Immense painting experience recommends Anna. She shaped The Little Painters, a small local painting workshop for children that invites the little ones to explore painting through simple and creative means in a safe, loving and extremely colorful environment. In her home painting studio she plays with all paint mediums but watercolor is her expertise.
Expertises: Art, Painting, Drawing, Home improvement, Gardening
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Foam is one of the most common items for DIY purposes as it is a very lightweight, versatile, and low-cost material, with multi-purpose use.
Utilizing foam often requires working with glue, though foam does not perform equally well with all types of glues. As a result, selecting the correct type of adhesive is vital for getting the desired outcome.
The good news is that several adhesives have been specially manufactured for working with foam. Each of these adhesives has different properties and meets specific types of requirements.
Selecting the glue that serves your purpose best from among these many products can be a daunting task. To help you out, we bring you some of the best adhesives for foam available on the market.
We have provided detailed reviews as well as a buyer's guide for your convenience. So, let us begin!
Best Adhesives for Foam
Whether you're working on a foam-based art project or repairing foam furniture, these glues will help you get the job done right. Without further ado, here's the list of the 9 best glue for foam.
Loctite is a leading American brand that manufactures adhesives, sealants, and industrial chemicals. The PL 300 Foamboard Adhesive is another of the brand's excellent products, simplifying working with foam. It works exceptionally well for use with foam and different types of construction materials.
Designed For Foamboard: Specially designed for permanently...
Versatile: Strong, durable bond to all foamboard insulation...
Why Did We Like It?
There are quite a few reasons why the PL 300 is placed so high on our list. First and foremost is that it is compatible with all other foam board insulation products, which makes it suitable for a wide range of DIY applications.
The glue bonds well with polystyrene foam and creates a strong bond between the foam and other materials such as concrete, wood, brick, etc. Not only this, but the adhesive has a low VOC formula that meets all the State and Federal VOC Regulations.
We also found out that the glue performs equally well in both outdoor and indoor conditions. You will not have to worry about your foam projects left outside in the sun. Additionally, using the product will help you reduce your dependency on fasteners.
The PL 300 is also water-resistant, and you can easily use it on surfaces exposed to moisture.
What Could've Been Better?
Overall we did not find any significant drawbacks to this product from Loctite. Though it tends to dry a bit slowly, that does not affect its performance for DIY projects. However, you may need to provide support to the surface while the glue dries.
Pros
Doesn’t burn through foamboards
Bonds well with most manufacturing materials
Perfect for interior and exterior use
Water-resistant
Cons
Dries slowly
Bond Type: Polyurethane | Drying Time: 24 hours | Waterproof: Yes | Heat Resistance: Yes, up to 170°F | Size/Volume: 10 fl. oz.
The following product we have on the list comes from the Gorilla Glue Company. Just like its flagship product, the Gorilla Spray Adhesive also provides awe-inspiring results. It is a multipurpose glue ideal for heavy-duty applications and works well with several types of surfaces.
We were expecting great results from the Gorilla Spray AdhesiveSpray Adhesive, seeing as it came from such a famous brand, and it did not disappoint. The glue works fast, creating a permanent bond with the material it is applied to, yet allows repositioning and adjusting the surface as needed.
Another feature we liked was that it dries without acquiring a yellow tint, which is a problem with many of the adhesives for foam. This property makes the glue perfect for use in cases where you do not want it to be visible, such as for crafts and decor items.
As far as safety standards go, the 6301502 Spray Adhesive adheres to the latest VOC standard and is completely safe for household applications. Additionally, the comfort nozzle releases a controlled spray mist that prevents you from getting it on yourself or unwanted surfaces.
What Could've Been Better?
One of the features that set the 6301502 Spray Adhesive apart from many other competing products is its quick-drying property. Unfortunately, this also results in the glue drying up in the bottle once it is opened. It only allows for a single-use case and needs to be repurchased for later use.
Pros
Versatile application
Clear drying adhesive
Allows reposition
Meets the latest VOC standard
Cons
Single-use application
Bond Type: Aerosol spray | Drying Time: 10-30 seconds | Waterproof: Yes | Heat Resistance: Yes, up to 170°F | Size/Volume: 14 oz.
Proceeding onward, we bring you another excellent product from Loctite. The Loctite General Performance Spray Adhesive is a glue that is specially manufactured for arts and crafts. It offers unmatched results with foam and glass, leather, paper, fabric, etc.
Premium quality clear formula for arts and crafts, paper,...
Use for temporary or permanent bonds
Why Did We Like It?
