Binding of Isaac head - what glue to use?

[GlazedOwl]

Hi one and all I'm attempting to make a Binding of Isaac head and I'm following this tutorial http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Create-an-Affordable-Mascot-Head/?ALLSTEPS

I couldn't find the exact foam the guy was using, I'm using this insulation foam board: http://www.diy.com/departments/jablite-insulation-board-l1200mm-w450mm-t-50mm/26816_BQ.prd instead. I've already cut out the pieces I need, but I don't know what glue to use! Apparently Elmer's glue he mentions is the same as PVA or craft glue. But surely that won't hold the pieces together, heck PVA sometimes doesn't even hold paper together haha! I've been trying to do my research but it's difficult to find a UK equivalent to US glues. I don't want to use some sort of building glue because I assume it'd be of the toxic variety - and considering I'd be wearing the darn thing over my head, kind of don't want to be breathing in toxic fumes! And of course, need something that wouldn't melt the EPS, but apparently most glues do?

So far my only idea was to either stick to PVA glue and maybe run some wooden skewers through the sides for extra sturdiness, or maybe try this http://www.staples.co.uk/spray-moun...ode=&Effort_Code=WW&Find_Number=297625445&m=0. I kinda have a deadline of two weeks for this, so need to step up a notch

Oh and does anyone know what kind of material I should go for the see through bits? Because if my calculations are right my eyes will be right where the mouth is, so I'd like to get some black see through fabric, but I don't know what fabric to look for! Will really appreciate any ideas anyone throws at me, cheers

 

[fallimar]

I'd go with the PVA! I tried using some spray adhesive and it ate the foam. Not so great, It's surprisingly good on the carvable foam, just rough up the surface a bit with sandpaper if it's too smooth for a good bond.
As for see-through material, I always use 20/20 or buckram (though most places sell it as embroidery mesh, though it's really a millinery product.) It's a stiffened fabric mesh that you can paint any colour you like using acrylic or fabric paint (or even just permament marker!) and see through very well. Great for ventilation too. I use it on all my costumes that require ventilation, blocking out or vision aid.
Looks like this:

 

[GlazedOwl]

Which one did you mean was surprisingly good - PVA or the spray?

I'm just really unsure whether PVA is strong enough to hold the weight of the foam? The pieces I'm glueing together are on the larger scale - the whole head should be roughly 16'' in diameter. As I mentioned before, PVA sometimes doesn't even hold pages together haha. Does PVA come in different types that I haven't heard of? I only know of the craft one, literally the one you used in school for everything, paper mache and similar stuff.

And not only do I need to keep the pieces together, but I want to try and do the helmet step as well - now surely PVA won't keep that in place?

 

[Neri123]

I did like them, cool!

 

[fallimar]

Oh, derp! The PVA is good. The spray glue eats the foam. It doesn't seem like it'd work but it's wood glue and works for that so... yeah! Give it a go with a scrap piece, clamp it well and see. Should bond really well.

As for helmet attachment and such - that's a stumper. Maybe a more mechanical solution might be called for - bolts or something?
I've only used this kind of foam for very small projects and it's been eaten by a lot of stuff I've tried to use on it including paints so - yeah! I usually work with upholstery foam. That stuff is amazing for the amount and variety of crap you can slather it in without it caring.

 

[GlazedOwl]

Yeah, PVA I think may be hit and miss - especially the helmet part. I have a strong feeling I need to look for something else. I did speak to a couple of people today, and one of them said that whatever glue I use, it should be solvent-free because that's the stuff that eats the foam (and apparently the fumes can be quite nasty?). Said contact adhesive is good for this, and apparently it's non toxic breathing wise. Looked at the local shop and they had grab adhesive that was labeled as the nonails stuff - it did say it was solvent free on the back, didn't mention styrofoam on the back though. I assume that would probably ok? Then I spoke to a neighbour who basically has a workshop, said he could give me some stuff to try, including the nonails stuff and silicon - although I thought silicon was used as a sealant?

I also had a look at the local DIY's website, they apparently do this stuff and mention styrofoam in the list http://www.diy.com/departments/evo-stik-serious-stuff-grab-adhesive-290ml/36265_BQ.prd Mind you, the drying time is basically a whole day. Bit on the steep side! Is there anything that would work a bit quicker?

You see, I think I technically should've bought what is called foamcore, but I couldn't find anything like it around and I only found the exact term for it two days after buying my insulation slabs! Ah well, I'll try to make them work instead