How to Glue Plastic Sheeting to Foam

Regular glue doesn't work very well in gluing plastic to foam.

Gluing plastic sheeting to foam is useful for creating models, science projects and Halloween costumes. Adhering these two materials together can be a challenge, as hot glue guns can melt both materials, adhesive sprays don't hold for very long, common craft glues can create a bumpy surface, and foam has nooks and crannies that can trap liquid glues below the surface. Using a thick, smooth glue like contact cement, however, can preserve the smoothness of the plastic surface and provide the adhesive strength needed to glue plastic sheeting to foam.

Things You'll Need

• Contact cement
• Brush
• Clamps or staples

Instructions

1. Place your foam so that it curls up, if you are working with a thin sheet of foam. The edges of the foam should be higher than the center. If the edges are lower than the center, it could cause your plastic to separate from the foam.

2. Coat the plastic sheeting and foam completely with contact cement.

3. Press the plastic and foam firmly together.

4. Secure your plastic and foam with staples or clamps. Remove the clamps when dry.

References

• Bizarre Stuff: Foam Core Hovercraft