Does anyone know how to repair styrofoam?

Question

I have a 4 foot Pillsbury Doughboy figure made out of styrofoam. He has some minor damaged, maybe he was poked too much. He is missing some small chunks of foam all over him. Does anyone know of any idea how to fix or fill the holes? Thank you

Answer 1

If you just want a glue that works for "Styrofoam" (polystyrene foam), several things will work:

....low-temperature "hot glue" guns work fine for polystyrene foam, but high-temperature hot glue guns reach 385° F and will melt it (though the unhealthy "burning" doesn't occur till 490°)...low temp guns reach only 250° F
.......if you only have a high temp gun though, let the glue cool for a second or so before contacting the foam
(It's the gun that makes the difference... most glue sticks nowadays are hi-low temperature so they'll reach the temperature created by the particular gun)

..."white glues" (permanent type, like Elmers Glue All, or a "tacky" white glue would be even better)

...a 2-part epoxy glue is recommended if the foam will be exposed to much moisture or heat later

...Super 77 spray adhesive

Were you also looking for something to put in the holes that would be smooth and fit exactly? If so, something like spackle or "structural paint" or an air-dry clay should work (most air-dry clays will shrink a bit though, so you might have to add more after the first bit dries)... then sand** till everything is even.
If you need to color it, guess an acrylic paint might work, or you might mix the color into the spackle, structural paste or clay.

**to coarse-sand, rub the foam with a file, rough sandpaper, or even other broken-edge foam
...to fine-sand and smooth, use finer sandpaper, wire brush, or a rasp


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

There is a Styrofoam glue available in craft stores. You can find it near the Styrofoam, not the glue section. I have never done this before, but this is how I would repair it. Take 2 chunks of the foam and "sand" them together to get a pile of Styrofoam shred. Squirt a small amount of the glue in the holes and stuff some of the shred in, wait until this layer dries, and repeat with more layers, until the holes are filled to overflowing. After the final layer dries, lightly sand so the patch is unnoticeable.

Answer 3

It depends on what kind of Styrofoam, your best bet would be to try and find the same kind. Then go to any hobby shop and ask for foam safe CA. It some times comes with a "kicker" or a curing solvent, glue in small pieces to patch your Dough boy, and sand down your repair.
VERY IMPORTANT! check the CA and kicker in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won't melt him, and stop poking him!!!

Answer 4

Just don't use a hot glue gun to fasten anything to your doughboy or he'll be in even worse condition as hot glue melllllllts styrofoam...I know from experience.

Answer 5

Zuess is right. Great Stuff spray expanding foam will work great. It is a bit denser than the styrofoam, but would provide adequate flotation.

Answer 6

aahahaha.

um.. there's this stuff that comes in a tube, its like liquid styrofoam... then you just spray it, spread it over the hole, and then smooth it out with your finger. it will dry as styrofoam. I don't remember the brand. Styroglue.. i think

Answer 7

You can get aerosol can of foam.Shoot a little on the damaged areas & let it dry completely.then take a piece of thin wire,heat it & draw it across the patches to shave off the excess

Answer 8

Hmm...
u could use superglue?
thats what i would do.
but my question is...
whered u get a 4 foot tall pillsbury doughboy??
lol
good luck ♥