How to Glue Foam Puppet Patterns
This trusted method for attaching foam pattern pieces has been used by professional puppet builders for decades. The application of the right amount of glue is key. With the right amount of glue, the assembly process is quick, adjustments are effortless, and mistakes can be easily corrected.
Here is a quick video of the process, with more detailed written instructions below. As a reminder, click here for a word about safety.
Tools
- Foam Dabber
- Contact Cement
The Foam Dabber
Cut the dabber from a piece of foam. We've found that a one-inch (25mm) thick foam sheet cut into one-inch (25mm) strips works quite well. Cut one end at a 45° angle and then to a length that is comfortable for you.
Puppet-Building Principles to Ponder
- Why is one end of the dabber cut at a 45° angle? How does the angled end make the dabber a better tool?
Apply the Glue
2-1
Brush a layer of contact cement on the angled end of the foam dabber.
2-2
Use the dabber to apply glue to both sides of the seam. Get full coverage on the surfaces to be glued, but leave behind very little adhesive. Just a "whisper" of contact cement is enough. Visually, it should be difficult to tell which areas have the adhesive applied and which ones do not.
2-3
Let the contact cement get tacky. Because the glue is applied so sparingly, it shouldn't take more than a few seconds. There is absolutely no need to use a hair dryer or heat gun to dry the glue.
Close the Seam
3-1
Hold the foam on either side of the seam and press the edges together to make the bond. As you move along the seam, keep the top surface of each side aligned with the other. Look ahead to ensure the ends of both sides are matching up where they should according to the pattern.
Troubleshooting
Why didn't the seam match up at the end? One side was longer/shorter than the other.
Foam is flexible. It has the ability to stretch and compress. Here are some tips:
- Keep the foam as close to its natural state as possible. As you glue the edges together, do not stretch or compress one side of the seam more than the other.
- Look ahead to ensure your seams are matching up where they should. It is better to make adjustments gradually and not all at once.
Oops! I pinched a seam.
When handling a foam shape before the glue has fully cured, you may accidentally pinch a seam, creating a dimple on the foam's surface. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer to heat the affected area and watch the dimple disappear!
Oh snap! I glued the wrong pieces together.
Never fear! The heat gun or hair dryer is your savior once again. Carefully heat the foam along the seam and pull the glued edges apart.
