White school glue, such as Elmer’s, is safe, non-toxic, and kid-friendly. It tends to be more runny and messy, however. White tacky glue, such as Eileen’s, tends to be thicker and less messy. Note that while school glue is cheap and versatile, it may not be as strong or long-lasting as more expensive specialty glues, so you may not want to use it for projects where your Styrofoam will be put under stress (like Styrofoam glider planes, etc. ). Because of its liquid form, white glue is best for attaching large blocks of Styrofoam together.
If you’re thinking of buying Styrofoam glue, check the label before making your purchase. Some Styrofoam glues may be formulated for use only on Styrofoam, while others may be suitable for gluing Styrofoam to other surfaces.
Consider testing the glue on an inconspicuous area first. If the glue does not say whether or not it is safe to use on Styrofoam, you might want to test it first. Some aerosol-based products, such as spray paint, can actually melt or dissolve Styrofoam. Because spray adhesives tend to be low-tack, it is best to use them when attaching large blocks of Styrofoam together. They are not a good idea for attaching two Stryofoam balls together, for example.
Because of their precision, hot glue guns are great for attaching small Styrofoam objects together. They are also great for Styrofoam balls. Though the fumes that result from burning Styrofoam aren’t likely to immediately hurt you, they’re not something to treat lightly, as they can contain a variety of toxic chemicals. These include styrene and benzene, suspected carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
For instance, rubber cement, a fairly strong, flexible adhesive, often contains both alcohol and acetone. Acetone, the active ingredient in nail polish remover, can dissolve many types of plastics, making it a poor choice for Styrofoam. However, some non-acetone rubber cements may be suitable for Styrofoam use.
If you’re gluing to an especially “gappy” surface (like a rough piece of wood with lots of surface imperfections), the effective hold of your glue may be reduced. [3] X Research source In this case, you may want to try sanding to make the surface smoother and more regular—try using 200 grit or higher sandpaper.
If you are working with a very large piece of Styrofoam, consider pouring the glue into a tray, and applying the glue with a paintbrush. This will ensure that the glue goes on quickly and evenly, which prevents any sections of glue from drying while others are still being applied. If you are working with small pieces, consider using white tacky glue or a hot glue gun. If you are using a hot glue gun, plan to work quickly. The glue will set and harden within minutes. Consider reinforcing Styrofoam balls with toothpicks. If you are going to glue two Stryofoam balls together, you might want to stick a toothpick into one of them. This will help “hold” the two balls together. Round objects have far less surface area than flat objects, after all.
For extra hold, you may want to apply a little extra glue around the edges of your Styrofoam where it meets your other surface. Don’t use any more than necessary to make a thin line or seam—this will prolong the drying process.
Hot glue will set up faster when it is colder. Some glues will need more time to set, especially if it is very cold or humid.
