Foam is one of the easiest materials to work with because it is lightweight. Unlike heavier materials, foam usually doesn’t need a long clamping time, and most glues will work very well.

However, that doesn’t mean every glue will do the job equally well.

Depending on the texture of the foam and other materials you’re using, as well as the surface and weight of your materials, you’ll have to choose a glue that’s both compatible and strong enough.

But don’t worry! In this article, I’ll put together a list of great foam glue options for any situation.

Suitable Glues for Foam

There are lots of glues on the market for every material imaginable. If you’re considering buying foam adhesive, you’ll be happy to learn that almost any type of adhesive works on this material.

Foam is versatile. You can use contact adhesives, Styrofoam glue, carpenters glue, wood glue, two-part epoxies, and many more.

To narrow down your options, you might want to consider the following types of glue. These should work well to bond foam to most materials.

Super Glue

Super glue is a great option for small fixes or DYI projects, and it works well even for heavier-weight materials.

However, this foam adhesive is strong and can melt through foam or plastic. You might want to avoid using super glue for surface repairs.

Another downside is that this type of foam adhesive is heat-sensitive. Many super types of glue are also not waterproof.

Hot Glue

Hot glue is a great option for DYI art and any craft project. It dries fast and clear, although it doesn’t hold the strongest. Therefore, it’s best used for low-weight materials.

Despite its name, hot glue works great for bonding foam to foam and other materials, perhaps except for thin, heat-sensitive plastics.

It’s usually not hot enough to melt through the foam, so you can also use it for surface applications.

Polyurethane Adhesive

Polyurethane adhesive is highly versatile and suitable for all materials, including foam, foam board, plastic, wood, rubber, stone, leather, and metal.

It works equally well on porous and non-porous surfaces.

Depending on the formulation, this adhesive can dry with either a flexible or rigid hold without compromising the strength of the bond.

Remember that polyurethane uses heat to cure, although you don’t need any special lamp to do the job. Even room temperature is enough to kickstart the curing process.

Best 8 Glues for Foam & Foam Board

Read my recommendations for the best glue for foam.

1. 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive

The 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive is an industrial-grade silicone-based glue designed for easy, mess-free application.

Thanks to its spray form, you can apply this glue in thin layers over wide areas.

This adhesive is suitable for a broad range of low-weight materials, including foam & foam board, and it has a short drying time while still allowing for easy repositioning.

It doesn’t soak into soft or porous materials so that it won’t ruin the appearance or texture of the foam.

On top of its fast and permanent bond, this glue also dries clear water and is shock-resistant.

The only downsides to this product are the powerful smell and poor hold with heavy-weight materials.

2. Loctite PL 300 Latex Construction Adhesive

This is another glue that works great for wide applications. The Loctite PL 300 Latex Construction Adhesive requires you to use a caulking gun, so it’s best to use it for larger foam panels and other heavy-weight materials.

The great thing about this adhesive is that it allows you to bond large pieces of foam to any surface.

This glue works great to fill in small gaps; it’s heat-resistant and 100% waterproof.

You can therefore use it for both indoor as well as outdoor applications.

The quick-drying and powerful bond makes this adhesive a reliable tool in complex household projects and renovation work.

This is also a great option if you are looking for glue for rubber to metal.

3. Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant

This silicone-based glue has an incredibly fast drying time of around 15 seconds, and it’s also waterproof and shock-resistant.

The glue comes in a viscous, gel-like, non-runny consistency thanks to its formulation. Therefore, it’s easy to apply and control.

This glue’s powerful hold allows you to use smaller quantities of the product without compromising on great results.

This adhesive also dries clear and rigid without becoming brittle.

The Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant has a quick-acting, powerful, and permanent hold, so there’s little room for error.

Once the adhesive sticks, you can no longer move the materials around.

Another potential problem is that this glue might soak into the foam if applied in large quantities.

Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant is perfect if you need glue for patching gas tanks.

4. Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive

The Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive has a flexible hold which allows you to bend the materials without cracking the glue once dry.

It has a tight, durable hold, and it’s also waterproof, shock-resistant, and has a high melting point.

