The best glues for XPS foam are low-temp hot glue (for instant hold), PVA/wood glue (for strong, non-melting bonds), and foam-safe construction adhesives (like Loctite PL 300) for large panels. Avoid solvent-based adhesives, as they will melt the foam.
A video I discovered on YouTube that you may find useful as a reference point.
This video explains the best types of glue to use for XPS foam:
The most effective glues for Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) foam are those that are solvent-free, as solvents will melt and dissolve the foam. Your choice should depend on the size of the project and how quickly you need it to set.
Best Glues for Large Surface Areas
When bonding large sheets or securing foam to substrates like wood or concrete, use thick, gap-filling adhesives.
Construction Adhesives: Look for “foam-safe” versions. Loctite PL 300 Foamboard Adhesive is specifically formulated for XPS and won’t attack the material. Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive is also highly recommended for its strength, though it may expand slightly during curing.
Polyurethane (PU) Foam Adhesives: For insulation projects, Soudabond Easy or Styrofix provide high yield and fast curing.
Spray Adhesives: Use with caution. 3M Super 77 is popular but can melt foam if sprayed too close; apply a light mist from at least 2 feet away.
Best Glues for Crafting & Detail Work
For smaller projects, such as terrain building or model making, lighter adhesives are often easier to manage.
PVA & Wood Glue: Standard white glues (like Elmer’s) and wood glues (like Titebond III) are safe and create strong bonds. Note that they take a long time to dry in large “sandwiched” areas because they require air to cure.
Tacky Glue: Products like Aleene’s Tacky Glue are thicker than standard PVA, helping pieces stay in place without shifting while they dry.
Hot Glue: Must be used on a low-temperature setting. High-temperature hot glue will immediately melt holes in XPS.
Specialty Foam Glues: UHU POR and Foam Fusion (Styrogoo) are excellent contact cements designed specifically for foam that allow for immediate bonding without damage.
Materials to Avoid
Solvent-Based Adhesives: Standard “super glues” (cyanoacrylate), many contact cements, and most aerosol sprays will chemically “eat” the foam.
High-Heat Sources: Standard high-temp glue guns or torches. Are you gluing foam-to-foam for a hobby project, or are you installing insulation boards onto a specific surface like concrete or wood?
(All the above content was taken from Google AI content search so take the information with caution. The only way to find what works for you is to test various product yourself to fit the project at hand).
After reading all the above content, I myself do none of the above. I use a solvent based contact adhesive which is not designed for the purpose nor recommended for it but I find it works if applied in a specific way. As in you follow the instructions on the product, apply the adhesive to both surfaces and allow it to almost dry allowing the solvents to escape before bonding both surfaces together.