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Best Glue for Styrofoam
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Best Glue for Styrofoam Art Projects
How We Found the Best Glue for Styrofoam
Customer Reviews
Product Testing
Team Experience
Best Glue for Styrofoam
Table of Contents
At Cleaning King, glueing styrofoam shouldn’t be a hassle. From so many glues to choose from, we at Cleaning king have curated a list of the best glues for styrofoam.
Polystyrene, known as Styrofoam and polyfoam, is essentially plastic filled with about 90% air, making it moisture resistant and super light. It is a good insulator for walls, boxes filled with produce, arts and crafts and industrial related projects.
Due to its unique qualities, not all glues will work well with Styrofoam.
As a widely used thermoplastic, choosing Styrofoam for your projects makes it easy as it is lightweight, resistant to acids, and cheap. However, Styrofoam is a fragile material that can break quickly and dissolve with the wrong glues as it is not resistant to solvents and gasoline.
Polystyrene comes in various densities, so it will be worthwhile to see which type of glue you will need for either styrofoam or XPS foam. Styrofoam and XPS foam are a versatile material, meaning it can be glued to absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces such as wood, metal, paper, concrete, drywall, plastic and many types of soft materials like felt.
Suppose you are using styrofoam for arts and crafts. It’s essential to find glues that will have properties to protect the piece’s final aesthetic. Generic glues that are not specialised for styrofoams may melt, dissolve or yellow over time the styrofoam surface.
Furthermore, suppose you are using XPS foam for industrial related projects. In that case, you will need to seek glue that is specially made for insulation foam boards.
Polystyrene is easily flammable and may release pollutants such as carbon monoxide into the air, so choosing a glue that is not hot or easily flammable will be crucial when choosing the best glue for styrofoam.
Here are our tips for best glues on the marker for polystyrene, styrofoam and XPS foam.
Top Glue Content
Our Reviews - Best Glue for Styrofoam
Best Glue for Styrofoam
Our take – Best Glue for Styrofoam
The “3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue” is our choice for the best overall glue for styrofoam. It is a super versatile option, like a household and industrial-grade adhesive. It’s great for professional and commercial projects as well as simple DIY projects.
Its professional-grade quality makes it super durable and will bond to surfaces permanently and quickly. Drying time will vary based on your project from either 15 seconds to 30 minutes. The glue works well to glue styrofoam to various materials such as; paper, plastic, wood, insulation, leather and fibreglass.
The glue will also not yellow your surface over time.
It also has low VOCs meaning you won’t be exposed to toxic fumes than other regular adhesives for styrofoam, nor will it melt your surface. The multipurpose glue features an easy spray nozzle for the easy application on large and small projects.
Stand-out features include
- Professional grade
- 15-30 second fast acting
- Glues Styrofoam to various surfaces
- Durable for professional projects
Best Glue for Polystyrene
Our take – Best Glue for Polystyrene
The “UHU Expanded Polystyrene Glue” is perfect for glueing polystyrene to other surfaces.
The glue sets and bonds on surfaces instantly such as; wood, plastics, metal, paper and glass.
The glue sets on the surface as a transparent film, making it a suitable adhesive for aesthetic purposes like arts and crafts projects like model building and various household purposes.
It is also waterproof and resistant to temperature changes, making a good glue all year round.
This glue is also Toluene free. Toluene is a solvent that would otherwise melt your styrofoam if applied directly—making it safe for the surface and yourself as it is an odourless polystyrene glue so that it won’t emit harmful toxins in the air.
The glue is also permanent and provides long-lasting durability.
Stand-out features include
- Transparent glue
- Long-lasting
- Flexible
Easiest to Use
Our take – Easiest to Use
The “Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive” is an easy to use glue for styrofoam. As one of Amazon’s choice with over 2000 happy customers. The controlled nozzle makes it easy to spray an even application on your project surfaces and allows it to dry permanently.
Either spray a wide or thin coat for any type of projects large or small. The glue can glue styrofoam to other surfaces such as; wood, metal, fabric, foam, plastic, paper and leather.
The glue spray is fast-acting and bonds surfaces within a minute. It is also different from other glues, as you can spray a small coat and reposition one of the surfaces for up to 10 minutes.
It is a durable glue for styrofoam and won’t tear off easily.
The spray adhesive is also safe as it has low VOCs.
Stand-out features include
- Easy spray-on application
- Permanent glue
- Low VOCs
- Bonds to many surfaces
Best Glue for XPS Foam
Our take – Best Glue for XPS Foam
The “Loctite PL 300 Foamboard Construction Adhesive” is an excellent glue for XPS foam. This adhesive is specially formulated for foam board insulations or XPS foam.
Made for industrial projects, the adhesive can be used outside and inside. It will seal minor gaps in insulation.
