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Gluing closed cell foam

JackOfDiamonds

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Idaho (USA)
I have a cloth lunchbox and I want to take sheets of closed cell foam to make custom compartments inside.

Is there a type of glue that works well?
 
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bradleydavidgood

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I would not put glue with your food just keep it loose in there and it's not going to stick well anyway with the condensation
 
OP
J

JackOfDiamonds

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It's not going to be used for food. I'm going to store expensive optics in it.

I never transport expensive things in a bag that looks like a bag of expensive things. Always use a lunchbox, tackle box or diaper bag.
 

Firstram

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If you’re talking about blue foam sheets, West Systems epoxy is my go to. You can also lay it out in slices/layers and wrap the outside of the stack with duct tape.

Some dimensions and info about the product would help.
 

theoldwizard1

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If you’re talking about blue foam sheets, West Systems epoxy is my go to. You can also lay it out in slices/layers and wrap the outside of the stack with duct tape.
Sounds like you have down this before !

I would be concerned that the heat from the epoxy curing would cause the foam to melt.
 

Firstram

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Sounds like you have down this before !

I would be concerned that the heat from the epoxy curing would cause the foam to melt.
Don’t mix it that hot! Don’t forget to peel the plastic off of the foam before gluing it.
 

AEAdam

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Yeah, I’d think a polyurethane is what I’d use. Epoxy is too rigid and may crack. There are several different polyurethane glues on the market. Most but not all foam up. Gorilla glue would work, but so would low expanding foam insulation. I think gorilla glue is the right answer for this application. Be sure to make a sample and test it.
 

Beerhippie

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Far NE Oregon
For flexible foam--like Armaflex or neoprene--I use contact cement. I apply a LOT of this stuff around the brewery and it holds well and long.

Armaflex sells a special adhesive for their closed-cell foam insulation. I bought some. It's contact cement.

I use DAP Weldwood brand contact cement from the hardware store.
 
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y'sguy

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Tulsa, Oklahoma
You can also check into 3m style soft and thick dimension double stick tape. You can also support it further with straight pins, just like a nail.
 

olsenmotorsports

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Apr 13, 2013
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Chicago, IL
We use Landau Top adhesive on foam in our space. Works great. Little smelly but it will last for years.

We use it on the roofs of cars for foam as well as sound deadening. That is one of the hottest areas of the car and sticks amazing as long as it is applied as instructed.

Hope this helps.
 

seber

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We use Landau Top adhesive on foam in our space. Works great. Little smelly but it will last for years.

We use it on the roofs of cars for foam as well as sound deadening. That is one of the hottest areas of the car and sticks amazing as long as it is applied as instructed.

Hope this helps.
That's just contact cement in a spray can.
 

olsenmotorsports

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That's just contact cement in a spray can.

Kind of. But not really. It’s specific to upholstery style which is perfect for OP’s application.

We used to use the spray can contact cement. The upholstery grade stuff in our testing has been far superior.
 

Firebrick43

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West central Indiana
Sounds like you have down this before !

I would be concerned that the heat from the epoxy curing would cause the foam to melt.
Epoxy curing will not cause the foam to melt. It works very well for XPS foam and would be my choice.

Lots of people(and I) cut and shape xps foam and then use epoxy to not only glue but slather it all over and fiberglass it without issues

In fact I would suggest to use a layer of two of 2oz fiber glass to fiberglass the outside, it will strengthen it immensely.

It will not cause an issue with the glue joints being to brittle. The glue or it’s bond will not fail if you lightly sand the xps, the XPs itself will break aside of the joint.
 

no704

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Or just get a block of tear out foam like found in a pelican case.
 
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