Thread: Best Glue for Styrofoam?

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I'm going to build some props with styrofoam (mainly the extruded polystyrene) and I am wondering what the best strong, all weather glue I should use?

Please help!

Last year when I made tombstones out of styrofoam I kept them in the ground by hot gluing them to stakes.

I don't know if this is the best method but it worked for me.

I use Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive with very good results. Some of my stuff is going on 6 years and holding like new.

Originally Posted by jdubbya

I use Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive with very good results. Some of my stuff is going on 6 years and holding like new.

That's the way to go. I've used hot glue, but it can melt the foam if it's too hot, and it generally isn't as strong.

Originally Posted by jdubbya

I use Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive with very good results. Some of my stuff is going on 6 years and holding like new.

Fantastic! Thanks, I'll pick some up tomorrow and give it a try.

Originally Posted by TK421

Fantastic! Thanks, I'll pick some up tomorrow and give it a try.

I think you'll like this stuff. Liquid Nails makes adhesives for different applications, even one for foam board, but I had the best results with the Heavy Duty Construction adhesive.

I will 3rd or 4th the Liquid Nails - only to add that I have bought other formulas other than just the Heavy Duty Construction when they are on sale, and they work fine.

Last trip, I even bought some "PL 200 Construction Adhesive" because it was on sale for 99cents a can, and while hubby said he didnt like it (I'm not sure why) it seems to be exactly the same to me - holding up well.

The only thing I would make sure it is for Exterior Applications, and you should be good.

I've had success with Gorilla Glue also, but prefer Liquid Nails as previously stated by my bro Jaybo and seconded by his ever present task master bride!

Just another couple cents worth...

Depending on what the glue's going to be exposed to, might dictate what adhesive you'll want to go with.

One thing about Gorilla Glue (and other polyurethane glues) is that it makes a stiff foam - it can be carved and sanded, like a hard foam.
If you're going to be using this where you may have to cut through or carve through the glue layer, I think you'll pull out less hair using Gorilla Glue.

Flip side of that coin is: it doesn't seem to take the elements for more than a season or two, if it's not thoroughly sealed against moisture.
(I've used Gorilla Glue on my countdown sign, without being sealed, and it gave way after 2 seasons of nightly moisture...but the stuff I've had covered with paint is still holding fast, even with similar amounts of exposure)

Liquid Nails is great if moisture will be getting to the glue...and it holds foam together - both the styro as well as the extruded.
Sadly, it's hard to cut and shape...so if it's in the way of your carving, you'll need to work around it.

I've been using the outdoor rated liquid nails, it's not fun to sand or carve, but walmart has the best price if thats what you will use.