Assembling an art project is fun until you notice some of the materials are styrofoam. And while you could use toothpicks or tape, they don’t hold things together as well as other adhesives. So, if you’re trying to keep your artwork together, then a dab of glue may be in order.
But there are many different types of glue to choose from, and not all of them will work with styrofoam. Finding the best glue for styrofoam can be tricky. And this is why our list of top picks can help you stick it all together.
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- Very strong bond
- Affordable
- Does not dissolve styrofoam surfaces
- Smooth finish
- Easy to use
- No Mess
- Works on porous and semi-porous surfaces
- Dries clear
- No run formula
- Dual-tip applicators, a broad tip and pen tip
- Safe to use on photographs
- Acid-free
- Fast drying time
- Usable sticks for high, low and dual-temp glue guns
- Can be used on metal, wood, glass, styrofoam, leather, fabric and more
- Non-toxic formula
- Dries clear and flexible
- Works with most materials including metal, styrofoam, plastic, ceramics, wood and more
- No-drip vertical application
- Works on most light-duty materials including styrofoam, metal, cork, wood and more
- Larger coverage
- Water-resistant and weather-resistant
- Bonds in 20 minutes, providing ample time to reposition before permanent
- Works with a wide range of construction materials
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
When working with styrofoam, it is important to understand that some glues and adhesives can damage the integrity of a styrofoam structure or outright melt it while others may not stick well at all and be ineffective.
The best glues that will work well in bonding styrofoam structures are usually made for use on polystyrene. These so-called styroglues are great for a wide range of styrofoam and polystyrene uses, as they will not melt the surface of the medium but are strong enough to create a viable bond.
Due to its reviews and general high-quality nature, the Uhu Por Styrofoam Glue deserves the title of top glue for styrofoam.
As one of the best glues for styrofoam, the Uhu Por Styrofoam Glue is an extremely popular option that is loved for a wide range of styrofoam applications. This product works amazingly to permanently bond styrofoam to other materials and itself, locking the foam in place with a strong cure hold.
Reviewers note that this glue is gentle and will not damage styrofoam while leaving a very smooth and seamless finish to the final product. This makes it truly a glue worth checking out for small and large jobs alike!
Key Features:
- Seamless bond
- Gentle on foam
- Long storage life
Types of Glue for Styrofoam
When looking for a glue for styrofoam, you have to consider a few things in order to ensure you are getting a product that will actually work to get the job done without damaging your materials. Due to this, it is crucial you understand what types of glues are suitable for use on styrofoam. Let’s explore your options.
Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?
Check out our list below for a summary of our results.
- Uhu POR Styrofoam Adhesive (Our Overall #1 Pick)
- Weldbond 8-50420 Multi-Purpose Adhesive Glue
- Elmer’s E461 Craftbond Tacky Glue (Arts and crafts projects)
- Tombow 62191 Mono Multi Liquid Glue – Dual Tip Multi-Purpose Glue (Scrapbooks and repairing photographs)
- Surebonder DT-2010 Clear Stik Glue Stick – Hot Glue for Styrofoam (All types of glue gun temperature settings)
- Aleene’s 17843 Quick Dry Tacky Glue – Craft Project Glue (Doll repaints, collages and knick-knack repairs)
- 3M General Purpose 45 Spray Adhesive (Arts and craft projects, soundproofing, light-duty repairs and more)
- Liquid Nails LN-903 Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Tan (Construction projects and repairs)
Epoxy
Epoxies are glues that result from epoxy resin after processing it into a functional product. There are a lot of different epoxies out there and some are entirely not suitable for styrofoam usage and will cause an exothermic reaction resulting in the styrofoam block melting. That being said, epoxies are fantastic for creating lasting, permanent bonds due to the cured nature of the final bond.
Two-Part Acrylic Adhesives
Two-part acrylic adhesives work wonderfully to bond styrofoam without breaking down the material or degrading its integrity. These can either require time to cure or need UV exposure to fully bond. Most of the time, the resulting bond is very clear and will not yellow with time, making it suitable for visible adhesion locations.
