You have a few good, safe options for gluing Styrofoam; the key is to choose glues that do not contain strong solvents that melt foam.

Quick Scoop

  • Use foam‑safe / Styrofoam‑specific glues when you can; they’re designed not to melt polystyrene and give a strong bond.
  • Standard PVA/white craft glue (like school glue) works well for light crafts, especially foam‑to‑foam or foam‑to-paper/cardboard. It is slow‑drying but safe and kid‑friendly.
  • Foam‑safe CA (cyanoacrylate) glue is great for small parts and model planes: it sets in seconds and won’t eat the foam, but the bond can be a bit brittle.
  • Spray adhesive (labeled safe for foam) is ideal for large surface areas like sheets of insulation or big craft boards.
  • Low‑temperature hot glue can work for quick fixes, but high heat may melt or dent Styrofoam, so test on a scrap first.
  • Some construction / foam board adhesives and branded “Styrofoam glue” products are made specifically for insulation boards and structural foam uses.

Glues to avoid on Styrofoam

  • Strong solvent‑based adhesives (many contact cements, some spray glues, acetone‑based products) can dissolve or severely pit the foam.
  • Standard super glue can sometimes attack foam unless clearly labeled foam‑safe, so check the packaging.

Simple example

If you’re making a school diorama with foam hills and paper scenery, a PVA/white glue or tacky glue is usually enough: brush a thin layer, press, and let it dry overnight. For an RC plane wing repair or small high‑stress joint, a foam‑safe CA glue or foam‑safe Gorilla‑type glue will give a stronger, more durable bond.

Mini table of common options

[1][3] [3][1] [5][1] [1][3] [7][5] [8][6]
Glue type Works on Styrofoam? Best for Main cautions
PVA / white craft glue Yes, safe Light crafts, foam-to-paper/foam Slow to dry, not very water‑resistant
Foam‑safe CA glue Yes, if labeled foam‑safe Small parts, models, fast fixes Fumes, can be brittle after curing
Spray adhesive (foam‑safe) Yes, for large areas Sheets, large panels, crafts Odor, not ideal for tiny joints
Low‑temp hot glue Sometimes Quick prototypes and repairs Too hot can melt foam, bulky glue lines
Styrofoam / foam board adhesive Yes, designed for it Insulation, construction, strong bonds Longer cure, more permanent
Solvent-based contact cement Often no Other materials, not foam Can melt or destroy Styrofoam
If you tell me what you’re gluing Styrofoam _to_ (foam, wood, plastic, metal, etc.) and whether it’s for a craft or something structural, I can recommend one specific product type and a quick step‑by‑step.