How to Paint Over Great Stuff Expanding Foam

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • X-acto knife

  • Medium-grit sandpaper

  • Vacuum cleaner (with brush attachment)

  • Latex or oil-based paint

  • 2-inch paintbrush

Fill in cracks with insulating foam and then paint it.

Fill cracks in your home quickly with Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant. This liquid foam sprays out of a can through a straw, directed exactly where you want to fill gaps. After allowing the foam to harden and cure sufficiently, you can paint it any color you want to ensure that it blends with surrounding surfaces. Painting will also prevent the foam from discoloring under UV light.

Advertisement

Step 1

Allow insulating foam to cure for at least eight hours. Although it will feel set and unsticky after only 15 minutes, the foam requires the full eight hours to cure to ensure it dries fully.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Trim away any uneven areas of the foam before you paint. Use the X-acto knife to cut away the hard foam to make it smooth and even with the surrounding surfaces.

Step 3

Sand the foam to make it smooth. Use the medium-grit sandpaper to rub the foam lightly until the surface feels smooth.

Step 4

Vacuum the foam with the brush attachment to remove dust and debris before painting.

Advertisement

Step 5

Apply either latex or oil-based paint over the foam surface with the 2-inch brush. Match the paint with the surfaces surrounding the foam.

Step 6

Allow the paint to dry completely; consult the paint can for drying time.

Step 7

Apply a second coat of paint over the foam.

Tip

The Dow Company recommends painting the insulating foam when you apply it in outdoor locations to prevent discoloration.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references