How to Paste Styrofoam: 11 Steps (with Images)

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How to Paste Styrofoam: 11 Steps (with Images)
How to Paste Styrofoam: 11 Steps (with Images)

Video: How to Paste Styrofoam: 11 Steps (with Images)

Video: How to Paste Styrofoam: 11 Steps (with Images)
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Styrofoam, that white and delicate material, widely used in thermal insulation and product packaging, can also play an important role in craftsmanship. Whether for a school or personal project, knowing how to glue Styrofoam to other surfaces (including Styrofoam) will give your work greater quality and strength (at least as much strength as an object made of Styrofoam can have). Start reading the steps below to learn more!

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Table of Suitable Styrofoam Adhesives

While common glue works well for bonding Styrofoam to other surfaces, specialized glues can create greater adhesion. See the table below to find out which glues are the most suitable for joining Styrofoam to the various materials commonly used in crafts.

Recommended Types of Glue for Bonding Styrofoam to Common Materials

Paper Tissue wood Metal Glass Polystyrene
Universal glue (or super glue - eg Super Bonder), adhesive spray, hot glue Universal glue, adhesive spray, hot glue Polyurethane adhesive, hot glue, contact cement Metal epoxy, common epoxy, hot glue Epoxy, universal glue, adhesive spray Universal glue, adhesive spray, contact cement

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right glue

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Step 1. Use white glue (eg Glue Tenaz) for quick, simple or informal projects

This is the easiest option. Although it serves several uses, this substance works best for the union between Styrofoam and cardboard, cardboard or wood. Other advantages that make white glue an excellent resource for quick jobs are low cost and availability.

Keep in mind that, despite being cheap and versatile, white glue will not create a bond as strong or as long-lasting as that which can be produced by more expensive and specialized glues, which makes them the most recommended for projects that require greater strength (such as Styrofoam planes)

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Step 2. Use Styrofoam glue

Believe it or not, there are products designed primarily for gluing Styrofoam. Although cheap, this material can be a little harder to find than white glue. Look for it in building supply or craft stores.

Read the label before purchasing Styrofoam glue - some brands only serve to glue Styrofoam pieces together; others, however, are capable of sticking Styrofoam to different surfaces

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Step 3. Use adhesive spray

This variety of glue (each can can be purchased for less than R$30.00 at hardware stores) allows you to glue Styrofoam quickly and conveniently. Since such an adhesive is designed to glue foam (and derived materials) to various surfaces, it should serve to make the union between Styrofoam (which is a foam formed from polystyrene) and metal, plastic, paper, cardboard or wood.

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Step 4. Use low temperature hot glue guns

Hot glue can work to add Styrofoam to different surfaces (paper, cardboard, wood, etc.), however, the lower the temperature, the better. Very high temperatures can cause Styrofoam to burn or melt - and such processes can release toxic gases.

Although it is unlikely that the fumes given off by the Styrofoam will cause any symptoms immediately after inhalation, you should not underestimate it. Among the toxic materials that compose it are styrene and benzene, which can be carcinogens

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Step 5. Do not use any glue for specific materials other than Styrofoam

Wood glues, fabric glues, construction epoxies, and other types of adhesives can be used to glue Styrofoam together, but if they work, they will likely perform worse than regular white glue, making these materials a waste of money. Also, some types of glue can dissolve Styrofoam and other types of plastic (learn more below).

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Step 6. Never use plastic solvent-based glue

Because it's such a light and fragile material, it's easy to forget that Styrofoam is a type of plastic - more specifically, a plastic mixed with air, which results in a lightweight foam. This being the composition of styrofoam, avoid any solvent-based plastic material - such substances can liquefy the styrofoam and ruin your work.

Rubber cement, a tough, flexible adhesive, usually contains alcohol and acetone. The latter is the active ingredient in nail polish removers and can dissolve many varieties of plastic, making it a poor choice for working with Styrofoam. Some brands, however, produce acetone-free rubber cement that can be used with this material

Part 3 of 3: Applying the Glue

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Step 1. Clean and prepare both surfaces

Once you've chosen the type of glue, comes the easy part, as handling the styrofoam is relatively simple: all you have to do is spread the glue on the surface where the joint will be made, join the two parts and wait let the glue dry. Before gluing, however, it is recommended that you use a dry cloth to clean the surface of both pieces you are going to work with. With this precaution, you will eliminate dust and debris that can diminish the glue's effectiveness and, therefore, the quality of your work.

If you are going to glue the Styrofoam piece to a "rough" surface (such as a piece of wood with irregularities and imperfections) the durability of the joint may be reduced. In this case, it's a good idea to make the surface smoother and more even - try using 200 grit sandpaper or larger

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Step 2. Apply the glue

Once both parts are prepared, apply a thin, even layer of glue across the entire surface, which will increase the strength of the bond between the two parts. If you prefer a more fragile joint, draw dots or lines with the glue.

If the area of Styrofoam you are going to work with is very large, it might be better to pour the glue into a tray and spread it across the surface with a brush. This will allow you to spread an extensive, even layer of glue quickly, which helps to prevent it from starting to dry while it is still being applied

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Step 3. Join the Styrofoam to the other piece

Once you are done, press the surface of the Styrofoam against the surface of the other material. Use a gentle but firm movement to ensure as much contact area as possible. Drying time varies from glue to glue, but you'll have about a minute to slide the styrofoam freely - use it to make final adjustments and to get the piece in the desired position.

To increase adhesion, apply an extra layer of glue to the edges of the Styrofoam surface that will come into contact with the other piece. Draw just a straight or zigzag line so that the drying process is not too long

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Step 4. Wait for drying to complete

Now you just have to wait! The time (which will vary between a few minutes and a few hours) will depend on the size of the contact area, the type and amount of glue you have used. Do not touch the pieces during the drying process, or it may be necessary to reapply the glue and put the pieces together again. If necessary, use some heavy object (books, boxes, etc.) to increase the pressure between the two parts during drying.

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Step 5. Be aware of the fragility of Styrofoam

Most of the gluing methods described in this article are resistant and once the glue is dry it doesn't usually fall apart. The same cannot be said of Styrofoam, which is an extremely delicate material; remember to handle it with care even after drying - a light impact against a wall or a corner is enough for the styrofoam to break or crumble, whether it is glued to another material or not.

Tips

  • If a piece of Styrofoam comes loose from the surface it was glued to, discard it and use a new piece. When a layer of Styrofoam glue is applied over a layer of dry glue, its adhesion decreases, which will weaken the bond between the Styrofoam and the material to which it is to be glued.
  • If you are gluing two pieces of Styrofoam together and it takes longer to dry than expected, cross the contact area with toothpicks to keep the two pieces from moving. It is possible to use a hair dryer set to the lowest temperature to speed up the drying of the glue.

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