Question-glue for styofoam?

[signtist]

What glue works for laminating cheap styrofoam?
I've been told that woodworkers glue, but it takes forever to dry.
I'll be doing things like 3-D carving with slices for thicker pieces.
Then I'll hardcoat with thinned down epoxy. thanks!

[joe]

John,

We use "Great Stuff" which you can buy at most hardware stores. It' nothing more than HDU in a can. Epoxy works good but takes time.

How do you plan to thin the epoxy?

[signtist]

Joe, I was told to thin down with acetone.
Or I was also told to use "Apoxie".

[joe]

John,

Aren't you concerned the Acetone will disolve your foam?

[signtist]

Maybe....haven't tried it yet!
I'm thinking about PB hard coat too.
What else ya got!

[Gary Campbell]

John...
All solvents that you can add to epoxy will melt styrofoam. You can use a slow "hardener" (part B) and use heat to thin the epoxy. This results in a full stength, but thinner applied product.

Many manufacturers recommend Xylol (Xylene) to thin epoxy, although acetone, lacquer thinner and alcohol will work. Alcohol results in the weakest mix of the bunch.

You can also purchase what boatbuilders call laminating epoxy. It is a reduced viscosity product formulated to penetrate wood, rather than provide a high build coat.
Gary

[kenz]

I use 3M Super 77 spray adhesive. It will melt styrofoam if you use a lot, but you don't need to. The trick is to spray it from about 2 feet away. This way the solvents evaporate in the air and only the adhesive hits your part. The bond is instant, and very tenacious.