Adhesives
A list and source directory for various types of non-tape adhesives viable for use when making implements for foam fighting sports.
Last updated
A list and source directory for various types of non-tape adhesives viable for use when making implements for foam fighting sports.
Last updated
There are a myriad of adhesives that are effective and popular for foamsmithing purposes. DAP and Gorilla Glue are popular go-tos for many foamsmiths, but there are other options that can be just as easy to find, are easier to work with, and work just as well if not better. Below is a brief overview of some of the more prolific options, followed by more in-depth exploration of both those and other options.
Heat Gun & Heat-Adhesion
Process takes skill and patience.
Best foam to foam connection possible.
Uses electricity rather than actual adhesives.
Double-Sided Carpet Tape*
Easy to apply.
"Cures instantly".
Great for repairs, stab tips, guards/crosspieces, getting other tape to stick better, and for securing handle wraps.
You could build an entire weapon with this as the only 'adhesive'.
Depending on the use, it is not as long lasting as actual adhesives.
Should be used selectively.
DAP Weldwood Contact Cement
Easy to apply too little or too much.
Cures very slowly.
Strong adhesive, effective for all purposes.
Weakens connection of tape adhesive if it gets on the tape.
Prone to spilling and spoiling, easy to get debris in the pan.
Requires disposable brushes to apply well.
A reliable, but overall cumbersome and inefficient choice.
Super 77 Spray Adhesive
Easy to apply.
Sets and cures quickly.
Strong adhesive, effective for all purposes.
A light spray of this will help support tape adhere better to a surface.
Best all around adhesive for both effectiveness, ease of use, price, and availability.
Gorilla Glue
Can be messy to apply.
Cures slowly.
Generally only useful for foam to core.
Expands when curing.
Easy to use too much.
Adds a lot of weight.
Better options exist.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Flooring Adhesive
Easy to apply.
Comes in squeeze tubes and caulking tubes.
Very effective for foam to core, resists shearing forces well and doesn't delaminate as easily as DAP.
Hot Glue
Easy to apply.
Sets very quickly.
Excellent for foam to core, but only for crosspieces and pommels.
2-Ton Epoxy
Relatively easy to apply.
Sets and cures relatively quickly.
Hands down the most overkill option that still makes sense to use for foam to core, but only for crosspieces and pommels.
*Covered more in-depth on Tape page.
Ease of Use
Good
Foam to Foam
Amazing
Melting foam to foam is the strongest connection you can make and also does not add weight. Heat guns can be found at almost any hardware store or tool supplier.
There are many contact cements on the market, but you aren't liable to find one that hits the combined price/availability/effectiveness mark that DAP does.
Ease of Use
Poor
Foam to Core
Great
Foam to Foam
Great
Strong adhesive, easy to both apply too little and too much, dries and cures slowly, is heavy, messy, easy to spill, can easily go bad if the can is not sealed, and carries a constant risk of getting debris in the can. DAP is often seen as the go-to adhesive for making foam fighting implements, and it is very effective, but there are better, easier to work with, options available.
DAP Weldwood Contact Cement
Menards
DAP Weldwood Contact Cement
Walmart
DAP Weldwood Contact Cement
Amazon
Ease of Use
Excellent
Foam to Core
Great
Foam to Foam
Excellent
Tape to Foam
Amazing
There are a lot of spray adhesives out there. Loctite, Gorilla, and Scotch all have acceptable offerings, and Hi-Strength 90 is technically a higher grade adhesive, but 3M's Super 77 strikes the best balance for cost and effectiveness and is the best overall pick for adhesives that are able to be easily sourced.
Very tacky, with a set time that gives you ample opportunity to make sure that pieces are well positioned and in solid contact. Can expect surfaces to stick together well within 10-20 seconds of application and to cure within half an hour. Does not soak into materials as readily as DAP, leading to far less adhesive being needed to coat a surface. 3M markets Super 77 for bonding foil, foam, paper, metal, plastic, fabric, cardboard, and insulation.
A stronger adhesive with a slightly wider range of applications than Super 77. This will hands down give a better bond than Super 77 and is recommended for instances where you see Super 77 not being sufficient. There is a difference in usage though: while it is already a best-practice to only use adhesives, especially spray adhesives, in a well ventilated environment, Hi-Strength 90 is one that releases harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when used and curing; these shouldn't be an issue and it should both stop off-gassing, and thus no longer having the strong smell, after a day or two. Because of these extra concerns, I would not recommend this as a general replacement for Super 77.
3M Super 77
Lowes
3M Super 77
Walmart
3M Super 77
Amazon
Ease of Use
Great
Foam to Core
Excellent
Only worthwhile for pommels and crosspieces. Effective for creating a strong connection to the core that could be removed or reworked later. The hot glue melts the foam and creates a stronger connection. Make sure you are getting glue sticks that are for the temperature range of your glue gun and that are of the appropriate diameter.
Hot Glue Sticks
Menards
Hot Glue Gun
Menards
Hot Glue Sticks
Walmart
Hot Glue Gun
Walmart
Hot Glue Sticks
Amazon
Hot Glue Gun w/ Sticks
Amazon
Ease of Use
Poor
Foam to Core
Excellent
Foam to Foam
Great
Content
Gorilla Glue
Menards
Gorilla Glue
Walmart
Gorilla Glue
Amazon
Ease of Use
Good
Foam to Core
Amazing
Only worthwhile for attaching blades, crosspieces, and pommels to the core. Great for absorbing impacts and resisting shearing forces. The "Heavy Duty" is plenty strong, but the "Max Strength" is there if you really feel like you need it.
Gorilla Glue Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
Menards
Gorilla Glue Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
Walmart
Gorilla Glue Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
Amazon
Ease of Use
Good
Foam to Core
Unparalleled
Only worthwhile for pommels and crosspieces. The epoxy will never come off, though you may need to replace the surface foam...eventually. You will only be able to remove the epoxy with cutting or grinding tools.
Epoxy must first be mixed and then applied to the surfaces to bond, this is done by putting some of the contents of each tube in a small bowl/cup or on a plate or other surface to mix, then applying the mixture to the relevant surfaces. The chemical reaction that makes the epoxy set begins while you are mixing it, leaving you a limited amount of time to apply it and bond things together. Be sure to have everything ready prior to mixing the epoxy and have a plan for application to save yourself headaches.
JB Weld 3900 PSI "Clear Weld" Epoxy
Lowes
Gorilla Glue 3300 PSI Epoxy
Walmart
Permatex 4000 PSI "2 Ton" Epoxy
Amazon
