How to Use MoonGlue for Kief Coated Pre Rolls Step by Step
MoonGlue is a plant-based, food-grade adhesive crafted specifically to coat kief pre-rolls. Its formulation ensures that kief adheres evenly to joints, cones, and blunts without compromising flavor or burn quality. Whether applied manually or through automated systems, MoonGlue delivers consistent results, reduces waste from loose crystals, and maintains the pre-roll's natural aroma. This makes it an ideal choice for small-scale artisans and large-scale producers aiming for a premium finish.
The growing demand for infused pre-rolls underscores the importance of reliable adhesion. In the first half of 2024, infused pre-rolls captured a 44.4% market share, reflecting a strong consumer preference for enhanced products. By using MoonGlue, producers can meet this demand with products that are not only visually appealing but also consistent in quality and performance.
This guide will walk you through every step of using MoonGlue, from gathering the right tools and materials, preparing pre-rolls, testing glue flow, applying kief manually or with a machine, troubleshooting common issues, and maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency.
Let’s see how you can use MoonGlue to streamline your Kief coated pre-roll production.
Why Use MoonGlue for Kief Coated Pre-Rolls?
MoonGlue was made to give kief coated pre-rolls a clean, consistent finish with no guesswork. It creates a thin, even adhesive layer that holds crystals in place so products look premium, handle better during packing, and ship with less loose kief.
A 2024 report from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission shows the adult-use cannabis market in Massachusetts earned $799.7 million in the first half of the year, showing strong demand for high-quality cannabis products.
That’s why we developed MoonGlue: to make it easy to get evenly coated, high-quality kief pre-rolls every time, whether you’re working by hand or using a machine, without wasting product or changing the natural flavor.
It works well by hand and on automated lines like Stardust, so the same process scales from small runs and prototypes to larger production. That means you can hit repeatable results faster and cut waste from overapplication or messy passes.
MoonGlue is plant-based and food-grade, and the base formula is flavor-neutral, so it will not change your product terpene profile. If you want added flavor, Sorting Robotics also offers separate terpene SKUs.
Gather The Tools and Materials You Need to Kief Coat Pre-Rolls with MoonGlue
Before you start coating prerolls, you should gather all tools, materials, and supplies. Good preparation saves time, reduces waste, and makes the process repeatable. Put everything on a single table or tray so you do not hunt for items mid-run.
You can follow FDA good manufacturing practices for guidance on maintaining a clean and safe production area.
Below are the must-haves and a few recommended extras that speed up consistent results.
MoonGlue Options and Sizes to Keep On Hand
Choose MoonGlue packaging that matches output. Small bottles are best for testing and small runs. Larger cartridges or bulk containers work better for steady production. If you plan to use a Stardust or a similar coating machine, buy the cartridge or reservoir option that fits that equipment. Keep one backup bottle on hand to avoid stopping mid run.
Pre Roll Cones, Filled Joints and Kief Supplies
Use filled pre roll cones or hand rolled joints that are fully packed and closed at the tip. Use a clean dry kief spread thin in a wide tray for easy pickup. It's essential to understand how to handle kief for best results to prevent degradation during the process. If you want consistent results, weigh kief per roll with a small scale. Label trays by batch so you can track quality and trace issues later
Small Tools and Workspace Basics: Brush, Parchment, Gloves
Gather a soft-bristle brush, a small tamping tool or dabber, parchment sheets to catch loose kief, tweezers, and disposable gloves. A shallow tray or box helps contain kief and makes cleanup easier. Good lighting speeds inspection and reduces mistakes.
Do a Quick Flow Test and Run a Small Trial Before Full Production
Testing is the single best time saver. A short trial reveals flow issues, glue thickness, and kief's behaviour. Whether you work by hand or machine, never skip a trial run. Run tests with the same wraps, kief, and glue batch you plan to use for production so settings match real conditions.
The FDA recommends following small batch testing to ensure consistency and product quality.
How to Test Nozzle Flow on Parchment
Squeeze a small dot or a thin line of MoonGlue onto parchment to check the flow and tack. Watch how it spreads and how tacky it feels after a few seconds. If it beads up, the bottle needs to be warmed or shaken. Reduce the flow or swap to a smaller nozzle if it runs too much. Use the parchment test to see how the glue holds kief when you press a dusting of it into the parchment.
