Glue for polystyrene

[AlanG]

Just a quick question to the masses.

Is PVA ok for gluing bits of polystyrene together? Or do i need to use a more specific glue (cheaper the better).

[Tim Marlow]

Not really PVA Alan, it won’t hold. It’s designed to lock into the surface and make a mechanical bond, but plastic like PVA isn’t porous enough to let it lock on. Model cement is best for polystyrene. It welds the surfaces together.

[yak face]

Do you mean expanded polystyrene al ,the white ball type stuff ? If so then pva wont really give much of a bond . The main problem is finding something thats sticky enough but not with any form of solvent as it just melts it. I think in the past ive stuck bits together with the water based ‘No nails’ type stuff , you can get it in poundland .

[Tim Marlow]

Good point Tony, never thought of that. You can stick expanded polystyrene with PVA, but you need to pin it or put weight on it while it dries overnight. Cocktail sticks work well for pinning.

[Airborne01]

I think PVA has no 'strength' in terms of larger scale bonding requirements for most plastics - however (if you roughen the mating faces as required) it can be useful for smaller, non-load bearing, surfaces such as placards or other material like 'foliage'. PS Also great for 'scabby skin' at Halloween! Useful for temporary placement of 'stuff' when planning layouts as well!
Steve

[AlanG]

Do you mean expanded polystyrene al ,the white ball type stuff ?

Yes that's the one

[Jim R]

Hi Alan
How about that stuff used to stick up polystyrene coving. Easily obtainable, cheap and can be painted over.
Jim

[JR]

What about UHU, I use both types for gluing Foamboard.

Hopefully Neal will see this and say.

[Guest]

I’d go with generic glue, the clear type that’s usually sold in squeeze bottles for glueing paper, cardboard, plastic and sundry materials, and stinks pretty badly. It works fine on this kind of foam, and much better than PVA in my experience.

[AlanG]

Cheers guys. I'll have a look about

[Tim Marlow]

For some applications double sided tape works as well Alan. It depends upon the use you will make of the expanded polystyrene once it’s stuck together.