It is better to glue foamiran, the rules for choosing the composition and tips for work
Home-made enthusiasts know how foamiran can be glued. Attachment of this material to the surface occurs under the influence of heat. In this regard, the composition must comply with the specified condition. However, in some cases, other more common products such as "Moment" can be used for bonding. But, as practice shows, a special polymer is considered optimal for foamiran, which melts under the influence of heat.
Material Features and Benefits
Foamiran is a smooth decorative material made of foam rubber of varying degrees of porosity. The complexity of the work depends on the last parameter. Foamiran is available in the form of sheets or rolls. This material looks like suede. The thickness of a sheet directly depends on the country of origin. For manual work, it is recommended to purchase a thin foamiran. However, such material stretches and retains its shape less well.
Among the advantages of foamiran are the following:
- plasticity (this parameter depends on the thickness);
- the ability to maintain a given shape for a long time;
- when creating compositions, you can use not only glue, but also threads;
- can be re-glued (provided specialist glue has been used).
Foamiran does not tolerate prolonged exposure to humidity, sunlight and high temperatures.
In such conditions, the material loses its original properties (disintegrates, fades, etc.).
Basic adhesives
When choosing an adhesive, it is necessary to pay attention to the following requirements for such products:
- dries quickly and fixes;
- does not spread over the surface;
- does not contain toxic substances;
- does not emit an unpleasant odor;
- transparent.
The hot melt glue corresponds exactly to the specified characteristics. But if necessary, other formulations can be used to work with foamiran.
Glue gun
A glue gun is a specialized device which, by heating a silicone rod, transforms the latter into a liquid substance. Foamiran is glued with this mass.
This option is convenient because:
- allows you to quickly repair hardware;
- you can work with small details;
- the silicone rod does not emit toxins when heated.
The disadvantages of this bonding method are:
- you need to buy a glue gun separately;
- the silicone rod heats up to high temperatures, so you can burn yourself during operation;
- the stems are consumed quickly.
The glue gun, due to its design features (a thin "nose" at the end is provided), when the trigger is pressed, emits a small drop of adhesive, which reduces the risk of making mistakes during operation.
Cosmofen
Cosmofen is a versatile adhesive for a wide range of materials.
The following characteristics of the glue contribute to the popularity of Cosmofen:
- sticks quickly;
- has increased strength;
- firmly tolerates the effects of the external environment (humidity, temperature changes);
- does not contain dyes.
The only drawback of Cosmofen is that it is expensive compared to other adhesives.
AVP
PVA also belongs to the group of universal adhesives. This composition is attractive because:
- allows you to glue various materials;
- it has a thick consistency;
- does not overflow on the surface;
- after hardening, it becomes transparent;
- does not deform or temper the material;
- does not contain toxins.
PVA is rarely used for bonding foamiran. This is explained by the fact that:
- this composition provides a strong connection, due to which, after gluing, errors cannot be eliminated without damaging the foamiran;
- the glue dries for a long time;
- may stain.
At the same time, PVA is cheaper than other adhesives.
"Moment"
Momentum helps bond a variety of materials including rubber and glass. In comparison with other similar products, this composition:
- sets faster;
- provides a strong connection;
- at a reasonable price.
But, as in the case of PVA, Moment is rarely used for bonding foamiran. This is because this composition:
- is toxic;
- does not allow to eliminate errors without damaging the structure of the material;
- gives off an unpleasant odor.
The moment is used when gluing foamiran as an emergency option, when there are no other compounds at hand.
Rules and tips for work
For gluing foamiran, it is recommended to use a gun with silicone rods. The latter not only ensures strong fixation of the material, but also facilitates the work. After bonding, the product should not be used for 24 hours. During this time, the adhesive acquires the required strength.
The general procedure for working with foamiran and a glue gun is as follows:
- After inserting a silicone rod into the gun, the device must be turned on.
- Warm up the gun for 5 minutes, then pull the trigger bringing the nozzle to where the materials are stuck.
- Apply melted silicone evenly to surface and squeeze 2 pieces together, holding for a few seconds.
At the end of the work, it is necessary to wipe off the remnants of melted silicone with paper or a rag. When performing the described manipulations, do not touch the nozzle of the gun.