Varieties of glue for foam and the rules for its use

Foam rubber is a popular finishing material in demand in many industries. It is used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture and packaging, for insulation and soundproofing of the room, in the decoration of automobile interiors. The porous structure of this material creates some bonding difficulties that can be avoided if you use specialized foam rubber glue and follow the sequence of work exactly.

The composition of the adhesive

Regardless of the nature of the work, whether gluing foam sheets together or sticking to wood, plywood, plastic, metal, an adhesive should provide a reliable, durable connection.

Contact adhesives containing synthetic rubber and solvent have been specially developed for cellular polyurethane foams. Products with a neoprene, polyurethane or styrene butadiene base are optimal for working with this material. Many manufacturers add components to the product composition that increase adhesion and improve other properties of the adhesive.

In addition, the adhesive for foam may have a water base. This composition is safe, odorless and does not emit toxic elements, since it does not contain volatile substances in the form of a solvent, therefore it is often used in the manufacture of furniture. It can be one-component or two-component, it is highly economical.

Glue requirements

Answering the question of how to glue foam rubber, professionals argue that toluene and its analogues should not be present in the composition of the adhesive. This toxic substance, successfully used in the manufacture of other adhesive compositions, is absolutely not suitable for bonding porous polyurethane foam.

But in addition to safety, there are other requirements for glue for foam.

• When choosing glue, you need to pay attention to its consistency. The adhesive must be thick and viscous. Very liquid glue quickly absorbs into the porous surface and cannot create a strong bond.
• The time interval between the application of glue on the surface and the start of gluing coatings (gumming time) should be at least two minutes. This is very important when joining surfaces with large areas.
• The color of the composition is important. It is better if it does not differ much from the color of cellular polyurethane foam, then the seam will be neat and almost invisible.
• For bonding large surfaces it is more convenient to use a spray. Aerosol is easily sprayed on the surface, allowing you to deliver the product to the most inaccessible places. The structure of the spray is selected so that the adhesive does not penetrate deep into the pores of the material, but remains on its surface, forming a thin film. Usually a standard cylinder is enough for 5 square meters. m surface.
• When deciding how to glue foam rubber with glue, you need to ask about the percentage of solids. The higher the percentage, the less adhesive shrinkage and the better all other characteristics. In bicomponent polyurethane compositions, the dry solids are 100%, so these adhesives are ideal for bonding cellular material.

Release forms and brands

There are several compositions that allow you to create a strong and durable connection of foam sheets with each other or with any other material. The most popular and sought after buyers are the following.

• "Rapid-100". Rapid-100 adhesive does not contain flammable solvents, therefore it does not ignite and does not emit toxic substances. Allows you to create an elastic seam, very tear resistant. It is used in the furniture industry to connect pieces of foam rubber with each other.
• «88». The adhesive for foam "88" is convenient to use, as it is sold ready-made. Provides a reliable elastic joint that is resistant to low temperatures. It is used for the manufacture of furniture and in other works when it is necessary to glue pieces of large sizes or to combine foam rubber and fabric.
• Olimpur. Olimpur spray adhesive has a water base. The composition does not exude an unpleasant odor and quickly sets. With this tool, foam can be glued to plywood, drywall or plastered surfaces.
• Saba. Glue of this brand is available in cylinders, for its use it is necessary to purchase a special gun. The composition is resistant to high temperatures, a long solidification period, and high adhesion.
• "Foam rubber-2." A very popular furniture glue that allows you to glue pieces of polyurethane foam both among themselves and with other materials, in particular wood, plastic, metal, fabric, leather. The adhesive is based on synthetic rubber.

Self-adhesive foam is used in the manufacture of hats and interior items. It is a tape, one side of which is covered with adhesive.

How to use glue?

When gluing foam rubber, the adhesive is applied to both surfaces using a brush, roller or a special glue gun. In the latter case, the glue consumption is significantly reduced and is only 70 g per square meter.

Important!

Bonding of foam rubber should be carried out at an air temperature of at least 15 ° C, and the surfaces must first be cleaned of grease and dirt.

For each glue, the manufacturer attaches an instruction that indicates the features of the application of a particular composition. But basically the rules for working with glue for foam rubber are the same.

1. After cleaning the glued surfaces from dust and small debris, foam glue is applied to them so that a 3-5 mm thick film is formed.
2. Leave to dry for 10 minutes.
3. Apply a second layer and wait 3 minutes, after which the surfaces are joined and pressed together.

When working with “88” or “BF-6”, before applying the first adhesive layer, the surfaces of the materials are moistened with water.

How to glue foam rubber on plywood with your own hands?

For gluing cellular polyurethane foam to a tree or plywood, it is better to use a glue gun, which will allow you to neatly and economically spray the composition in those places where it is necessary.

The first thing they do is cut out the details and refuel the gun. Glue is applied to the surface of both foam rubber and plywood. Wait for the time specified in the instructions, connect the parts and tightly squeeze together. If necessary, the future product can be put under the press. If all the actions are performed correctly, you get a durable elastic seam.

Important!

Do not allow glue particles to enter the mucous membranes and respiratory organs, and also work near an open flame source.

The latest technologies allow the development of highly effective adhesives, which allow creating reliable and durable adhesion of foam rubber to various materials. The main thing is to follow the advice of specialists and choose high-quality glue.