Manual 3 to 5 Piece Trial Checklist
For a manual run, pick three to five pre-rolls and follow your planned steps. Apply glue, coat with kief, press gently, and let it set. Inspect for adhesion, taste, burn, and appearance. Remember that glue quality drives pre-roll flavor and subsequent consumer satisfaction. Adjust the glue amount or application motion and repeat until you get consistent results, being careful to avoid common kief coating mistakes. Use these trial pieces as control samples for future runs
Machine Trial for Stardust or Similar Equipment
Load the glue into the reservoir and run a test batch of five to ten pieces on low flow and slow conveyor speed. Check for streaks, uneven coverage, stringing, or kief loss. Make small changes and document the settings that work. Keep a photo log of each test so you can compare before and after adjustments.
Prep The Workspace and The Pre Rolls for Clean Coating
A clean flow zone not only reduces contamination but also facilitates the easier and faster reclaiming of materials. Set up your bench so that everything you need is within reach. Lay out tools in the order you’ll use them, and place catch trays where spills are most likely to occur. These small steps save time, prevent mistakes, and make production run more smoothly.
The FDA also emphasizes that proper workspace setup and contamination controls are essential for preventing quality issues and errors in manufacturing.
Here’s how to prep the workspace for clean coating of pre-rolls using MoonGlue.
Set Up a Clean Flow Zone
Clear your bench and organize all tools in the order of use. Use catch trays or shallow boxes to collect excess kief and reduce contamination. A clean workspace can cut cleanup time by up to 50% in production runs.
Layout and Lighting
Place parchment under your work area to catch stray kief. Arrange tools for smooth hand movement from glue to kief to press. Ensure bright, even lighting so thin glue lines and small gaps are visible. High sides on trays prevent up to 80% of kief loss during the coating process.
Close and Tamp Pre-Roll Mouths
Slightly twist or tamp the mouth of each pre-roll to stop kief from falling inside. For cones, a light twist is enough; for hand-rolled joints, gently tamp with a small tool to create a uniform outer surface. Proper tamping improves kief adhesion by around 30%.
Organize Kief for Even Application and Reuse
Spread kief in a thin, even layer on a flat tray. Avoid deep piles, which cause clumping and uneven pick-up. Use a small brush or shaker to redistribute kief. Understanding how to store and handle kief is key to preventing degradation during this step. Collect unused kief from parchment, store in labeled containers, and keep reclaimed batches separate to maintain traceability. The entire process is affected by raw material quality, specifically how trichome structure impacts kief quality. Proper reclaim management can save about 10–20% of your kief per run.
How to Apply MoonGlue by Hand for Consistent Results
Hand coating is ideal for small runs, prototyping, and quality checks. Start slowly and build a steady rhythm. The most common issues are using too much glue or moving too fast. Aim for thin, even passes and press lightly.
Step 1: Hold the Joint and Apply a Thin, Even Stripe
Hold the pre-roll horizontally over parchment. Keep the nozzle about 1–2 millimeters from the paper and apply a thin, even stripe along the length to be coated. Focus on continuous coverage, not big drops. A light, steady squeeze gives the best control. If blobs form, pause and wipe the nozzle before continuing.
Step 2: Apply Kief Immediately – Roll, Sprinkle, and Rotate
Right after applying the glue, roll the pre-roll across the kief tray or sprinkle kief evenly over the glued area. Rotate the joint slowly so all glued sides contact the kief. If sprinkling, use a steady hand to avoid piles or bare spots. Roll the joint across the tray while gently turning it with your fingers to achieve a more uniform appearance.
Step 3: Press Kief in Smoothly for Uniform Coverage
Use a soft brush or a gloved fingertip to gently press the kief into the glue. The goal is embedment, not crushing the crystals. Apply light, even pressure to help the kief bond without losing terpenes. Pressing too hard will flatten the crystals, change their appearance, and reduce burn quality.
Step 4: Dry and Layer
Let the coated pre-roll rest on parchment for 2–5 minutes at room temperature. For heavier coverage, build up thin layers. Add a second coat only after the first layer has tacked up, so you don’t disturb the base layer. If the room is cool or humid, allow extra time between passes.
Use MoonGlue with Machines Like Stardust for Scaled Production
Machines give repeatable bands and faster throughput. They still need careful setup and regular checks. The most productive runs are the ones with documented settings and trained operators. This section covers loading, setting the starter, and inspecting the first batch.
