How can you paint foam and the choice of composition, step-by-step work instructions
Staining of polystyrene foam is considered a significant problem in finishing works. There are many options for materials used for repairs. The porous structure of the foam allows it to be used for sound insulation when decorating walls or partitions between rooms. It is also often used for decoration or decorative work. Therefore, many people are interested in how it is permissible to paint polystyrene.
Characteristics of paint foam
For repair work, different types of foam are used. In this case, they use:
- foam or polystyrene ceiling tiles;
- baseboards;
- decorative details;
- blocks for outdoor work.
Such products are distinguished by a special composition that requires quick coloring. Typically, this procedure is performed in the following situations:
- Design solutions. Styrofoam for decorating a ceiling or baseboards does not always have to be white.The need to change the original shade is sometimes associated with the desire to make the interior laconic or interesting. Staining also helps renew the surface.
- Elimination of irregularities. A negative characteristic of polystyrene is its fragility. After applying the dye, it is possible to remove bumps due to inaccurate fixation or other defects. Additionally, coloring helps to make seams less noticeable.
- Protection against the negative influence of external factors. The sun's rays are particularly harmful to polystyrene. Under their influence, the premature appearance of yellowness is observed. Strong temperature variations lead to a loss of insulation resistance. The use of protective paints helps to make the blocks more durable and ensures the possibility of long-term operation.
Polyfoam is considered an affordable material, the disadvantages of which can be eliminated by a simple coloring procedure. In this case, it is important to choose the right dye.
Recommended formulations for coloring
For full-fledged coloring of foam products, substances that meet the following requirements should be used:
- resistance to water, high temperatures, chemicals;
- the need for viscosity;
- homogeneous composition;
- secure adhesion to the surface.
Both acrylic and aqueous dyes fit well within these parameters. They are most often used to color foam.
Criteria for choosing the right composition
When choosing a substance for coloring the foam, it is recommended to take into account the peculiarities of surface mining.
Inside
For interior work, water-based materials are always used.They are characterized by a low price, but at the same time they are not resistant to water or strong dust. Therefore, such compositions are used exclusively for internal work.
When applying the substance to the inner parts of the part, it is possible to achieve the optimum viscosity of the dye. This helps mask the pores of the material under an even coat of paint. Before using the substance, it is worth wiping the coatings with a dry cloth. This will help remove dust and other contaminants.
Out
When painting objects and surfaces located outdoors, use acrylic-based solutions. They are characterized by high resistance to external factors. In addition, such paints are more expensive and are considered not very durable. This creates the need for periodic updates.
In the case of using dyes as a coating for foam, which is used for thermal insulation, high elasticity characteristics are important. The substance must be resistant to weather conditions - rain and temperature fluctuations.
For use in water
To color the foam, which is intended to work in water, waterproof dyes are used. Most often, such a need arises when designing floats. Typically, waterproof markers or permanent markers are used for Styrofoam balls. It is also acceptable to use a polymer or polyurethane dye from a spray can.
For the decoration
For painting crafts or decorative items, it is worth using water-based substances. They correspond to the following parameters:
- respect for the environment and safety for people;
- ease of application;
- good vapor permeability;
- absence of a pronounced odor;
- availablity;
- variety of colors;
- high viscosity parameters - this helps hide small defects and pores.
How to properly prep and paint
In order for the coloring of the foam surface to be successful, it is recommended to prepare it well. Compliance with coloring technology is not negligible.
Surface leveling
To begin with, it is recommended to level the surface. This will help apply the color evenly and achieve good results.
Cleaning
Before using dyes, it is recommended to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the boards. In this case, the material must be rinsed with water. If this is not possible, it is permissible to use a clean, damp cloth.
Padding
It is recommended to prime the cleaned surfaces with an acrylic primer. After that, it is worth removing stains and frost stains. If this is not done, the stain will only accentuate the defects of the primer.
puttying
The use of a covering putty layer greatly expands the limits of the use of the dye. Thanks to the creation of an intermediate layer, it is possible to neutralize the destructive effect of active dyes on the foam.