The Loctite General Spray met our expectations during the testing process and far exceeded them. It has a premium formulation that bonds effectively with surfaces such as foam, fabric, wood, metal, and more.
This glue also has a quick-drying property, making it suitable for projects with time constraints and needing to be finished quickly. Other than that, it sets with a transparent finish making repairs invisible. You can easily use it for all types of repair work as well as DIY projects and crafts.
It even comes as an aerosol spray in an easy-to-use can, making the application process quick and straightforward. Furthermore, you can apply multiple coats of adhesive to the surface without worrying about damage.
Additionally, the glue does not yellow with age and allows you to create impressive projects.
What Could've Been Better?
The Loctite 2235316 makes completing DIY projects and repairs an easy job. Unfortunately, the nozzle tends to spray the glue in a sticky mess, making the cleaning-up process a chore. However, it provides excellent results, which makes the mess worth it.
Pros
Allows multiple coats
It does not yellow with age
Resistant to curling or wrinkling
Suitable for a variety of applications
Cons
Messy to use
Bond Type: Super glue | Drying Time: 30 seconds | Waterproof: No | Heat Resistance: Yes, up to 212°F | Size/Volume: 4 g
It is a well-known fact that Aleene Jackson is the creator of the original tacky glue that has become popular among DIY enthusiasts. Her brand's Felt and Foam Tacky Glue is one of the most heavily demanded products in the crafts industry for a broad spectrum of applications.
First of all, we liked that this glue is available in a 4oz bottle, making it easy and convenient to use and store. Apart from that, Aleene's Felt and Foam Tacky Glue works exceptionally well with Styrofoam products while also providing great results with other materials like felt, feathers, glitter, etc.
Unlike adhesives from other brands, this one has a very thick consistency which prevents it from running across the working surface. This feature also makes the glue easy to work with. Additionally, it has an instant hold formula that creates a durable bond as soon as you apply it.
The Tacky Glue is the perfect product for children's arts and crafts projects, especially those involving foam or fabric. Also, it dries clear and solid, making repairs invisible while preventing the surfaces from coming apart.
What Could've Been Better?
This tacky glue is a highly recommended product if you want to undertake any craft or DIY project that incorporates foam. However, one thing to note is that this glue is not washable and will lose its hold if exposed to water. For dry surfaces, it will not leave you disappointed.
Pros
Easy to use
Transparent after drying
Works on different surfaces
Instant results
Cons
Lacks water resistance
Bond Type: PVA glue | Drying Time: 2-4 hours | Waterproof: No | Heat Resistance: No | Size/Volume: 4 oz.
Many of you must have heard of the Beacon Adhesives brand, a world-famous manufacturer and supplier of a vast selection of adhesives for industrial and home applications.The brand's Hold The Foam Glue is their offering for working with materials like foam and fabrics.
Quickly bond any type of foam and enjoy endless crafting...
No need to worry about pinning foam in place - Hold The Foam...
Why Did We Like It?
Our list would be incomplete without including this product from Beacon Adhesives, especially since it offers impressive results. The glue is suitable for working with all types of foam and works equally well with other materials like plastic, fabric, wood, etc.
We liked that it grabs the surface quickly to create a strong bond while also allowing time to reposition the surface as required. For projects that require making frequent adjustments, this glue works like a charm.
The Beacon Hold The Foam Glue is a washable adhesive and is not affected by water, enabling you to clean the surfaces easily once the job is done. This feature allows it to be used on outdoor surfaces like wooden furniture as well.
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of this product is that it is completely non-toxic, an uncommon characteristic in products of this nature. Children can easily use it for arts and crafts projects.
What Could've Been Better?
We were most impressed by the glue's thick consistency which made it easy to work with. However, it does take a long time to get completely dry before the surface becomes usable again. Keep this in mind when working on projects that need to be completed quickly.
Pros
Suitable for all types of foam
Allows repositioning
Safe for use for all projects
Washable
Cons
It takes too long to dry
Bond Type: Foam glue | Drying Time: 2-3 hours | Waterproof: No | Heat Resistance: No | Size/Volume: 2 oz.
Bob Smith Industries (BSI) manufactures premium-grade epoxy and cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives for industrial and hobby purposes. The BSI-142 Clear Foam Cure Craft Glue is one of the brand's best products for working on craft projects.
The BSI-124 Clear Foam Cure Craft Glue is one of the highest-rated products available online. Its popularity is due to several reasons, such as being very easy to use due to the long thin nozzle of the container. The nozzle also helps in reducing the amount of mess while undertaking any project.
