Foam insulation is crucial for temperature and moisture control in garages, basements, and attics. We don’t think about insulation, because it tends to be behind our walls, but have you ever had any in a visible area?
You may need a clever way of covering this eyesore, and plywood is just not an option. Here, we’ll be discussing if painting spray foam insulation is practical, how to do it, and the types of paint you can use.
Firstly, we have to know what we’re working with. Foam insulation is a low-density form of insulation that provides a thermal barrier in spaces that separate interior walls in cold or hot weather.
It has gained popularity over traditional rolled insulation. You can paint insulation, but different types might require different approaches.
Types Of Foam Insulation
We’re going to quickly go over the two types of foam insulation that might be visible in your home.
- 1Foam Board Or Rigid Foam
This type of foam insulation consists of polystyrene, polyurethane, phenolic, and polyisocyanurate. Its purpose is to fill gaps in open walls, floors, ceilings, and unvented low-slope roofs.
Foam board or rigid foam provides twice the thermal resistance of other insulation with the same thickness. It acts as a sheathing barrier in interior and exterior walls and creates a seal to prevent heat loss through wood and metal studs. - 2Spray Foam Or Foam-In-Place
Also containing polyurethane, this insulation comes in closed-cell and open-cell. Closed-cell foam-in-place insulation consists of gas that expands the foam to fill in the spaces around it. This type of foam resists moisture and noise. Open-cell insulation uses air to occupy empty spaces, leaving the foam spongy and vulnerable to moisture. It provides a tight sound barrier.
Spray foam or foam-in-place is ideal for smaller openings, such as cracks, crevices, and gaps around door frames. Contractors spray, inject, or pour this insulation into enclosed existing walls, new wall cavities, and uncompleted attic floors. Spray foam is perfect for odd-shaped areas and around obstructions.
Can You Spray Paint Foam Insulation?
Brand new foam insulation is a pale yellow to white and turns more yellow on the surface as light hits it. You can paint foam insulation, including Great Stuff foam and pink foam, after it completely dries.
Many homeowners decide to paint spray foam insulation to make it more attractive.
Now, can you paint rigid foam insulation? Yes, you can! But it has to be water-based acrylic or latex. The acrylic adheres to foam better than other paints. Since it is porous, it requires several coats.
And XPS foam board requires a thick coat of primer for the acrylic and latex paints to stick.
Paint You Can Use On Spray Foam Insulation
To prevent damage to your foam insulation, use only water-based acrylic and latex paint. Paint for your spray foam insulation should not consist of oils or solvents.
Avoid spray paint because the enamel eats the foam. Spray paint is also extremely flammable and is dangerous to inhale.
Fire retardant paint protects foam insulation from rising flames and prevents them from spreading from walls or the ceiling.
Use flexible acrylic enamel or fabric paints when painting polyurethane foam insulation.
The best way to protect your foam is to paint in thin layers.
Which Paints Adhere Better To Foam Insulation?
Acrylic paints stick to foam insulation. They’re really easy to apply and are thick enough to prevent penetration into the foam.
Make sure you apply several layers, so it gets into the pores. Water-based paints adhere without dissolving the foam.
Benefits Of Painting Foam Insulation
Homeowners may choose to paint spray foam insulation to improve the appearance of their garage or basement walls, especially if there is no drywall in place.
How To Prepare Foam For Painting
Preparing foam is imperative for successful painting. Provide good ventilation by opening windows for air to circulate and prevent you from inhaling harmful fumes that stay in your body for awhile.
Cover floors and surfaces with newspaper, plastic, or cloth to protect against stains and damage. Remove excess adhesive and sand the rough edges. Add your primer and allow it to dry. Now it is time to paint your insulation.
How To Paint Foam Insulation (Easy DIY Steps)
If the insulation appears rough, you can sand it before priming. It is okay to paint spray foam insulation in different colors.
Here are steps of how to paint spray foam insulation:
- 1Get your supplies ready. You will need a paint tray, roller, and paint sponge. Cover flooring if necessary. Lightly cover the paint roller with gesso paint (primer).
- 2Prime the flat side of the foam with the gesso paint. It will probably take a couple of thin coats to cover every area. The primer prevents the paint from absorbing into the foam.
- 3Let the primer thoroughly dry after each coat. You can sand the dry marks if necessary.
- 4Using foam brushes or rollers, apply a water-based latex paint of any color. Add as many coats as you need. If you’re using water-based acrylic paint, use a stiff paintbrush instead.
- 5Let the paint dry.
- 6If you want to apply a sealant, use something like Modge Podge or a wax sealant.
How To Paint Expanding Foam
Before painting, allow the foam to dry. Decide what paint to use on spray foam insulation and your application method, then gather your supplies.
Trim the expanding foam that you do not need and sand it. If there is any dirt or dust, remove it from the surface. It may take several coats, but let the insulation dry between layers.
Tips When Painting Foam Insulation
Before painting foam spray insulation, learn what paints are safe to use. Some paints will damage the foam, rendering it less effective.
It is best to prime the foam insulation with a mixture of wood glue and water to help the paint adhere to the surface. Test a small area before you go too far.
Safety Precautions To Take
Safety is paramount. Before painting open-cell foam, ensure there is a fire barrier to protect surrounding areas in the home.
Ask yourself the important questions before diving in. What are the building codes for insulation? You may need a gypsum board. As an expert, if you do not know where to start.
SPF, spray polyurethane foam, is flammable. Using fire-retardant paint for spray foam insulation is a clever way to prevent combustion during a fire. A variety of colors are available, including white, ice gray, dark gray, and black.
If you need to sand your foam insulation, wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust particles.
Painting Foam Insulation FAQs
Can you use spray paint on foam insulation?
Spray paint contains enamel, which corrodes the inner layer of the foam and eats it. Brands like Rustoleum or Krylon may contain water or latex and be an acceptable option.
How long does it take for paint to dry on foam insulation?
Acrylic and latex paint only take about 20-30 minutes to dry. You should be able to apply your next coat after about 10 minutes, but it might be better to wait for the half-hour.
Can you spray paint over expandable foam?
It is safe to paint over expanding foam with colors that match the environment. Ensure the foam is completely dry and hard before painting. Use paints with acrylic or latex to avoid damaging the foam.
Conclusion
You can definitely paint foam insulation as long as you're using water-based acrylic or latex paints! Painting spray foam insulation camouflages unsightly foam. Colorful and textured colors on the foam can add personality to a room if you plan it out right.
So go ahead and get painting!