I have an idea…(I’m being careful with it cause its in a strange place) But I need a waterproof all weather UV resistant glue that works on styrofoam…
You are trying to make a Styrofoam Speedo?
At least it’s a change from that OTHER thread!
Sorry guys…this is a serious request…
Hey Bart, when I built my building out of styrofoam I used Liquid Nail, the stuff for outside, that stuff really holds.
Tom H
There is a glue that is exclusively designed for foamboard, i believe both home dipot and lowes both carry a version of it
Yep …it’s called 35yr caulk
Lou Luczu said:
You are trying to make a Styrofoam Speedo?
At least it’s a change from that OTHER thread!
To each his own, but Styrofoam Speedo’s may keep you afloat, but they may chafe. Let’s us know results after some test swims, please. No pictures required.
OK guys…thoughts of styrofoam in general? I ve seen structures and bridges built over the years, I’m wondering about the general durability after long term exposure? I know would have to be painted inside and out to seal it to protect it from air/sun… Any other thoughts?
My experience with Styrofoam has not been wonderful.
On the one hand, it’s VERY easy to work with. Easy to cut arches and other shapes.
I used a soldering iron to carve the stones in this bridge.
(http://www.jbrr.com/assets/images/autogen/a_StoneBridge8S.jpg)
I covered it with a textured latex paint I picked up at Home Depot.
But, it didn’t hold up well. Admittedly it was in a spot where the hose got dragged across it, but the real problem was that the squirrels kept eating pieces.
I guess they thought it might be food and tried to eat it. Then, the next week, they forgot that it wasn’t food and tried it again. I was constantly touching it up.
Though perhaps I just need smarter squirrels?
OK…So no hoses and no squirells here…a structure on raised benchwork is the plan…
I’d go for it, then. Make sure you use a good exterior latex paint. I found some that had sand or something in it that gave it a nice texture - in the bargain bin at Home Depot.
It IS cheap and easy to work with.
When you say Styrofoam are you referring to the white stuff that crumbles into small pieces when cut - the type used to make throw-away coolers -OR- are you referring to the pink or blue closed cell foam insulation board?
I have a bridge pier made from the latter that has been outdoors for close to 10 years and still looking good.
I would think if you covered it with several VERY LIGHT COATS of a matte finish clear coat it would be repulsive to stupid squirrels. I say very light because until it seals it, it will eat into the Styrofoam. But if you do it light enough it will evaporate before it eats into it. Then it would be sealed. The same theory that a non-water based adhesive will eat into it.
The other thing to consider is make sure it is reinforced…I would be afraid of sheets warping, if not.
What kind of foam, blue or pink polystyrene foam or the white granular foam associated with shipping packaging? I’ve read very good things about “Liquid Nails For Foam” which is specific for foam.
In other projects I used the Foam glue I picked up my local Menards. I don’t remember the name of it, but it has held for about 4 years now. It is pretty good stuff.
I used Harbor Freight epoxy when I made this viaduct out of blue insulation foam a few years ago. I ended up painting it with Drylok latex paint (the stuff you use to waterproof a leaky basement). It has withstood several Buffalo winters and the squirrels have not eaten it either. Hope this helps.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/dieseldude/IMG_2906.JPG)
-Kevin.
Here’s a reference to a project where I used blue styrafoam to build a culvert. It’s been in place for about 3 years with no signs of deterioration.
http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/7/aft/84664/afv/topic/Default.aspx#86303
Doc
Yeah I’m talking about the pink/blue/(or green if ya get it at Lowes) extruded sheet insulation…looks like it just might work for what I want to do with it…I did this as a test just playing around with a piece of Plastruct H column, basically following Ray’s ideas…
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/bart_salmons/_forumfiles/bricktest.jpg)
Bart, I visited a layout in Columbus Ohio and the guy uses pink Styrofoam exclusively to build with. He used the GE silicone for his projects but he also used coarse thread drywall screws to hold his joints together. He said his buildings had been outside for 8 years.
Terry