Loading MoonGlue And Initial Machine Setup
Follow the machine manual for cartridge or reservoir installation. Prime the line and confirm the nozzle aligns with the pre-roll surface. Clean fittings with a lint-free cloth before loading to avoid contamination. If you transfer from bulk containers, use a clean funnel and a closed transfer method to maintain sanitary conditions.
Starter Settings To Try: Flow, Nozzle Height, And Speed
Start with low flow and a conservative conveyor speed. Keep the nozzle close enough to deposit a narrow stripe, but not so close that it drags. Run five to ten pieces and adjust flow and speed until the glue forms a consistent band that picks up kief cleanly. Note each change in a log so you can quickly revert to a previous version.
How To Inspect First Batch And Fine-Tune Settings
Check for even glue coverage, kief adhesion, and lack of stringing. If the kief is patchy, increase the glue slightly and slow the conveyor speed. If glue strings reduce flow and raise the nozzle a bit. Record final settings for repeatability, and take photos for future reference.
How Often Should Machine Settings Be Checked?
Machine settings should be checked at the start of every production run and after any maintenance is performed. Regular verification ensures consistent glue bands and prevents kief loss.
What Is the Best Way to Log Changes and Adjustments?
Keep a dedicated batch log noting flow rate, nozzle height, conveyor speed, and any adjustments made during setup. Include photos of the first batch for reference, making it easy to replicate successful runs.
Troubleshoot Common Problems and Fast Fixes on The Line
Problems will happen. Quick fixes keep production moving. This section lists common issues and simple corrective steps to get back to a clean run without wasting product.
Fixing Kief Clumps and Uneven Patches
If kief clumps use less glue per pass and press lighter. Redistribute kief in the tray to avoid piles. For patchy spots verify nozzle alignment, steady flow, and consistent conveyor speed. A clogged nozzle can cause gaps so check and replace nozzles periodically.
Stopping Glue Stringing or Pooling
Stringing usually means the flow is too high or the nozzle is too far from the paper. Reduce the flow and move the nozzle nearer. For pooling, slow the conveyor and use thinner passes. Wiping the nozzle between passes also reduces stringing.
How to Reclaim Excess Kief and Reuse it Safely
Scrape excess kief from parchment into a clean container with a metal or plastic scraper. Sift reclaimed kief if you want to remove contaminants. Store reclaimed kief in sealed containers labeled with batch date and lot number for traceability. Use reclaimed material for low grade products or for blending back into production kief as allowed by your quality rules.
Follow Safety, Storage and Compliance Steps for Production
Safety and traceability protect workers and buyers. Keep documents and basic first aid items on site. Get lab certificates if your market requires them. Having paperwork ready speeds audits and builds buyer trust.
Proper Storage, Temperature, and Shelf Life Tips
Store MoonGlue in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lids tight if the product thickens slightly. To restore flow, you can warm the closed bottle in a warm water bath. Label containers with the open date and batch number so you can rotate stock properly.
Worker Safety Gloves, Eye Protection, and Hygiene
Wear disposable gloves to protect skin and keep the product clean. Wear eye protection when handling under pressure or when pouring. Keep hand washing stations close and train staff on basic spill response and first aid. Post MSDS and emergency contacts near the workstation.
Test Flavor, Burn, and Handling So Product Quality Holds Up
Quality testing proves the product meets expectations. Check taste, burn, and how well the kief stays on during handling and transit. These checks should be part of the standard operating procedure for every new batch.
Simple Taste and Burn Test Protocol for Small Batches
Light a sample and check draw resistance, burn evenness, flavor, and aroma. Note any off-taste. If the glue affects flavor, reduce the amount used or try a different terpene option if available. Keep side-by-side samples to compare before-and-after changes.
Transit and Packaging Checks to Keep Kief In Place
Test packaged samples by shaking or applying light vibration and check for loose kief. Use inserts or soft wraps to limit movement during transit. For fragile products, consider small trays inside the box and clear carrier instructions.
Recordkeeping Batch Notes and QC Pass Fail Items
Log batch number, glue lot, kief source, machine settings, operator, and pass fail notes. Store photos of problem pieces and keep a sample archive. Good records help trace issues and reproduce successful runs.
How Often Should I Perform Taste and Burn Tests?
