Gluing rigid insulation to mdf

bszydlo | Posted in General Discussion on January 8, 2010 07:25am

Has anyone attempted to glue pink rigid insulation to mdf? I am making a number of interior doors and would like to construct a panel with a core of 1/2″ pink extruded polystyrene foamboard surrounded by 1/4″ mdf. My first try was with PL200 but due to its consistency getting a panel flat was a challenge. Has anyone used regular white or yellow pvc glue? From my research I have found that care must be taken in the type of glue to prevent hazardous off gassing. By the way, I contacted Owens Corning and they will not comment or recommend any type of glue. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated, Bill

Replies

gdblake | Jan 08, 2010 10:14pm | #1
Bill:

I would try contact cement. I have used it to adhere foam insulation to plywood and it worked just fine. I don't know of any off gassing issues with contact cement. It is also used to adhere laminates to counter tops.

gdblake
bduffin104 | Jan 08, 2010 11:43pm | #2
I don't know if this will
I don't know if this will help you or not: I built a triple door for my shop to enclose the 12' x 8' opening. I wanted them insulated and wanted to use up some 1-1/2" thick polystyrene panels that I had left over from a EIFS job, I made three doors, 4' x 8', one side hinged by itself and two acting as a bi fold. I can have an opening of 4', 8' or 12'. I use the middle door mostly and keep the outer doors fastened shut with cane bolts. I made the frame out of clear cedar 2 x 2 and used some short chunks of 2 x 6 to add some beef where the strap hinges would go and one 2 x 2 horizontally at the mid line. I then used 1/4" ACX plywood fastened to each side of the frame after tightly filling the inside of the frame with the polystyrene. I added some decorative cedar 1 x 4 trim to the exterior in a cross buck design for the desired barn look. I did not glue the polystyrene at all. The result was some very stable, flat, well insulated, lightweight and attractive doors. I easily able to handle each 4' x 8' door by myself. My total cost in materials was less than $250 including the hinges. Make sure you lay them up on a nice flat surface.
jako17 | Jan 09, 2010 05:04am | #3
PL premium construction adhesive.a moisture curing polyurathane .Spritz one surface(the foam) lightly with water ,not enough to damage the mdf.Don't get it on your hands it is a PITA to remove once cured.
JeffHeath | Jan 09, 2010 11:43am | #4
I didn't read the thread, so
I didn't read the thread, so forgive if this is redundant....PL premium. It comes out of the caulk tube thick, but spread it with a putty knife or trowel, so you don't get bumpiness.

Jeff
Don01 | Jan 09, 2010 12:49pm | #5
There are adhesives formulated specifically for foam board.

PL-300 is one, there are likely others.

Don