How To Paint Styrofoam (Easy DIY Guide For Crafts & More)

Yes, it is possible to paint styrofoam.

Styrofoam is a type of expanded polystyrene foam. It feels soft to the touch and has a slightly thick layer. You can find lots of different things made with this material, such as cups, plates, boxes, and paint tray.  

Of course, many people like to use Styrofoam when completing crafting projects.

If you’re a crafter, there’s a good chance you have some styrofoam projects at home because you can do a lot with it, whether you’re making little snowmen, creating an artificial floral arrangement as a centerpiece for your kitchen table, or even using it to prepare your own wreath for styrofoam project. 

Because it comes in handy for crafting, it’s one of the primary reasons people consider painting this material. While Styrofoam is often white, you can change its color by painting it.

Although it’s not necessary in some cases, it’s definitely a must if you want to add some color and vibrancy to the material. Painting it will leave it looking more like whatever you’re trying to make, such as an artificial flower pot or anything else. 

You may be wondering, “Can you paint Styrofoam balls?” The good news is that you can. Whether it’s balls, rectangles, or other types of Styrofoam paints product, you can paint them because the material allows it. 

If you use the right paint, it adheres perfectly to the material, leaving it looking new with a fresh color added to it. If you want to stick anything to your styrofoam shapes after painting, we suggest that you do not use metallic paint (particularly gold) as the pigment in these stops many adhesives working.

Pour only a a few drops of paint onto a paper plate or into a disposable cup and dip your foam brush or soft-bristled paintbrush into the paint.

Acrylic craft paint is the best type of paint to use for painting . However, if you’re doing craft projects with kids, you can also use watercolor paint because it's not as messy and does stick to the material, too. 

Be careful, though. If you attempt to use solvent based paints, the Styrofoam will melt, leaving your craft paints with a mess! 

Painting styrofoam is a relatively simple process. If you need to use a paint that's not Styrofoam friendly, you must first cover/ seal the Styrofoam. For this project, you will need a few materials to get started:

Follow the steps below to complete your project: 

After you’ve selected the item you'd like to spray paint, you need to prepare it for the painting process. You should wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the material. If you do have some paint splatter, you can easily remove it with a cloth and some warm water.

Make sure the cloth isn't too wet because you don't want to soak your spray painting styrofoam, causing it to become excessively wet. You simply want to wipe it down to get rid of any dirt from it. However you can also use products like Mod Pod or surface textures.

Once you’ve completed the cleaning process, you can apply a sealant, such as Foam Finish, to all areas of the Styrofoam.

It works to provide a smooth finish of of uneven surface that makes it that much easier for you to provide complete coverage with the paint. It’s much like a primer in that it works to improve the look of the paint when applied to the material while keeping seal styrofoam to the Styrofoam. 

To apply the latex primer, you will use either your foam brush or your paintbrush of choice and start with a very thin first layer to get smoother finish. Allow the primer to dry completely. Apply a second coat if the foam is still visible through the primer, and then allow that second coat to dry as well.

After the sealant has dried, you can add a layer of paint. Continue to work in thin layers of paint, adding more where necessary until it reaches your desired color.  

When you’re working with different object, such as painting styrofoam balls and mannequin heads, it helps to put them on a stick or stand so that you can spray paint all sides without worrying about getting paint all over your hands and table.  

If you want to know how to paints Styrofoam balls, styrofoam ceiling tiles, and other objects that aren’t flat, you would simply need a craft stand to cover the styrofoam ball with ease. For example, you could place sticks into a foam block or styrofoam ball and then attach your Styrofoam balls to the sticks. 

Once they’re attached to the sticks, it’s easy to apply the paint to different sides of the ball without messing up. You can complete this process with other objects, too! 

Applying paint to styrofoam object is a simple process. If you want to add color to the material because you’re completing different crafts, make sure you have your materials and the right type of paint to provide complete coverage. 

As long as you have what you need, you’re good to go and are ready to get started. 

Before you get started on your craft, keep these tips in mind: 

When you follow these steps, you’ll have a smooth surface material that looks beautiful with the different colors you’ve used to paint it. Most most craft stores provide label and instructions on the paint cans.  Always read the instructions and label on the product, including the Material Safety Data Sheet where possible.

Styrofoam is actually just a brand name, with the real full name being expanded polystyrene or foam. It’s entirely possible to paint styrofoam board using different types of paint, including acrylic and tempera painting. 

As long as it’s water-based paints, it’ll work wonders. You can use the right technique or styro painting methods to apply paint to Styrofoam to change its color, especially when completing different crafts.