Hanging Christmas Lights Like a Pro

The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to deck the halls (and roofs) with beautiful Christmas lights! While traditional methods of hanging lights can involve nails, clips, or adhesive hooks, hot glue offers a creative and damage-free alternative. In this guide, we'll explore how to use hot glue for hanging Christmas lights effectively and safely.

Why Choose Hot Glue?

Using hot glue for hanging Christmas lights has several advantages:

1. No Damage to Surfaces: Unlike nails or hooks, hot glue can be removed without leaving behind holes or marks, making it ideal for renters or anyone wanting to preserve their home's integrity.

2. Easy Application: Hot glue dries quickly and bonds well to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

3. Flexibility: Hot glue allows for creative placement. You can easily adjust the spacing and design of your lights to match your vision.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

• Hot glue gun: We recommend our Surebonder Pro2-60 cordless glue gun - Ryobi Version.
• Battery Adapter: Don’t forget our battery adapter, which allows you to convert your Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, or Craftsman batteries to work with our cordless glue guns.
• Hot Glue: We recommend using our 925 hot melt formula.
• Christmas lights: Choose your favorite string lights.
• Cleaning supplies: Wipe down the surfaces where you’ll apply the glue to ensure they’re clean and dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plan Your Design

Before you start gluing, take a moment to plan your design. Will you string the lights along the eaves of your roof, wrap them around railings, or create a festive display? Sketch out a rough idea of where you want the lights to go to avoid wasting glue and time.

2. Prepare the Surface

Clean the area where you plan to apply the hot glue. Use a damp cloth to remove dust and debris, ensuring a better bond between the glue and the surface. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

3. Start Gluing

Begin by apply a generous amount of glue to the bottom of the lightbulb housing. 

• Tip: For heavier lights, apply some glue to the cable between each lightbulb for extra support.

4. Attach the Lights

Press each light (with the applied glue) onto the surface where you want it to hang. Hold them in place for a few seconds to ensure they adhere well.

• Caution: Be careful not to touch the hot glue with your fingers as it can cause burns.

5. Continue Along the Path

Repeat the gluing and attaching process until you reach the end of your light string. If your design includes multiple strands, make sure to overlap them as needed.

6. Let It Set

Allow the hot glue to cool and set completely. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Avoid tugging on the lights during this time to ensure a strong bond.

Additional Tips for Success

• Test First: Before committing to your design, do a small test section with your hot glue to ensure it adheres well to your chosen surface.
• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid applying glue on a rainy days, as moisture can affect adhesion.
• Removal: When the holidays are over, a light spray of rubbing alcohol on the glue will help soften it, making removal easier.