Some applications require a glue that will do a good job of bonding large or porous surfaces. Spray glues are well suited to such tasks. The glue is applied as a spray of droplets, which prevents the adhesive from soaking into the materials too much. Aerosol adhesives are really a type of spray adhesive, but I'm differentiating the two terms on this page to indicate the difference between ready-to-use glues and those requiring more complex application.

Using Aerosol Glues

The simplest spray adhesives to deal with are aerosols; they are sold in cans, like spray paint. One of the best general-purpose products in this category, in my opinion, is Super 77. It is good for creating lightweight bonds over a reasonably large area.

Super 77 is a formulation of methylhexanes, methylpentanes, and methylbutanes. It is flammable and should not be used near open flames. It should also be used in a well-ventilated area since the fumes (reactants) can be harmful. You should try to limit skin contact; some people may have allergic reactions, but I've never found the glue to be particularly offensive.

Apply the glue from a distance of several inches, wait for a few seconds, then press the foam pieces together. This will produce a good lightweight bond; if you bond two large surfaces, the bond can be reasonably strong, too. I recommend this method of gluing if you need to consolidate blocks of foam for carving, since the glue line is thin and won't interfere with your cutting blade.

If you are applying foam to a fabric, as in the construction of a foam-buildup bodysuit, a thicker variant of the glue may be more useful. Try using Super 74 for this particular purpose.