Styrofoam is a widely used material, thanks to its versatility. And the art of gluing this foam can be rewarding for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. But the fact is, the success of your project depends not only on your skills but also on the adhesive you use for your project.
In this guide, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about the art of gliding styrofoam. This guide will help you choose the right adhesive and provide tips and techniques for both large and small projects.
The Most Important Rule of Gluing Styrofoam: Avoiding Solvents
Styrofoam is not compatible with adhesives that contain harsh chemical solvents. So, you should avoid them at all costs. Styrofoam is technically polystyrene foam that adversely reacts to most types of solvents used in everyday life. This chemical reaction can weaken the bond and, in some cases, even dissolve the foam.
For bonding polystyrene foam, choose an adhesive marked as polystyrene-safe, solvent-free, non-flammable, or safe for foam. So, read the labels carefully.
If you are looking for the best glue for styrofoam, first learn what not to use. There are several types of glue that you should avoid when working with styrofoam. They are the following:
- Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): This glue creates a chemical reaction that causes styrofoam to degrade and melt. The bonds can become brittle.
- High-temperature hot glue: The amount of heat a standard hot glue gun emits is too much for styrofoam. This extreme heat can melt the styrofoam, resulting in an ugly finish. If you want to use a hot glue gun, use a low-temperature one.
- Rubber cement: Rubber cement contains harsh solvents that can cause styrofoam to dissolve quickly.
- Standard spray paints: The solvents present in most spray paints erode styrofoam. Use water-based acrylic paints formulated for foam.
Before applying any adhesive to styrofoam, it is always a good idea to conduct a small-scale test. It will save your valuable time and materials.
How to Choose the Right Adhesive for Your Project
The most important part of the job is to choose the right adhesive for styrofoam. Choose adhesive based on the type, scale, and purpose of your project. For a home insulation project, choosing an adhesive formulated for school projects may not be a good idea. In the sections below, we will discuss the categories of adhesives that are safe for foam.
For Small-Scale Projects
Certain types of adhesives work very well with styrofoam. If you want to attach styrofoam to paper, fabric, or cardboard, choose from the following options:
- Spray adhesive: A foam-safe spray adhesive is the best choice for your styrofoam. It is very easy to use, and you can cover a large surface pretty quickly. Depending on how you apply the adhesive, it can offer both a temporary or permanent bond. Whether you want to create layers in props or attach styrofoam to poster boards, you will find this adhesive convenient.
- Foam-specific contact glue: While applying contact glue to styrofoam can be a bit messy, it is not a bad option. Some brands offer specifically formulated contact glue for foam. It works well with styrofoam and offers strong but flexible bonds.
- Specialized super glue: It may sound a bit contradictory, because we have advised against using super glue with styrofoam. Does super glue work on styrofoam? Yes, there is specialized super glue that is used to bond styrofoam with a wide range of materials.
In most cases, general-purpose adhesives work with styrofoam. But it is always a good idea to choose specifically formulated glue for styrofoam.
For Heavy-Duty Projects
If you are working on a large-scale project, such as home improvement or construction, use industrial-grade, foamboard-specific construction adhesive. For bonding foam to a ceiling, wall, or other substrate, use Sprayidea 33 or a similar industrial-grade adhesive.
This adhesive also creates a strong bond between styrofoam and wood, drywall, concrete, and other materials. You may need to use mechanical fasteners in conjunction with styrofoam glue.
How to Glue Styrofoam for Small Projects
For small-scale applications, like bonding styrofoam for display boards or crafts, choose a spray adhesive marketed as foam-safe. It is very easy to use, and the process is quick. We will discuss the entire process below:
Preparation
Spend a few minutes setting up your workspace. It will save you time in the long run.
- Gather your tools and materials: Before getting started, make sure you have everything ready for your project. They include spray adhesive, styrofoam, a drop cloth, safety paper, and safety glasses.
- Ensure workplace safety: The workplace should be well-ventilated because styrofoam glue releases fumes. If possible, work outdoors. And if you are working inside a room, open the windows. To protect the surface from any overspray, cover it with a drop cloth or scrap paper.
- Clean the surfaces: Use a dry cloth to clean the styrofoam and the materials to which you want to attach the styrofoam. Styrofoam adhesive does not adhere if the surfaces contain dust, oils, or debris.
Application
The strength of the bond largely depends on the way you apply the adhesive. As I mentioned earlier, the application method can even determine whether the bond will be temporary or permanent.
- Shake the can before use: Vigorously shake the canister for about 30 seconds before each use. It will mix the contents properly, making sure the glue is ready for application.
- Apply the glue: While ease of application is one of the main reasons for the popularity of spray adhesives, there is a little bit of strategy to follow. When holding the canister, make sure it is about 10 inches away from the styrofoam or the substrate. Spray an even and consistent coat, and avoid oversaturating.
Bonding and Drying
In this step, the type of bond you want should determine the drying time. While the exact process should depend on the project you are working on, here is a rough outline of how it may look:
- Create a temporary or permanent bond: If your project requires repositioning the pieces, press them together immediately after you spray the adhesive. When you want, you can easily pull them apart. In contrast, if you want a permanent bond, allow the adhesive to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. This waiting period will make the bond strong and permanent.
- Press the pieces together: Then align the two pieces to the styrofoam and firmly press them together. Press them gently and evenly, not too hard.
- Allow the bonds to cure: Read the manufacturer’s guidelines to learn about the drying time. While the bond may feel dry in just 10 to 15 minutes, it may take up to 24 hours to fully cure. Again, it depends on the particular adhesive you are using.
How to Glue Polystyrene Foam Boards for Insulation
Installing polystyrene foam insulation boards is a great way to improve a home’s energy efficiency. And the procedure is not too technical, so you can take it as a DIY project. Choosing the right adhesive is the most important part of the job. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Preparation and application
Preparation involves gathering all materials, preparing the substrates, and cutting the boards.
Get the tools and materials you need for this project ready. They include polystyrene glue, a utility knife, a tape measure, cloths, sandpaper, and gloves.
Make sure the walls are clean, dry, and smooth. To remove the dust and debris, consider using a vacuum. Remove any dirt using a damp cloth. You can use sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
Select the area you want to cover, and get accurate dimensions using a tape measure. Then cut the boards to the specified size and shape. Before you apply any adhesive, consider pre-fitting the boards to the substrate.
Then vigorously shake the adhesive can and spray a thin, uniform coat onto the wall. Do not skip the edges and corners. After that, press the foam board firmly against the wall.
Finishing and Curing
For large projects, mechanical fasteners can offer greater security. In the center and the corners of each board, consider placing screws with large washers. They will prevent the boards from shifting.
Repeat this process to bond each subsequent board. Once the boards are cured, you can install drywall on top of the boards.
Wrapping Up
Gluing styrofoam is not that hard if you use the right adhesive and apply a little bit of technique. Be sure to use a solvent-free spray glue for styrofoam. Your approach should depend on the type and scale of your project.
To ensure compatibility, do not forget to test the adhesive on a scrap piece of foam first. We hope you are now better prepared to tackle your styrofoam project.