All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(167 products available)
Adhesives for styrofoam come in several formulations, each intended for different usage. The selection of glue depends on the operating environment and the desired end result.
Synthetic Rubber-Based Adhesives
A synthetic rubber-based adhesive is one of the most commonly used types of glue for styrofoam. Styrofoam does not dissolve due to the rubbery nature of this glue, which forms a flexible, long-lasting bond. This glue is advantageous if the assembled materials will be exposed to some bending or movement because of its elastic nature. Therefore, this glue is appropriate for multiple uses, such as craftwork, building models, and lightweight repair works. Further, it is compatible with various other materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, in case additional versatility is necessary.
Water-Based PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) Glue)
The glue comes with a non-toxic composition that can be conveniently used in home and school projects. It is a white glue that is commonly employed in bonding foam. Due to its water base, it can cause damage if used on certain types of styrofoam. Note that water can also cause the styrofoam to stick to styrofoam, as it may cause the release of some polystyrene. Thus, be sure to utilize it on types of styrofoam, such such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS).
PVA glue dries to a clear, hard finish that is ideal for permanent bonds in arts and crafts, and indoor applications out of moisture’s reach.
Hot Glue (Thermoplastic Adhesive)
Hot glue sticks are thermoplastic adhesives and are applied through a glue gun. Such type of glue is suitable for use with thermoplastic polystyrene foam since it bonds quickly and strongly with excellent surface adhesion. Therefore, it can be effective in bonding styrofoam in short-term applications or projects that require an instant hold. Moreover, hot glue is ideal for arts and crafts because it is easy to use and takes only a few minutes to set. Nevertheless, hot glue is not very elastic and may be less effective in environments with great temperature changes.
Epoxy Resins
Epoxy resin consists of two components—a resin and a hardener. When mixed and set, it forms a tough substance that can withstand a variety of challenging conditions. This makes epoxy resin ideal for bonding styrofoam to wood and metal. This glue is normally used in cases that require a strong and permanent bond or where additional mechanical resistance is needed. Common uses include building model planes and boats and fixing broken furniture, among others.
Contact Cement
Contact cement, also known as contact adhesive, creates a strong, permanent bond when two surfaces are coated and pressed together. Unlike other adhesives, which are typically applied to either surface, foam board adhesive bonding requires both surfaces to be coated, allowed to become tacky, and then pressed together. This type of cement is perfect for large surfaces or laminating layers of styrofoam together. Since it provides a very strong bond with great resistance to solvents, it is useful for bonding styrofoam in applications where it might come into contact with chemicals or moisture.
Gluing styrofoam has an important commercial value, especially to industries and businesses working with this materials in manners. Several aspects can be noted about its economic significance.
Market Expansiveness
The worldwide styrofoam market has extensively developed and thereby leads to a corresponding request for adhesion products. Styrofoam is a cheap packaging and insulation material used by retail, construction, and automotive industries. In addition, as industries identify the importance of this material in safe product transport, bonding products that tightly adhere to styrofoam will continue being in demand.
Specialization and Product Differentiation
To achieve the best results, manufacturers have to produce more specialized glues for styrofoam since different types of styrofoam exist. For instance, glue might be developed for expanded polystyrene and extruded types due to their different adhesion properties. Companies producing such specific product lines may enjoy higher margins due to less competition and better product-market fit.
Cross-Industry Applications
There is a wide application of glue for styrofoam in commercial. Hot glues can be used in arts and crafts and packaging to use synthetic rubber-based adhesives to perform repairs or provide structural support in the construction industry. Thus, the styrofoam adhesive manufacturers reap revenues from variety industry sectors, increasing their market sustainability.
Innovation and Sustainability
Glue manufacturers are among those who research newer ways to produce foam adhesives that meet environmental considerations as the world focuses on ecological issues. Eco-friendly adhesives made out of natural substances or with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions may offer a new market segment and provide a benefit in sustainability. Innovation in foam glue products, such as those delivering greater bonding power while reducing the glue quantity needed, can also help in cutting down production costs and increasing profitability within several business environments.
Complementary Products
The foam glues often come with other related products, such as protective tape, foam sheets, and anti-shock packing peanuts. Many times, adhesive glue sells as part of a system with other items to do with foam, thus making extra profit to the producers and distributors. Bundling together products increases customer retention and satisfaction by offering the consumers everything they require in a single purchase.
The right kind of glue preparation and application are necessary for achieving the strong and stable bond sought in any project involving styrofoam. Below is what this entails.
