In gluing techniques, what is the common use of heat guns?

Heat guns are commonly used to melt plastic or mold soft materials because they emit a concentrated stream of hot air that can significantly elevate the temperature of the material being worked on. This allows for various applications, such as shaping or forming thermoplastics, as well as softening adhesives for easier manipulation. The ability to control the temperature and focus heat precisely makes heat guns an excellent tool for tasks that require changes in the material's state without the need for additional equipment.

The other options, while related to material manipulation or drying processes, do not capture the primary function of heat guns as effectively. Applying pressure to fabric typically involves a different set of tools, such as irons or presses, and removing excess adhesives generally requires scraping or wiping techniques. Although heat can assist in drying paints, the key advantage of a heat gun lies in its versatility in melting and shaping materials rather than drying.