It will bond the XPS foam board to wood, drywall, concrete and brick surfaces.
The cure time is seven days and will bond surfaces with maximum durability.
As an industrial specific glue, the steps to use this adhesive will differ from the glues mentioned in this article and our how to guide, and the instructions can be found on the packaging.
Stand-out features include
- Formulated for XPS foam
- Great for industrial projects
- Instantly glues
- Glues on drywall, concrete, brick and wood
Best Heavy Duty Glue for Styrofoam
Our take -Best Heavy Duty Glue for Styrofoam
The “Beacon Hold The Foam Glue” is the best glue for most types of foam. The Glue works well glueing all kinds of foam to various surfaces such as; fabric, paper, cardboard and wood.
It will glue your surfaces to the foam instantly and dry quickly, making it a great glue if time isn’t on your side.
It also makes for easy clean up with water. The glue will again reposition if you happen to change your mind on where to glue your foam with the surface. If you have the final place in mind, a generous amount of glue will allow your surfaces to set instantly.
The glue is also non-toxic and won’t emit fumes or solvents that will wear down your XPS foam. It is also non-flammable, as foam usually is not resistant to fire.
Stand-out features include
- Non-flammable
- Non-toxic
- Great for XPS foam
- Instantly dries and sticks
Our take – Best Glue for Kids
The “Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue” is a tremendous general glue for styrofoam for arts and craft projects.
It is also one of Amazon’s choices, with nearly 700 positive reviews from users like yourself. The bond applies to styrofoam a white coat and sets into a transparent glue. It is also completely safe and a great non-toxic option and safe for kids.
This glue is excellent for various arts and crafts projects with its 8 oz size that is easy for portability and easy application with its squeeze bottle. The lid can be adjusted from thin to thick glue pouring options. So if you’re working with complex projects that require delicate details, this flexible pouring option works well. The adhesive works well for paper, foam, wood, metal and other surfaces.
Stand-out features include
- Great for arts and crafts
- Family friendly
- Non-toxic
- Dries clear
Our take – Best Glue for Styrofoam Art Projects
The “Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive” is a great general purpose glue for styrofoam. Unlike other glues, this glue is great for temporary and permanent bonds. So if you’re glueing styrofoam for temporary reasons, or know it will be a case of trial and error. It will come off easier than other tougher styrofoam adhesives.
It’s an excellent glue for general projects such as arts and crafts, and simple DIY projects.
The glue will stick to styrofoam with various surfaces such as; Foam, Fabric, Leather, Felt, Cork, Metal, Glass, wood and some plastics. And also work for automotive repair works if you need it.
It will also work well with porous and non-porous substrates.
The spray adhesive applies onto materials like foam as a translucent glue.
Stand-out features include
- Premium formula
- Dries quickly
- Easy to use
Buyers’ Guide- Best glue for Styrofoam
The Cleaning king team has compiled the best features to look for when looking for the best glue styrofoam, XPS foam and polystyrene. Glues will either come as a liquid glue or a spray-on adhesive. These are features you should look for when it comes time to purchase glue.
Versatility
The best glue for styrofoam will work at glueing styrofoam to various surfaces such as; paper, wood, metal, fabric leather, felt, cork, glass, plastic, and other surfaces. However, this will entirely depend on what you intend to glue styrofoam on. A generic glue will work well for arts and craft project and other lightweight surfaces.
Yet an industrial graded glue will be best for heavy-duty projects that would require lots of durability and permanence when bonding to brick, concrete and drywall.
Adhesives for any project will depend on the formula, whether it’s a specialised formula for XPS insulation foam or a generic glue for household projects.
Toughness
The best glue for styrofoam will be durable and permanent. It should be firm and resistant to wear and tear. If you’re working on a serious project, it’s best to look for maximum toughness that won’t break the bond from moving around too much. Industrial glues for polystyrene will typically have a curing time, which will take longer than standard adhesives to set but will dry with more durability in this time frame, so it will be worth the time waiting.
Fast drying
If time isn’t on your side, a fast-drying glue for styrofoam will be your best bet for arts and crafts or industrial projects. A Lot of the glues mentioned are great in drying and bonding two surfaces together quickly. Most adhesives on the market can glue within a 1 minute or up to 10 minutes if you apply smaller coats. This will also mean you won’t be exposed to potentially harmful fumes or VOCs if you reduce your exposure time while handling a styrofoam glue.
Low VOCs
Excellent glues for styrofoam but more importantly for yourself will be non-toxic. That means it should have low VOCs so that it won’t emit intense fumes that won’t irritate your nose, skin, or eyes.
Essentially an odourless glue will be best, as well as a fast-acting glue, which will reduce your time exposed to any potentially harmful fumes.
