Instead of just painting your foam, try wrapping it in fabric. This can help elevate your armor and give it a cleaner look. If you aren’t sure what you need to do to attach it though, the process is actually pretty easy and only requires some adhesive. This guide is going to help you answer, “how do you glue fabric to EVA foam” while covering things like which adhesives to use, fabrics that work best, tips for smooth application and even a hacks to attach fabric without glue.
What Glue Should You Use to Attach Fabric to EVA Foam
Not all adhesives work the same. Each one has different applications and there’s certain glues that work better for attaching fabric to EVA foam.
- Contact cement – This is the number one choice for most cosplayers. It’s strong and flexible so it won’t result in fabric easily peeling off even over curved surfaces.
- Spray adhesives – This works great for large, flat areas or thin fabrics and is much easier to apply to large surfaces. However, it’s less durable than contact cement.
- Fabric glue – This is a good choice for accent pieces. It’s not as strong as contact cement but adheres well to thinner fabrics.
- Hot glue – This one is handy for quick fixes as you work. However, it can leave noticeable bumps under thinner or stretch fabrics. Definitely isn’t the best choice since it also won’t work well for full coverage and fabric may peel off over time.
Best Fabric Types to Use on EVA Foam
Not all fabrics will smoothly adhere to foam. Try using the following:
- Spandex
- 4 way stretch fabrics
- Vinyl
- Pleather
- Canvas
- Duck cloth
- Cotton
- Broadcloth
How to Glue Fabric on EVA Foam
How you glue fabric to EVA foam will vary depending on if you use stretch or non-stretch fabrics.
Stretch Fabrics
- Step 1. Prep your foam before you glue fabric to it. Make sure you have sanded it smooth, wiped away dust and the foam is clean.
- Step 2. Apply your glue. For contact cement, you want to apply a thin coat on both the foam and the back of the fabric.
- Step 3. Starting at one edge, slowly stretch and apply the fabric to your foam. Be sure to press the fabric to the foam as you go.
- Step 4. Use your fingers or a soft roller to press and smooth out the fabric.
- Step 5. Once you have finished gluing the stretch fabric to your foam, trim away excess with scissors or a sharp blade.
Non-Stretch Fabrics
- Step 1. Prep your foam before you glue fabric to it. Make sure you have sanded it smooth, wiped away dust and the foam is clean.
- Step 2. Cut and test the fit of your fabric first. Because we’re not using a stretch fabric, you need to ensure it will fit over all of the foam since it won’t move much once applied.
- Step 3. Apply your glue. For contact cement, you want to apply a thin coat on both the foam and the back of the fabric.
- Step 4. Starting from the center, attach your fabric to the foam and work outward.
- Step 5. Use a roller or clean cloth to press out air bubbles.
- Step 6. Finish the edges by folding them over and gluing them down. This will prevent the fabric edges from fraying.
Tips for a Smooth, Wrinkle-Free Finish
- Work in small sections to avoid wrinkles and bubbles
- Be patient since adhesives like contact cement are permanent
- Use rollers or a cloth to smooth out the fabric as you go
- Lightly warm the foam before gluing your fabric so it curves as you need
- Clamp or weight flat areas while glue dries
How to Attach Fabric to EVA Foam Without Glue
There’s a few ways to attach fabric to EVA foam without using glues.
- Sewing – With thinner foams, you can sew directly into it to attach your fabric. This makes it look like you have a more durable piece of clothing or panel rather than a wrapped piece of armor since stitches will be visible.
- Fasteners, snaps, velcro or magnets – If you want the fabric panel to be entirely removable, you can use snaps, velcro and more to attach the two pieces together.
- Heat bonding or fusing – Fusible interfacing or heat vinyl transfer can bond foam to fabrics when heated up and applied.
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