Enter the foam zone

How to glue foam together: A guide for every DIYer!

Learn how to glue foam together with our simple, step-by-step directions. You’ll find expert tips and information on how to choose the best glue to use on foam.

How to glue foam together: The basics

Foam is one of the most versatile and widely used materials for construction, home furnishings, automotives, and many other applications. Here are just a few of the most common uses:

  • construction insulation
  • furniture padding and cushions
  • signage and displays for businesses
  • presentation boards for school or work
  • sound proofing
  • models and sculpting

With so many varieties of foam, you need to know what type of glue to use on each kind of foam. Foam adhesives generally fall into three categories:

  • construction adhesive
  • contact cement
  • spray adhesive
  • general-purpose glue

High-tech insulation: How to glue foam boards together

Foam insulation panels offer a high R-value and are lightweight, making them an ideal building insulation. For most applications, the best way to glue foam boards together is with construction adhesive.

Here are the basic steps for installing foam insulation:

  1. Cut the insulation board to size and test the fit before applying glue.
  2. Use a quality construction adhesive and apply lines of glue to the back of the insulation board. These should be about 25cm apart. Do not apply adhesive too close to the edge unless you are bonding the edge of the board to adjacent material.
  3. Press the board into place. Secure it until the glue sets with screws, tape, or a heavy object.

Furniture cushions: How to glue foam sheets together

Restoring an old piece of furniture or auto seat? The best way to glue foam sheets together is with spray adhesive (preferred) or contact cement. Here are the steps:

  1. Measure the dimensions of the area to be covered with foam or make a template.
  2. Cut the foam to size.
  3. Connect the foam sections: spray adhesive on the sides of the foam sheets you want to join. Once the glue has become tacky, press the pieces together and allow them to dry.

How to create a cushion cover:

  1. Measure and cut the fabric, leaving plenty of extra fabric to wrap around the bottom of the cushion.
  2. Place the foam piece on top of the fabric and wrap the foam like a present.
  3. Pre-fit the fabric before applying adhesive.
  4. Apply spray adhesive to the underside of the fabric and the foam surface. 
  5. Wrap the fabric into place and smooth it out. Ensure there are no wrinkles.
  6. Allow the glue to dry. Use tape or a weight to keep light pressure on the cushion until dry.

How to glue foam: Choosing the right glue

Apart from the examples above, there are many other products made from foam of various types. The best way to glue foam together will depend on several factors.

In general, construction adhesive or an all-purpose glue is often best for rigid applications where flexibility is not an issue. Contact adhesives, spray adhesives, or fabric adhesives will remain flexible and hold up under normal use. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a glue to use on foam.

Need to make a quick repair to furniture fabric? You’ll love Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive. This easy-to-use clear liquid is perfect for repairing seat cushion covers, vinyl upholstery, mattresses, and more. It dries transparent and will not get brittle with age. It’s also waterproof, so it can be used for exterior applications. Note: this product is not recommended for foam rubber.

Loctite Extreme Gel is another great option for DIY repairs, including Styrofoam repairs. It’s super durable as well as water and UV-resistant—this glue can mend almost anything! Its revolutionary Flextec formula means it stays flexible and is resistant to impact, vibration, and stress. The high-viscosity gel can fill gaps without dripping or running and stands up to moisture, temperature extremes, and other harsh conditions.

Ready to begin your project?

Stop by the Loctite products page to find a wide selection of adhesives for almost any material.
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