For consistent quality, taste and burn tests should be performed on every new batch and whenever a formulation or machine setting changes. This ensures flavor, aroma, and burn characteristics stay within expected standards.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Kief from Coming Loose During Transit?
Use inserts, soft wraps, or small trays inside the packaging to limit movement. Clearly label handling instructions and test shipments with light vibrations or shakes to ensure kief stays in place.
Estimate Cost and Yield and Plan to Scale From Hand Work to Machine
Scaling up changes the cost structure and speed. When preparing to scale your pre-roll business with machines, plan periodic reviews of consumption and waste to adjust ordering and staffing.Small improvements in yield add up fast when you run thousands of pieces
Rough Math For MoonGlue and Kief Per Pre Roll
Run a small test and measure the grams of kief and glue used per roll. Multiply by the target run size and add a waste buffer. Track usage over multiple runs to refine estimates and set reorder thresholds for supplies.
Speed Versus Quality Trade-Offs to Consider
Higher speeds reduce labor costs but can lower finish quality. For retail products, choose a speed that delivers a consistent look and strong adhesion. For premium products, accept slower runs to get a better finish and reduce returns.
Quick Scaling Checklist for Moving to Automation
Confirm repeatable settings on a 50- to 100-piece run. Train operators on setup and troubleshooting. Schedule cleaning windows for the applicator. Keep spare nozzles and cartridges on hand and set reorder points for supplies.
Wrap Up With a Quick Start Plan and Printable Checklist
Close with a compact plan you can follow on the first day. A printable checklist helps new operators run the line consistently and reduces onboarding time for new staff.
Here’s a five-step run from test to first small production batch:
Test glue flow on parchment.
Do a 3 to 5-piece manual sample.
Calibrate the machine on a 5 to 10-piece test run.
Inspect adhesion and taste and make small tweaks.
Run a 50-piece pilot and document settings.
Boost Your Kief Coated Pre Roll Production with Precision Automation
Using MoonGlue for kief coated pre rolls makes the process easier, cleaner, and more consistent. Whether you’re doing it by hand or with a machine like Stardust, the key is to prep your pre rolls, apply the glue in thin even layers, and handle the kief carefully. Following these steps helps avoid clumps, uneven coverage, and wasted material, while making your pre rolls look professional and keeping the kief in place. Running small tests and keeping notes also makes scaling up much smoother.
If you want to speed up and refine pre-roll production, Sorting Robotics has the right tools. Our Stardust pre-roll machine works perfectly with MoonGlue and helps you save time, reduce waste, and achieve consistent results every time. Visit our website to see our machines and find the best solution to boost your kief-coated pre-roll production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MoonGlue terpene based and does it affect flavor?
The base MoonGlue formula is plant based, food grade, and flavor neutral so it will not add or mask terpene profiles. Sorting Robotics also offers optional flavored terpene SKUs; request full ingredient lists and lab certificates from sales before using flavor variants.
Is MoonGlue safe to consume?
Yes. MoonGlue is a plant-based, food-grade adhesive made for coating prerolls. Its base formula is tasteless and odorless, so it does not affect your product’s terpene profile. All batches are tested for safety. Full documentation, including ingredient lists, MSDS, and certificates of analysis (COAs), is available on request to confirm compliance with food-grade and handling standards.
Can I use moonglue on blunts hemp wraps or flavored wraps?
Yes. MoonGlue is formulated for compatibility with paper, hemp papers, and blunt wraps. Test a small batch with each wrap type to confirm that the burn and flavor match your product profile.
What are the typical set times and how climate affects cure speed?
At room temperature, small coated areas typically set in two to five minutes. Cooler rooms require longer set times. High humidity slows drying and may require longer rests between layers.
How long does it take to tack and dry?
Tack and dry times vary with temperature and humidity. Many operators see quick tack in typical room conditions, but you should run a short trial to confirm tack and set times for your environment before a full run.
Where to buy moonglue and what flavors are available?
Buy MoonGlue directly from Sorting Robotics via the online store or by contacting sales for samples, cartridges, or bulk quotes; flavors include Strawberry, Blue Razz, Maui Wowie, and Horchata, and packaging ranges from sample packs to 1-gallon bottles with cartridge and bulk options for production customers. Request pricing and compatibility info for your equipment, and ask sales or use checkout to get MSDS, full ingredient lists, and COAs for the batch you buy.