Surface Preparation
The first step of applying glue for styrofoam is cleaning the foam surface. It should be ensured that no foreign material is on the surface and that they are free from dust, grease, or static charge. A clean, smooth surface adheres better to achieve a strong bond. For big bonding surfaces, sanding might be necessary to increase bonding surface area and adhesion; this is done using a very fine sandpaper. For a hot glue gun, set the glue on a low-temperature mode, and more fragile materials will not be burned.
Choosing the Right Adhesive
Choosing the right adhesive depends on the nature of the project and the styrofoam type. Synthetic rubber-based adhesives are available for general tasks. A more resilient bind is required; epoxy is the resin type of glue that should be used. Contact cements work great for larger binding surfaces.
Glue Application
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each type of glue. For PVA glue, apply a thin, even layer to one of the surfaces to be joined. It should be left to become tacky for a few minutes before the two surfaces are pressed together firmly. For styrofoam glue, the glue is applied to one surface and pressed firmly to the other surface; the glue is normally applied by means of a glue gun. Epoxy resin should be mixed in the proportions given and applied with a spatula or dual syringes. For contact cement, glue should be applied to both surfaces and allowed to become tacky before pressing firmly together.
Securing the Bond
After pressing the glued surfaces together, it is important to secure the bond without disturbance until the glue sets or cures completely. Curing times may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and depending on the type of adhesive used.
Post-Application Care
One should allow adequate time for the bond to cure without disturbance. Many glues have to stay in a low-humid environment or protected from shock, and temperature variation is recommended. Further, one should always wash any glue that drops on the hands or on other surfaces immediately before it hardens.
The following are some of the factors business owners should consider to stock up on styrofoam glues.
Bonding strength
The glue should have a strong bonding capability with styrofoam. Business owners should look for glues that create unbreakable bonds with styrofoam or form a plastic film over it. They should also ensure the glue can bond with other materials the styrofoam will be glued to.
Safe formulation
Some glues like contact cements and super glues are formulated with chemicals that can damage or dissolve styrofoam. Business owners can put this information label on the glues to help customers avoid damaging their projects. They can also stock up on glues that are safe for styrofoam and have additional formulation benefits, like being waterproof.
Application method
Glue for styrofoam can come in various forms, from hot cement to spray glues. Business owners should ensure the glues are easy to apply so they can cater to customers who are beginners or working on simple projects.
Viscosity
The glue's viscosity will affect its capability. If it's too thick, the application will be messy or difficult, yet liquidy glues can run off the glued surface before they set. Retailers should consider stocking glues with varying viscosities to cater to customers with various skills and projects.
Dry time
Generally, customers will prefer glues that dry fast enough for them to continue with their projects. However, business owners should also consider glues with longer open times, such as the ones used in detailed projects. Also, the glue should dry clear instead of leaving noticeable marks on the styrofoam.
Toxin emission
Business owners should ensure the glues they settle for emit a low amount of VOCs. Such glues are more practical since they don't pose health or safety risks to customers.Glue also comes in varied packaging. When purchasing styrofoam glue in bulk, business owners can opt for those that come in refillable containers.
According to Liquid Nail's official statement, their ready-to-use adhesive contains harmful elements to styrofoam, such as strong solvents. Therefore, when sticking two styrofoam pieces, Liquid Nails will most likely dissolve one or both, ruining the glue's purpose. Glue users should use Liquid Nails for other materials and surfaces.
Gorilla Glue manufacturers state that the glue works perfectly with dissimilar surfaces. Also, the glue expands, helping it fill in the gaps for a stronger bond with such surfaces as metal and wood. However, styrofoam isn't one of the materials Gorilla Glue manufacturers recommend using their product on. Styrofoam is porous, and Gorilla Glue will negatively affect it, as it will bond to the small pores and flare up, making the glue messy and ineffective. Glue styrofoam can work with other adhesives, for instance, super glue, which will offer a stronger grasp without expanding.
Application experts recommend several types of adhesives that work well with styrofoam. Thus, rubber cement is among the best adhesives that can be used. It does not harm its surface as it's applied on the styrofoam. Additionally, it offers a flexible bond; thus, it's best used on projects with a moving end product. Hot glue can also be used with basic styrofoam. It creates a stronger bond, especially when the foam is melted slightly to allow the glue to fuse with it better.
Glue offers a stronger and more permanent bond compared to tape has when attached to styrofoam. While tape can be a quick and easy method of temporary holding, it lacks the strength required to bind styrofoam firmly. Tape can still be useful in temporarily holding the project in place before a more permanent solution is found.
