Finding the Best EVA Foam Adhesive
Choosing the right glue for EVA Foam projects is essential to ensure a durable and strong result. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which adhesive is best suited for the job.
In this article, we will delve into Contact Cement, the top glue choice for EVA Foam, and why it stands out among the rest. Contact Cement is a robust, slightly elastic adhesive that is easy to use and provides a precise and long-lasting bond. Its strength and flexibility make it an ideal choice for EVA Foam projects, where durability and resilience are critical.
This article will explore why Contact Cement is the best glue for EVA Foam, how to use it effectively, and alternative methods for those who prefer different adhesives.
What is EVA Foam?
EVA foam, short for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate foam, is a versatile and widely used material known for its softness, flexibility, and shock-absorbing properties. It is a type of closed-cell foam made from a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.
EVA foam is popular in various industries and applications due to its advantageous characteristics. It is lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and resistant to UV radiation and chemicals. It can be easily cut, shaped, and molded into different forms, making it suitable for a range of products.
One common application of EVA foam is in the manufacturing of footwear, particularly in the production of shoe soles and insoles. The foam’s cushioning properties provide comfort and shock absorption, making it ideal for athletic shoes, sandals, and other footwear. EVA foam is also utilized in sports and recreational equipment, such as yoga mats, exercise mats, martial arts mats, and helmet liners.
Additionally, EVA foam is utilized in packaging materials, insulation, gaskets, seals, automotive parts, and even crafts and hobbies. Its availability in various colors and textures allows for creative and decorative uses, such as cosplay costumes, props, and children’s toys.
Overall, EVA foam is valued for its softness, flexibility, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice across multiple industries and applications.
Why would you need to glue EVA foam?
Gluing EVA foam is commonly done for several reasons, including:
- Bonding foam layers: EVA foam sheets are often glued together to create thicker or multi-layered foam structures. This is useful when constructing items like cosplay armor, props, or foam mats that require additional thickness or reinforcement.
- Attaching foam to other materials: EVA foam may need to be adhered to other surfaces or materials. For example, when incorporating foam into a craft project, it may need to be affixed to wood, plastic, fabric, or metal components.
- Securing foam edges: Gluing helps to join and secure the edges of EVA foam pieces to prevent them from peeling or separating over time. This is particularly important for applications where the foam may undergo stress or impact, such as in shoe soles or protective padding.
- Adding embellishments: Glue can be used to attach additional decorative elements to EVA foam, such as fabric, faux fur, or other craft materials, to enhance the appearance of the finished product.
When choosing a glue for EVA foam, it’s important to select a suitable adhesive that provides a strong bond, flexibility, and compatibility with the foam material.
Types of Glue Used with EVA Foam
Here are some types of glue that are commonly used with EVA foam:
Contact Cement:
Contact cement is a common choice for EVA foam due to its strong bonding properties. This glue works by applying it to both surfaces that are to be joined, allowing it to partially dry, and then pressing them together. It provides a flexible, waterproof bond that is perfect for foam.
Rubber Cement
Rubber cement is a type of contact cement, but not all contact cements are rubber cement. Rubber cement is clear and dries quickly, making it a good choice for EVA foam projects.
Barge Cement
Barge cement is a also a common type of contact cement. It is a solvent-based adhesive that creates a strong bond when two surfaces are pressed together. It is clear and dries quickly, making it a good choice for EVA foam projects.
Hot Glue:
Hot glue is another popular option, especially for crafting. The glue is heated in a hot glue gun and applied to the foam, then the pieces are pressed together before the glue cools and hardens.
Spray Adhesive:
Spray adhesives can cover large areas quickly and evenly. They’re ideal for laminating large sheets of foam together.
PVA Glue:
While not as strong as some other options, PVA glue is non-toxic and easy to work with. It can be a good choice for less demanding applications or for use by children.
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue):
For small, precise bonding, super glue can be used. However, it’s less flexible than other options and may not be suitable for all EVA foam applications.
Epoxy Resin:
Epoxy can be used for bonding EVA foam, but it is generally overkill for most applications. It can be messy and harder to work with, but it creates a very strong bond.
Best Glues for EVA Foam
Here is our list of the best glue products for gluing EVA foam:
Barge All Purpose Cement
This is a solvent-based contact cement that is clear and dries quickly. It is strong and durable, and it is a good choice for projects that need to be water-resistant.
UHU Strong
UHU Strong is a German-made rubber cement that is very strong and durable. It is clear and dries quickly.
Aleene’s Felt & Foam Tacky Glue
Aleene’s Felt & Foam Tacky Glue is a clear, water-based adhesive that is specifically designed for bonding felt and EVA foam. It is a non-toxic, washable glue that dries clear and creates a strong, permanent bond.
Beacon Foam-Tac
Beacon Foam-Tac adhesive is a clear, water-based contact cement that is specifically designed for bonding EVA foam. It is a non-toxic, odorless, and low-VOC adhesive that dries clear and creates a strong, permanent bond.