Another factor contributing to its popularity is that it becomes crystal clear after drying, making it suitable for several different applications. It provides excellent results while working on crafts and for projects such as repairing household articles and furniture.
The craft glue can also be used with wooden or plastic surfaces besides foam and creates a powerful bond after curing for a specified amount of time. One of the significant advantages it offers is that you do not require to mix and prepare the glue before application. This feature helps in saving time as well as effort.
What Could've Been Better?
The BSI-124 Clear Foam Cure Craft Glue offers awe-inspiring results for a variety of applications. The only drawback is that it requires around 10-12 hours to cure fully. The surface is not usable during this period. However, once the glue dries, the results are worth the wait.
Pros
Very easy to use
It becomes clear after drying
Suitable for all types of foam
No prior preparation required
Cons
It takes a considerable amount of time to set
Bond Type: Polyurethane foam glue | Drying Time: 30 minutes | Waterproof: Yes | Heat Resistance: Yes, up to 200°F | Size/Volume: 4.5 oz.
The Professional Quality General Multipurpose Spray Adhesive from AK Trading Co. is a fantastic product. It is a glue for use specially crafted with craft fabrics, upholstery, and acoustic panels.
Wide Compatibility for Versatile Mounting Solutions:...
Highest Performance Aerosol Adhesives for Reliable Bonding:...
Why Did We Like It?
While researching different types of adhesives for foam, we came across this excellent product from AK Trading Co. It is available in an adhesive spray that you can use with great results on surfaces such as foam, wood, paper, glass, and others.
This glue creates both permanent and temporary bonding, expanding the scope of applications it is suitable for. Some of the most popular projects for which this adhesive is used include DIY projects, furniture upholstery repairs, automobile accessories, etc.
The General Multipurpose Spray is different from other products because it does not contain Ozone depletes and Chlorinated solvents. In layman's terms, it means that it does not adversely affect the Ozone layer and is entirely environmentally friendly.
Also, the hypoallergenic adhesive is unlikely to cause any reactions and is completely safe for home use.
What Could've Been Better?
You cannot go wrong with this product, as it delivers the results it promises. The only thing to remember is that this one has a tough texture compared to most other adhesives. Even after drying completely, there is still stiffness to contend with, but the results are worth it.
Pros
Simple application process
It does not harm the planet
Hypoallergenic
Highly durable and long-lasting
Cons
Extremely hard
Bond Type: PVA glue | Drying Time: 30 minutes | Waterproof: No | Heat Resistance: No | Size/Volume: 1 gallon
Up next on the list is an adhesive from the house of 3M, a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade chemicals and adhesives. The Fastbond Contact Adhesive comes in a can and can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray.
Bonds most foamed plastics, plastic laminate, wood, plywood...
Creates a very high strength, high temperature resistant...
Why Did We Like It?
The 3M Fastbond Contact Adhesive, an industrial-grade glue, is a solvent-based product that bonds foam, wood, and even materials like plastic. It allows the adhesive to be used in more ways than most regular foam adhesives.
It also can be applied using various techniques, depending on your preferences. It works equally great whether you use a roller, brush, or spray it on the surface.
One of the best characteristics of this product is that it creates a temperature-resistant bond, which makes it suitable for broader applications. You can even leave it out in the sun, and the glue will not melt down or freeze up.
On top of that, the Fastbond Contact Adhesive is completely non-flammable in its wet state, eliminating any worries when used near any flammable substances. It is, however, recommended not to use it in such environments.
What Could've Been Better?
The Fastbond Contact Adhesive lives up to its name and provides incredible results for DIY and craft applications. The only thing we noticed is that following the manufacturer's instructions is a must if you want the desired results. Deviating from the instructions tends to result in unwanted outcomes.
Pros
Creates a long-lasting bond
Offers up to 4 hours of bonding time
Suitable for both hot and cold environments
Allows multiple applications
Cons
Necessary to follow instructions
Bond Type: Synthetic rubber adhesive | Drying Time: 1 hour | Waterproof: Yes | Heat Resistance: Yes, up to 170°F | Size/Volume: 1 quart (32 fl. oz.)
As we near the end of this list, we would like to mention another superb product for gluing foam surfaces. The FloraCraft Non-Toxic Foam Glue is a special-purpose glue meant explicitly for objects like Styrofoam.
This Foam Glue from FloraCraft is one of the best products for arts and crafts. It creates a strong bond with the material it is applied to that is durable and long-lasting. We discovered that the glue works exceptionally well with foam and does well with cardboard, wood, etc.