Even if you don’t have respiratory-related symptoms that may be irritated with such adhesives, some people with no past illnesses have experienced respiratory symptoms when exposed to these fumes, so don’t count yourself out, adequately ventilate your work area if you are working with these types of glues.
Waterproof
The best glue for Styrofoam will be waterproof when it sets. Meaning any future spills or wet weather won’t deter your project. Many types of glue will be easy to clean-up with water. However, this is only in the glueing process and won’t be susceptible to water after it sets and cures. Most glues will also easily clean-up with water after you are done with your project.
Temperature resistant
Excellent glues for styrofoam will be resistant to temperature changes, including intense hot weather and freezing weather. It shouldn’t wear your styrofoam. Our best glue for industrial usage is excellent for indoors and outdoor settings and resistant to temperature changes.
A temperature resistant glue for styrofoam is most likely only a problem for glueing insulation foam boards or XPS foam rather than for art and craft related DIYs.
Non-yellowing
Excellent glue for styrofoam will have a non-yellowing formula. Meaning it won’t turn yellow over time or discolour your styrofoam and other surfaces. This is especially important for art projects if aesthetics are important. Not all glues will mention a non-yellowing feature, so look for this feature, and you will be in good hands.
Type of styrofoam
You should check which foam you are working with such as; styrofoam, polystyrene and XPS foam. Some foams are for insulation such as XPS foam. Not all glues will work with each type of foams. Some adhesives emphasise that they work with various foams, so these may be a better option if you are not sure which foam you have. Always ask for guidance at your local store if you are still unsure.
Solvent-free
Your styrofoam glue should be free of solvents. Solvents will melt and dissolve your styrofoam surface. Such solvents include; acetone and gasoline. A non-solvent based glue for styrofoam will be your best bet. Solvents will also typically contain toxic fumes, and also be bad for your health.
Avoid hot glue
When glueing styrofoam with other surfaces, do not use hot glue such as a hot glue gun. Hot glue will also melt your styrofoam surface if directly applied mainly if both surfaces are styrofoam however if you’re glueing styrofoam to another non-styrofoam surface, its best to use the glue on the non-styrofoam surface and wait for it to become tacky then bonding it with the styrofoam surface.
Instant grab
A Lot of styrofoam glues have an instant grab feature. Meaning you won’t need other pieces to hold the styrofoam and other surfaces together. Fitting the pieces together with maximum durability.
How to glue styrofoam
Not sure how to glue styrofoam to your surface? Our Cleaning king team have carefully laid a general plan below, to guide you in glueing styrofoam to your desired consistency. These steps will depend entirely on the other non-styrofoam surface you are using and the glue you are using. You should check each glue’s specific instructions for optimal results.
Tools needed:
- Styrofoam, Polystyrene or XPS foam
- Other desired surface
- Foam Glue
- Glue brush
- Dry rags
- Warm water
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Clean your workspace from debris and liquids. Water may interfere with the glue, and some may not be waterproof.
- Clean your styrofoam surface. The styrofoam surface should be free of dirt and liquids, as these types of debris may interfere with the glue formula and not make it work as it should.
- Depending on the surface you wish to glue styrofoam on, such as wood. It’s a good idea to sand the body to make it smooth. An uneven surface may not glue well to styrofoam.
- Carefully plan where you wish to glue your styrofoam. Most glues will instantly dry, so it’s a good idea to prepare precisely where you will glue as it will become a hassle if you change your mind. Most glues are also super durable. Some adhesives allow repositioning for 10 minutes with a thin coat. If you know, you won’t be sure where the final bond will be.
- Apply even coats of the glue with a brush to both surfaces you intend to bond together. Stick the parts together then let it sit in a safe spot, and wait for it to dry before grabbing it again.
Conclusion – Best Glue for Styrofoam
Incorrectly choosing the wrong type of glue for styrofoam, polystyrene, or XPS foam can quickly melt and destroy the surface. Especially with solvent-based adhesives and hot glues.
Your DIY and industrial projects are important to you, so choosing the right glue will be crucial for longevity and durability.
Our best overall styrofoam glue is the “3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue” as it works well with most types of projects. Its spray bottle makes glueing styrofoam to other various surfaces efficient. Whether it’s for DIY arts and crafts or industrial jobs, its versatility can be further seen in the 15 seconds to 30 minute drying time, depending on your job scale. The Glue is made with a premium formula and can be used for commercial and simple glueing of styrofoam, or XPS foam. Bonding with maximum durability.
The “Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive” is an easy glue to use. Its adjustable nozzle can be adjusted for wide or thin spraying on your surfaces. This is essential for any sort of arts and crafts projects that require small details. Its low VOC nature makes it great for a first time user who may not be sure how glue may affect them, their family, and their pets. The Glue can be applied to styrofoam and be glued to wood, fabrics, metals, paper and leather.
