From the page: Styrofoam that turns into creative gold
Idea 5
Glue from dissolved styrofoam
Anyone who has ever spilled nail polish remover on a styrofoam tray has seen the magic: the material simply dissolves. This happens because styrofoam is expanded plastic that dissolves on contact with solvents — and the thick mass left over works as a very efficient plastic glue for wood, cardboard and lightweight tiles.
What you need
- Clean, dry styrofoam trays
- Common acetone (or nail polish remover with acetone)
- A glass jar with a lid
- A spoon or mixing stick
- Simple gloves and a well-ventilated space
How to make it
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1
Tear the styrofoam into small pieces — the smaller, the faster it dissolves and the less solvent you use.
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2
Place the pieces in the glass jar and cover with a thin stream of acetone; you'll see the material melt like snow on hot water.
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3
Stir slowly until it becomes a homogeneous paste, resembling thick marshmallow.
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4
If it's too runny, add more styrofoam; if it's hard to stir, drip in acetone little by little until it reaches a glue-like consistency.
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5
Cover and let it rest for a few hours so the excess solvent evaporates and the paste thickens.
Finishing touches
apply it right away to join wood or cardboard or to repair light household objects, and hold with tape until dry. Store the leftover in a tightly sealed jar, away from heat — and never use a plastic jar, because the solvent attacks the container itself.
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