How to Coat Styrofoam

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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic roofing sealer

  • Foam coating

  • Trowel

  • Water-based adhesive

  • Paintbrushes

  • Rubber gloves

  • Eye protection

  • Old clothes

Coating Styrofoam makes it more durable.
Image Credit: peuceta/iStock/Getty Images

Styrofoam, on its own, breaks easily and is difficult to paint. Adding a coating over the Styrofoam gives it a more durable exterior and helps it accept painting and coloring. Coated Styrofoam is also likely to last longer than non-coated Styrofoam. There are three main options for coating Styrofoam, each offering a different finish effect.

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Foam Coat

Step 1

Spread a thin layer of foam coating on the surface of the Styrofoam with a paintbrush. Allow the coat to dry for four hours. Do not allow anyone to touch the Styrofoam during the drying period.

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Step 2

Apply a second layer of foam coating as thickly as possible. Reach a thickness of about 1/8 inch or thicker. Allow the coat to dry for hour hours.

Step 3

Apply one last coat of foam coating to add smoothness to the Styrofoam. Spread the coating over the Styrofoam with a trowel. Allow the coating to dry overnight.

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Roofing Sealer

Step 1

Paint a thin coat of roofing sealer onto the Styrofoam with a paintbrush to seal in any crumbles. Allow the paint to dry for two hours.

Step 2

Apply two more coats of roofing sealer on top of the seal coat. Allow each coat to dry for one hour between coats.

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Step 3

Wait 24 hours before touching or painting the surface of the Styrofoam.

Adhesive Coat

Step 1

Apply a water-based adhesive coating with a paintbrush. Allow the adhesive to dry for two hours.

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Step 2

Apply one additional coat over the surface of the Styrofoam. Use a trowel to smooth out the adhesive over the surface of the Styrofoam.

Step 3

Wait overnight or 24 hours before touching or working with the Styrofoam again.

Tip

Using a water-based adhesive coating produces a rubbery effect on the surface of the Styrofoam.

Warning

Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when working with any coating for Styrofoam.

Wear old clothes in case the coating spills onto your clothing.

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