form a stronger bond using temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while standard craft models only heat up to 250 degrees. Low-melt sticks are suitable for sealing cardboard, light wood, card stock, and foam surfaces, and hot-melt sticks bond well to larger, heavier materials and clothing. Certain models of glue guns offer a low and high-temperature feature for use with all types of glue sticks. Along with temperature, the diameter of the adhesive sticks must match the gun. The most common diameters are 0.438 and 0.625 inches. Available lengths vary between 4 and 10 inches.

Are Hot Glue Sticks Water-Resistant?
While not all adhesives are water-resistant, there are brands that are weather-resistant. These are often more durable, and they're excellent for outdoor projects. Marine glue is the only type that is submersible into water.

Can You Remove Hot Glue from Tabletops and Other Surfaces?
Always place a barrier between the project and table for protection. If some of the adhesives drip onto a table or other hard surface, you may be able to remove it without damaging the tabletop. Using a hair dryer on low slowly melts the glue so it rubs off with a nonabrasive cloth. Depending on the surface, pouring hot water over the area may soften the adhesive enough to remove it.

How Should You Store Glue Sticks?
On average, when stored in an airtight container, adhesives have a shelf life of two years. Try to store glue sticks in a cool, dry location. This can extend their life. Keep adhesives in an area where there are no extreme temperature changes to safeguard their effectiveness. Select a new glue stick when purchasing office supplies or school supplies for the year.