Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey Everyone,
I've been building my own foam trays lately. I'm cutting strips of foam in rows and columns to create my own custom trays and I've been using Elmer's white glue. I'm assuming this is the PVA glue that most people recommend. However, the Glue doesn't really seem to hold the foam together that well. I glued it and let is sit overnight. It stays on fairly well, but if I pull it firmly, I can still get it to come apart.

Is this how it's supposed to be??

I just wanted to know if anyone has ever used SuperGlue or any other glues that might form a stronger bond. Am I perhaps using the wrong type of PVA glue? Is there something better out there?

I've tried Superglue and it doesn't seem to have any negative affects on the foam and seems to be holding better. Just curious what experiences other people might have.

I can tell you not to use plastic glue....but as for other glues for foam, no more nails (I don't know if you get this in the US but there is probably an equivilent) is said to be good for foam, as is gorrilla glue.

I don't know if this is the best choice, but when I made foam trays I used tacky glue. You should be able to find it at any craft/fabric store. It holds alright, I haven't tried to pull the pieces apart. But, the glue serves its purpose the pieces are stuck together and I haven't had a problem with them.

I tend to use gels for gluing everything. It gives you a nice give as well as sticking pretty instantaneously. The only problem is it might get a little messy if you are not careful with it. I use a toothpick to put it on.

Find it to work with everything you need to glue (the one I use is actually for gluing glass)

Super Glue will react with the foam, causing it to bulge and harden. While it will glue 2 pieces together, I don't think it is the best plan. The glue joint will easily chip a mini that touches is and it will not be a cushion, but a hardened area of the tray.

I suggest using PVA

Titebond wood glue works very well. I would also recommend fabric glue. You can get it at Michael's for a song.

Hot glue gun - I think the profesional companies use this (after ripping a tray apart to see what they use)


Automatically Appended Next Post:
btw Sgt Roadkill - Elmers is a trade name for PVA

I've had good luck with Elmer's spray adhesive.

The "tacky glue" mentioned is specifically designed for gluing open-cell foam like one would use in trays., I believe. I know my mom used to have a bottle laying around for upholstery. Can't speak as to the strength of the bond, though. Were I to make my own tray dividers out of strips of foam, I would cut them with notches that interlocked, so that any glue is there to strengthen a physical joint, not to provide all of the strength by itself (same concept applies to woodworking - a glued butt joint is gak, but a glued mortise and tenon... now you're in business). Besides, open-cell foam doesn't like to slide against itself. Let friction work for you.

I recommend glue gun , i do floral things so trust me on this.

Normally I'd just say check http://www.thistothat.com/ but they don't have foam.

If you're doing big flat sheets of foam (like lining the inside of the box) then you probably want to use 3M Super 77 spray adhesive. I've used it to stick carpet to the inside of road cases and it worked really well. For the internal baffles then you should probably use hotglue like LunaHound suggested. Foam is flexible, so you want an adhesive that won't crack when flexed. You could probably use rubber cement as well, but I'm not sure which would have a stronger bond.