The FloraCraft Foam Glue is also one of the safest foam adhesives on the market, with a completely non-toxic formula. You will not have to worry about using it on your kids' projects. Additionally, it is easy to use, making it suitable for children to use.
A common quirk most other adhesives have is that you need to support the material while the glue dries up. This requirement is not an issue with this product, which does take some time to dry, allowing you to adjust the surface accordingly. However, your material does not require support and will hold on easily.
What Could've Been Better?
It was hard to find any flaw with this product, which provides excellent gluing materials like Styrofoam. However, it may not be the best choice for those with a smaller budget, as it is a pricier product. Additionally, the shipping charges push the price up even further.
Pros
Highly durable
Clear drying
Works well with different materials
Allows repositioning and adjustment
Cons
Not very cost-effective
Bond Type: PVA glue | Drying Time: 24 hours | Waterproof: No | Heat Resistance: No | Size/Volume: 4 oz.
The above list of the top adhesives for use with foam is intended to help you select the product that best matches your requirements.
However, we understand that even selecting a product from this list is not an easy task. There are several factors to be considered when purchasing suitable glue for foam.
To make things easier, we have compiled this buyer's guide that covers all the essential aspects. It will make the entire process much more straightforward. Read on to know more.
Versatility
The versatility of any adhesive determines how well it works with different types of materials. The more versatile the glue is, the wider the scale of opportunities it offers. More versatile glues can be used with wood, paper, glass, metal, foam, plastic, etc.
Getting a more versatile product also helps save money that would otherwise go into purchasing different adhesives.
Drying time
Different adhesives require different amounts of time for grabbing hold of a surface, creating a bond, and drying up. The critical point is that a fast-drying glue doesn't necessarily mean a better product.
Glues that dry quickly are more suitable for projects with a time constraint and need to be completed promptly. On the other hand, glues that take longer to dry provide more time for adjusting and repositioning the surface as required.
Clear Drying vs. Opaque
There are two types of adhesives based on how they dry up. The first type of glue dries and becomes completely transparent. It makes them nearly invisible to the naked eye, making them ideal for projects such as furniture repair.
The other type of glue becomes opaque once it dries up and is visible. It is not suitable for projects which require the glue to be invisible. It can be used for arts and crafts as well as similar projects.
Cleaning Up
Working with adhesives generally tends to be a very messy process. The stuff not only attaches to almost any surface but is also challenging to clean. Certain brands are now focusing on this aspect and making their products easy to clean.
Some glues can be easily cleaned up using water and soap, while others require more potent chemicals. For a fast and straightforward cleanup process, select the glue that allows a more superficial cleaning-up experience after completing the project.
Resistance
Several types of adhesives for foam are available on the market for many different purposes. Certain types of glue are highly resistant to factors such as heat, cold, water, etc. Such adhesives are suitable for use on projects exposed to such elements, such as outdoor ornaments.
In many cases, such adhesives are also more durable and long-lasting. Highly resistant adhesives are suitable for a more significant number of applications as well.
Glue For Foam FAQs
Can you use super glue on foam?
Super glue is not recommended for use on foam. Super glue can melt or dissolve the foam, resulting in a weak bond. Using a low-temperature hot glue gun or foam-safe contact cement is recommended for best results.
Can you use spray adhesive on foam?
Yes, spray adhesive can be used on foam. However, it is important to use a spray adhesive that is specifically designed for use on foam, as some adhesives may melt or dissolve the foam. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
How do you remove glue from foam?
To remove glue from foam, use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or acetone. Apply the solvent to the glue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrape off the glue with a plastic scraper or brush. Be careful not to damage the foam surface.
How long does it take for hot glue to dry on foam?
The drying time for hot glue on foam depends on the glue’s temperature and the foam’s thickness. Typically, it takes between 30 seconds to 2 minutes for the glue to dry and set. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
How do you glue foam to wood?
To glue foam to wood, first, make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. Apply a small amount of low-temperature hot glue or foam-safe contact cement to the wood surface. Press the foam into place and hold it in place until the adhesive dries and sets.
Conclusion
Foam is one of the most commonly used materials in arts and crafts projects and different daily use objects such as furniture, décor, etc.
Working with foam requires a suitable adhesive, and there are several to choose from on the market. Selecting the right kind of glue for your project will go a long way in ensuring the desired results.
On that note, we conclude our review and our comprehensive buyer's guide. Before taking our leave, we would like to mention our favorites.