Using hot glue - yay or nay?

[Ashe]

Alright, sorry if this has already been posted, but I haven't seen anything

Ok so I was wondering if anyone has used hot glue on their mer accessories or tails? I would like to know how well it holds up against chlorine, saltwater, general wear, etc. I did a couple of hot glue tests on some fabric I had laying around, and put it up to the test. I soaked it in POOL saltwater and let it out to dry in the sun for about two days. I saw no discoloration or cracking and surprisingly enough, it actually still stuck to the fabric!

But, this was only for a couple of days and I used the saltwater from my pool.

So has anyone used hot glue for accessories or tails in general? Would it be worth investigating more? I may just be blind but I've never really seen anyone use it on anything before. If anyone would like to share their experiences/ thoughts, that would be great!

[BayouMermaid]

I use hot glue for aquarium decorations. It is fish safe! I'm not sure about using it on fabric though.

[Ashe]

Knowing that it's fish-safe is a major plus! Environment is always at the top of my list ;)

[Winged Mermaid]

I've found that it usually not a god glue to use for wet accessories. It may stay put for a while, but then it will crack, peel off, flake apart, and lose grip in general. The only way I found it stays put is if there's a solid barrier where there is minimum exposure to water- like if you glue shells to a bra, then use hot glue to glue the plants in tiny crevices between the bra and shell. The plants couldn't go in the crevices without the lubrication of the hot glue, so once it was in it sealed itself in. Otherwise, hot glue fails after a while in the water. I generally avoid it all together unless I'm using it for something insignificant that I need to dry fast- like gluing 2 spines of fake plants together so I can glue that combined bunch on with a stronger glue like e6000. I've seen a lot of tops fail (fall apart within the first few swims) or fall apart gradually as more and more glue deteriorates. Same with accessories. Even with aquarium decor, I made something with hot glue, and did a test soak overnight dechlorinated tap water. It literally fell apart upon me picking it up the next day.

IMO it's not worth it. Invest in good glues (and gloves to use with them) and your accessories will last. See the accessory making FAQ (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6472-%E2%98%85-The-Accessory-Making-FAQ-%E2%98%85) for the recommended glues and what glues to use on what materials, as well as how to get a good bond.

[Kishiko]

I use hot glue for some accessories! Just make sure it is HOT MELT (the big gun, with the big sticks) not cool melt because cool melt won't hold up with repeated water use. But like Iona said, don't use it for big things that will have stress on them, for example gluing shells to a bra. e600 is a good way to go, just make sure an follow the directions!

[Mermaid Tula]

I use Hi-Temp hot glue, and it works well for me. I used it to seal the gorilla tape addition on my monofin (along the edges of the tape so that water wouldn't get into the edges and make it lift up) as well as on my seashell bra and several of my hair accessories.

[Mermaid Aalayah]

I made a net bag once with hot glue and its still doing just fine :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Nay. If you're gluing on stretch fabric, the glue will crack and the fabric will tear.

[Nyx]

I really don't recommend it. Hot glue is good for quick, temporary fix ups. Like Iona said, it will start to break down in the long run. It's not worth your time and effort :/

[Alcyone]

I'd rather invest in a good glue than in the hot glue..it gives problems in the long time..