As a result, it’s a perfect candidate for a wide array of indoor and outdoor projects.

The glue comes out in a gel-like consistency. This, together with the included control tip, results in easy control.

The adhesive doesn’t run or drip, and it dries clear. You can use it for surface details as well as any other type of application.

This adhesive is suitable for many types of foam and other materials such as glass, fabric, vinyl, metal, and plastic.

You can use it to bond, mend, seal, repair, or secure foam and other materials.

Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive can also be used as glue for magnets.

5. Bob Smith Industries BSI-142 Clear Foam-Cure

This glue is specially designed to be compatible with all types of foam. It comes in a large bottle, so you get a large quantity of product to last a long time.

It’s not as strong as silicone glues and might take hours to dry completely. But it’s non-runny and perfect for lightweight foam bonding.

This adhesive has a gentle formula and thin yet non-runny consistency.

You can apply it in a thin layer and dries clit ear with a durable hold. This glue is also water and vibration-resistant.

It has a weak smell and also remains somewhat tacky when dry.

6. Aleene’s Felt and Foam Tacky Glue

Aleene’s Felt and Foam Tacky Glue is another silicone-based glue with a strong hold and a short drying time.

This adhesive is specially formulated for felt and foam, and it works great on many other surfaces, both porous and non-porous.

It has a thick consistency that prevents soaking and dries in as little as 15-20 seconds.

Thanks to its formula, this glue is easy to control as it doesn’t drip or slide.

This adhesive also dries clear, so you won’t have to worry about any inaesthetic white glue stains.

This glue could be tacky when dry, depending on the quantity applied and material adherence.

This could become a problem if you use the glue for visible details, so it’s best to save this one for the hidden surfaces.

7. Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue

The Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue is a medium viscosity, flexible adhesive with a permanent hold.

It’s suitable for all foam types and other dissimilar materials, including stone, wood, ceramics, metal, glass, and more.

This glue is highly versatile, waterproof, shock and temperature resistant, sandable and paintable to boot.

Thanks to its consistency and grey color when wet, this glue is incredibly easy to apply and control.

When dry, the glue turns completely clear and bonds the surface tightly.

Remember that this adhesive has a medium viscosity, which means it could easily drip or run and absorbs and expands into soft or porous surfaces.

This glue also requires a rather long clamping time of up to 2 hours for optimal results.

Gorilla Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue is a great option if you are looking for glue for balsa wood.

8. FloraCraft Non-Toxic Foam Glue

The FloraCraft Non-Toxic Foam Glue, as the name suggests, is a non-toxic glue suitable for various types of foam, especially non-porous ones like Styrofoam.

This glue is water-based and a clean, scent-free alternative to other foam glues on the market.

This glue has a high viscosity and comes with a non-clog tip, making it easy to apply and control.

The product comes out white and dries clear, forming an adhesive bond. This glue isn’t as strong or flexible as the other options on the list,

being better suited for lightweight materials and small arts and crafts projects.

Tips for Using Foam Glue

Foam is one of the easiest materials to work with, given its lightweight and versatility.

As with any other material, half the job involves choosing the right adhesive for your project.

However, once you get that part down, there are some extra things to consider for optimal results.

Always ensure that the foam material you’re using is clean. Even a thin layer of dirt or dust can interfere with your glue’s work by lowering its adhesive power.

If you must use a damp cloth to clean the material, always wait until the surface is completely dry before applying any glue.

You should apply glue to just one of the surfaces you’re trying to glue together. If you’re using a strong-bond adhesive, just a thin layer of the product should be enough.

Make sure they thoroughly read the instructions on the glue you’re using. Clamping time might differ depending on brand and product.

Wrap Up

Foam is a multi-purpose material used in household renovations, clothing and costuming arts and crafts projects, and many more domains.

Luckily, it’s also compatible with multiple types of glue, so you have many options to choose from.

Whether you need instant-bonding, slow-drying, flexible, or tacky glue, we’ve included plenty of options for all your foam glue needs.

Always check the instructions on the label to ensure that the glue you’re buying works for the specific type of foam you’re using.