How to Paint Styrofoam or builders foam craft projects

My most frequently asked question is, How do I paint a foam centerpiece for a birthday? - Can I just Spray Paint them? NO! Regular spray paint will melt the foam. Here are four options for painting crafts made from styrofoam or insulation foam like you would find in Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, etc.

鈥?Water based Acrylic craft paints - paint these on with artists brushes or small 3 inch rollers
鈥?Water based artists Air Brush Colors (obviously requires an air brush & air source)
鈥?Water based Latex House Paints - use artists brushes or small 3 inch rollers
鈥?Krylon H2o Latex Spray Paint - the label MUST read H2o - regular Krylon spray melts foam

Most spray paints contain harsh solvents that actually dissolve foam.

Flat or semi-gloss latex house paints tend to hide the foam texture and slight imperfections. Glossy paint tends to accentuate these things.When using a brush or small roller, if the foam you're painting is fairly intricate like this centerpiece: you may want to paint just the front and back, leaving the edges alone. This will help show the thickness or depth of the designs. You can see other examples at the ebay store: Design Cutters

If using an air brush, two or three lighter quick coats are better than one heavy coat. Air brushes require some degree of practice and expertise before you get very accurate, but they are very quick once you get the hang of it.

The ONLY spray paint I have found that works without actually melting the foam, is called KRYLON H2o Latex Spray Paint. Because it is water based, it doesn't attack the foam. A couple of light coats will dry faster than one heavy coat. Experiment with more than one color and try blending or making a fade from a dark to a lighter color by spraying (from the bottom upwards) only the bottom half one color - stopping about half way up, and then lightly overlapping where the bottom color stops, using a lighter color blending on the top half of the foam.

As with any paint, allow sufficient dry time before stacking several pieces on top of each other.

Styrofoam or insulation foam party centerpieces are a fun, easy way to really dress up a birthday party - try it for your next party and I guarantee you everyone will comment on how cool your decorations are!

---

Orignal From: How to Paint Styrofoam or builders foam craft projects