Silicone-Based Flexible Glues
Silicone-based glues provide flexible adhesion for areas that may regularly contact other surfaces and need a little give. They provide strong adhesion but may not be suitable for spaces that will endure a lot of wear and tear.
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)
Cyanoacrylate is an acrylic resin that creates an incredibly strong, instant bond that is lasting and often permanent. It uses water in the air to form into a type of mesh; if there is not enough water in the air, it is not as effective. Still, in most climates it works perfectly to quickly bond two surfaces together, including styrofoam.
How to Glue Styrofoam
Gluing styrofoam to other surfaces or even other pieces of styrofoam is not a complicated process. First, you must select an appropriate glue type that is suitable for creating a bond on the surface without melting the material. Then, you simply dry the surface of the foam and apply it as evenly as you can, per the directions on the packaging. Let it dry or cure as the directions dictate and you should be all set!
For a more indepth look, you can check out this video from Black Hill Foam Works!
Safety Precautions
The biggest concern when using styrofoam is to always be aware if it is melting. Melting styrofoam can become liquidy and get onto the skin, causing burns or irritation. Also, when melting or otherwise exposed to heat, styrofoam can release carbon monoxide which is potentially toxic. The pieces that make up styrofoam can also pose choking hazards to small children, as well.
The Best Glue for Styrofoam
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Elmer’s E461 Craftbond Tacky Glue | 4.8 /5 |
| Tombow 62191 Mono Multi Liquid Glue | 4.6 /5 |
| Surebonder DT-2010 Clear Stik Glue Stick | 4.6 /5 |
| Aleene’s 17843 Quick Dry Tacky Glue | 4.5 /5 |
| 3M General Purpose 45 Spray Adhesive | 4.4 /5 |
| Liquid Nails LN-903 Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive | 4.4 /5 |
The top best product [hide]
Uhu POR Styrofoam Adhesive
Weldbond 8-50420 Multi-Purpose Adhesive Glue
Elmer’s E461 Craftbond Tacky Glue
Tombow 62191 Mono Multi Liquid Glue – Dual Tip Multi-Purpose Glue
Surebonder DT-2010 Clear Stik Glue Stick – Hot Glue for Styrofoam
Aleene’s 17843 Quick Dry Tacky Glue – Craft Project Glue
3M General Purpose 45 Spray Adhesive
Liquid Nails LN-903 Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Tan
Glue for Styrofoam FAQ
Choosing a styrofoam glue that will allow you to stick together foam in all its many shapes and sizes can be tricky. You may also want a glue that works on materials other than styrofoam. And with a decent glue, you can make just about any styrofoam creation come to life. Below, you’ll find a table that can help you find the stickiest glue for your craft projects.
Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding types of glue for styrofoam.
How to glue styrofoam together with adhesives?
To glue styrofoam together, all you’ll need is an adhesive that bonds styrofoam without melting it too much. With your glue, add adhesive to both parts of the styrofoam you intend to bond. After you evenly coat the two pieces with adhesive, bring the parts together and let dry.
What type of glue can you use on styrofoam?
The best type of glue for styrofoam is a polystyrene glue. This type of glue bonds well to the styrofoam, since they are of the same material. If you don’t want to wait too long for the glue to dry, then the best adhesive for styrofoam is cyanoacrylate.
What sticks to styrofoam?
The best adhesives for gluing styrofoam together are ones that work with this material. All-purpose adhesives will work on bonding other materials to styrofoam. If you intend on adhering rubber to styrofoam, then you’ll need to look for an adhesive that bonds with both rubber and polyethylene.
On average, how long does styrofoam adhesives take to dry?
Drying times for most adhesives vary depending on the type of glue you use. As a general rule, you should wait a full 24 hours for the glue to cure completely. Many cyanoacrylate adhesives are fast-drying, so wait times can range from a few minutes to a few hours. Industrial adhesives will require longer drying times – up to 72 hours.
How do you remove excess adhesive from styrofoam?
At what temperature does styrofoam melt?
Does super glue work on styrofoam?
Conclusion
Finding an adhesive that works on styrofoam almost seems too good to be true. But with our top pick, or any of our decent alternatives, you’ll have styrofoam sticking to anything in no time. We hope with this guide that you have found the best styrofoam glue for your project.