Dyeing
Paintbrushes are often used to paint on polystyrene foam. Their sizes and shapes depend on the type of dye. It is also influenced by the type of surface. For large flat surfaces, use wide brushes. If you want to paint decorative details with intricate patterns or curves, use thin brushes.
Use a round brush to apply the dye to a concave baseboard. For uniform application of the dye layer, it is allowed to apply strokes only in a certain direction. To achieve a uniform shade, it is worth using several layers.
If you plan to paint complex elements, you must stick the parts that must remain clean with masking tape. In this case, it is allowed to use a roller on a stick. Thanks to its use, it is possible to capture large areas. This greatly speeds up the dyeing process. In addition, the procedure makes it possible to apply the dye more evenly.
For outdoor work, it is permissible to use a spray gun. This dye option is fast. However, some skills are required to apply it. Otherwise, there is a risk of smudging the surface of the material.
To achieve the desired shade, it is worth using a color palette that is sold at any hardware store.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint foam elements with gouache or watercolor. For this, it is permissible to use art brushes sold in specialized stores.
Features of working with varieties
For the coloring of the foam to be successful, it is important to consider the type of coating. In this case, it is worth choosing the right paint and following the rules for its application.
Penoplex
This material rarely needs to be painted. It is generally used to insulate facades, roofs or baseboards. In such a situation, other materials are applied to the coating. These include plaster or fiberglass. It is also allowed to use special membranes - windproof or vapor permeable.
If you still need to cover the penoplex with a dye, then you should give preference to these options when choosing a substance, as with ordinary foam.
expanded polystyrene
When painting polystyrene, it should be borne in mind that solvents have a negative effect on it. If the material has a pattern, it will disappear after the substance is applied.Unfortunately, many paints are based on such solvents. Substances that negatively affect the surface structure include gasoline, acetone, and kerosene. Also included in this category are white spirit and epoxy.
When choosing a dye, it is recommended to carefully read the composition in order to exclude the presence of these substances. There are many water-based latex dyes. Such substances are completely safe for expanded polystyrene foam. Surfaces made of such material can be coated with acrylic polymer substances.
Water-based dyes are sold exclusively in white. To give them the desired shade, special pigments are used. They are called color schemes. If you use 2 or more pigments, you can get complex shades. It is allowed to make them yourself or order a service in a hardware store.
What can be painted without putty and plaster
The dyes to be applied to the foam must be safe. This means that the substances cannot have toxic odors. Ease of application and affordability are of great importance. When choosing a dye for use without putty and plaster, it is important to make sure that it does not contain solvents. These components cause surface damage.
Crafts or other small items are often made from foam. For their design, use moisture-resistant paint. It is allowed to cover small products with gouache. If it is necessary to underline a drawing or make some kind of accent, it is permissible to use a thin brush and multi-colored paints.
It is also allowed to apply acrylic to the foam.They differ in a variety of shades. At the same time, the disadvantages of substances include the high price and not too high durability.
Before using paint, be sure to read the instructions on the box. It is also important to assess the compatibility of the product with the material. Acrylic-based substances are often used for outdoor use. Indoors, it is better to use a water-based composition. It is not necessary to use oily substances based on drying oil. They do not allow to obtain a durable layer.
Additional tips and tricks
For coloring to be successful, you must follow these rules:
- To avoid the appearance of streaks and streaks on the foam, it is always recommended to point the brush in a certain direction.
- If you plan to paint an already installed baseboard on a wall decorated with wallpaper, masking tape will help protect them.
- If it is not possible to use a safe dye without gasoline and foam plastic solvent, then you must first cover the surface with ordinary plaster. This will help isolate the chemicals from the material.
The coloring of polystyrene foam has a number of characteristics. For the procedure to be successful, it is important to choose the right substance and learn how to use it.