The “Beacon Hold The Foam Glue” is the best glue for most types of foam. It will also work well with other types of foams. The Glue works well-glueing foam to various surfaces such as; fabric, paper, cardboard and wood and is fast-acting.
Suppose you intend to glue styrofoam to other surfaces for arts and craft purposes “Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue” is perfect for low-grade projects. It’s safe and can be used around family and groups. It’d be the ideal glue for school classes and other recreational uses alike. The glue dries quickly and clearly. Therefore the Glue won’t interfere with the final design of your styrofoam project. It works with surfaces such as paper, wood and metal. The size is perfect and easy to use large amounts.
If you are working with XPS foam or insulating foam, the “Loctite PL 300 Foamboard Construction Adhesive” is the best XPS foam glue for industrial usage. It can be applied with a caulk gun for easy application in small areas. This adhesive is unlike other glues mentioned. It works on different types of surfaces not mentioned in other glues like; brick, drywall and concrete. However, its XPS specialised formula will take longer to set and dry with a cure time of 7 days. It can be used outdoors and indoors and weather-resistant—overall an excellent glue for insulation foam boards or polystyrene.
When looking for glues, it is essential to remember what type of job the styrofoam is for, such as for arts and crafts projects to industrial jobs such as insulation. This will come down to the durability and toughness of the glue.
If aesthetics is necessary, a glue that dries clearly will be great in not changing your final project’s image. A non-yellowing bond will also be required, so it doesn’t yellow over time and ruins your styrofoam creation. It may become difficult to paint over the glue or even remove it.
Most adhesives will be permanent. If you are not sure where the final styrofoam or XPS foam will be placed, a bond that allows repositioning will be essential to trial where it will end up.
Another thing to note is for yourself. Some general glues may contain solvents like acetone or toluene. These solvents will dissolve and melt your styrofoam and XPS foam. Therefore it’s essential to buy a specialised glue for styrofoam or XPS foam.
By now, you should have a better understanding of the types of glues or adhesives for polystyrene, styrofoam and XPS foam. There’s a glue for small and large scale projects.
Cleaning King's Choice - Best Glue for Styrofoam
Best Glue for Styrofoam FAQs
Superglue, also known as Cyanoacrylate, can glue styrofoam to other surfaces. It should be used with care, as it can cause the styrofoam to melt slightly.
Polystyrene is a solid plastic that can be made into various consumer products. Polystyrene can then extruded to create a foam material like expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS)
XPS foam stands for Extruded polystyrene insulation. XPS foam is widely used for insulation which is sometimes also known as XPS insulation. XPS foam is made differently from standard styrofoam in that it undergoes through an extrusion process. You will need to buy specially formulated XPS foam adhesives.
Styrofoam is known as expanded polystyrene foam or eps foam. Styrofoam is used for arts and crafts related projects and thermal insulation. Depending on the strength of eps foam, it is excellent for not absorbing water and vapour. It’s essential to note styrofoam is made from polystyrene.
VOCs also known as Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemicals that tend to evaporate at room temperature. VOCs tend to be found in some glues for styrofoam, XPS foam and polystyrene. These chemicals tend to emit harmful fumes that may irritate your respiratory system. So it’s a good idea to ventilate your working area to properly circulation. Breathing these fumes may become toxic to people with respiratory-related illnesses and even those without.
A solvent is a chemical that is a substance where a solute is dissolved. Styrofoam and other polystyrenes can be dissolved in an acetone solvent. So it’s best to stay away from glues containing solvents.
Hot glue guns should be avoided as the hot temperature will melt the foam surface. If there is no other option, you should glue the other non-styrofoam surface and then glue that to the styrofoam. Ideally do not apply hot glue directly to styrofoam. Using hot glue with styrofoam is likely to emit toxic fumes, so its best to not use the highest temperature.
Curing time for styrofoam or XPS foams means the time for adhesives to reach full strength. Curing time is a typical term for industrial-grade glues. They are often stronger and more durable than ordinary styrofoam adhesives. The more durable it will be the more time it will take to reach its full bonding potential. Curing time can take days to weeks to a month for larger-scale projects
To remove glue or adhesive from styrofoam, you can use warm water or acetone with soap. This will work on water-based glues. However, you should dilute any sort of solvents with water to prevent any melting of the styrofoam. You should be wary that some bonds are permanent and may be difficult to remove. You will need stronger solvents for tougher adhesive removal with pressure.
Most glues on styrofoam will instantly set or take about 10 minutes for adhesives that allow repositioning. The more glue you coat on styrofoam, the less time you have for repositioning the surfaces. It may take longer for industrial projects, typically with a curing time added to allow the glue to set for maximum durability.
A polystyrene type of glue or spray adhesive is best for styrofoam, or XPS foam. Other glues won’t work well and may melt the surface.