E6000
E6000 is a high-strength adhesive that can be used for a variety of materials, including EVA foam, metal, plastic, wood, and fabric. It is a clear, solvent-based adhesive that dries clear and creates a strong, permanent bond. E6000 is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for projects that will be exposed to the elements or that will need to withstand high temperatures.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is a high-strength adhesive that is known for its versatility and strength. It can be used for a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and EVA foam.
Gorilla Glue is a clear, moisture activated polyurethane-based adhesive that dries clear and creates a strong, permanent bond. It is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for projects that will be exposed to the elements or that will need to withstand high temperatures.
3M Super 77
3M Super 77 is a versatile spray adhesive that can be used to bond a wide variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, fabric, foam, wood, metal, and plastic.
It is a clear, fast-drying adhesive that creates a strong, permanent bond. 3M Super 77 is also water-resistant and heat-resistant, making it a good choice for craft projects that will be exposed to the elements or that will need to withstand high temperatures.
Loctite Foam Grip
Loctite Foam Grip is a clear, flexible adhesive that is designed to provide a strong, permanent bond to foam. It is a water-based adhesive that is non-toxic and easy to use.
Scotch Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive
Scotch Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive is a spray adhesive that is designed for bonding a variety of materials, including EVA foam. It dries quickly and is easy to use.
These are just a few of the many glue products that can be used for EVA foam. The best glue for your project will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
Alternative Methods for Bonding EVA Foam
Other techniques for bonding materials to EVA foam include sewing, using double-sided adhesive tape, and using hot glue for lighter fabrics.
Sewing is considered the strongest way to attach fabric to foam, as it creates a permanent bond that is more durable than any adhesive. However, sewing can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of skill, making it less practical for larger projects or those with more intricate designs.
Double-sided adhesive tape is a good alternative for lighter fabrics, as it provides a strong bond without the need for sewing or glue. It is easy to use and can be cut to size, making it ideal for smaller pieces or intricate details. However, it may not be as strong as other bonding techniques, and may not work well for heavier fabrics or materials.
Hot glue is another option for bonding fabric to foam, but it should be used with caution as it can melt or deform the foam. It is best suited for lighter fabrics and should be applied in small amounts to avoid gaps and seams.
Overall, the choice of bonding technique will depend on the specific project requirements and materials involved.
How do you glue EVA foam to EVA foam?
There are several types of glue that can be used to bond EVA foam to EVA foam, including contact cement, hot glue, PVA glue, and more. The method you use will depend on the type of glue, but generally, the process involves the following steps:
- Clean the surfaces: Make sure both pieces of EVA foam are clean and dry. This will help the glue to adhere better.
- Apply the glue: If you’re using contact cement, apply a thin layer to both pieces of foam. For hot glue, apply a bead of glue to one piece of foam. Other types of glue will have their own application methods, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wait (if necessary): If you’re using contact cement, you’ll need to wait for the glue to dry until it’s no longer wet but still tacky. Other types of glue may also require a drying time.
- Press the pieces together: Carefully align the two pieces of foam and press them together. Be sure to apply even pressure across the entire piece to ensure a good bond.
- Allow the glue to cure: Different types of glue have different curing times, so check the manufacturer’s instructions. During this time, it’s important not to disturb the foam to allow the glue to set properly.
- Finish the edges (optional): If needed, you can use a knife or a rotary tool to clean up the edges after the glue has fully cured.
Best Glue for Layering EVA Foam
When it comes to layering EVA foam, there are a few glue options that work well. The choice of glue may depend on the specific application, personal preference, and availability. Here are some commonly used adhesives for layering EVA foam:
- Contact Cement: Contact cement is a popular choice for bonding EVA foam layers. It creates a strong, flexible, and durable bond. Barge cement and rubber cement are both types of contact cement popular for use on EVA foam.
- Apply a thin, even coat of contact cement to both surfaces of your EVA foam sheets, allow it to dry, and then carefully press the layers together. Ensure proper alignment because contact cement bonds immediately upon contact, leaving little room for adjustment.
- EVA Foam Adhesive: Some manufacturers produce specialized adhesives specifically designed for bonding EVA foam. These adhesives often come in spray or brush-on form and provide excellent adhesion for foam layers. Check out these products:
- Beacon Foam-Tac
- Aleene’s Felt and Foam Tacky Glue
- Beacon Hold The Foam
Best Glue for EVA Foam Cosplay Costumes
While the EVA foam glue we recommended above will certainly work for cosplay costumes we wrote a more specific article on this topic: Best Glue for EVA Foam Cosplay
Conclusion
There are many different glues that can be used for EVA foam, but some of the best include contact cement, hot glue, and Loctite Foam Grip. Each of these glues has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the right one for your project.
By following these tips, you can choose the right glue for your EVA foam project and ensure that your project is held together with a strong and durable bond.
