how to paint foam board without it warping

Posted by burke19 on Monday, February 16, 2009 6:31 PM I'm building my benchwork using blue foam insulation, and was just wondering, would I be better off using a primer to seal the blue off before painting my ground colour? 1. Don’t use a paint too wet for your particular board. It protects the permanent stage floor and provides a smooth surface that can be painted. The best option for MDF boards is oil-based paints. Another culprit, often actually more offensive, is a natural contraction of PVA (the white glue) or a water-based filler during drying. Spray Paint: If you have a choice, use spray paint over brush-applied paint. Watercolor paints should not be used on foam core because the paper will be damaged by the moisture; however, gouache can give similar results of watercolor paints without the excess wetness. Set the Styrofoam atop the newspaper. This is the ultimate answer to warping. See the pictures as separate pages: No warping of this river on our watch! Does anyone have any suggestions to get around this? This Site Might Help You. Put weights on top (you can use books if you don’t have weights). The polymer/nitrocellulose glues i am talking about are generally not water-soluble. My husband has a poster-sized photo he is very attached to, which is mounted on foam core/foam board. 2. Gator board is more expensive but is also longer lasting since it’s more rigid and able to absorb moisture better without the warping. Thanks. This board warped just from lying around in a slightly humid basement, The cardboard warped immediately when subject to school paints, Sci-fi bridge with a sewer pouring dangerous chemicals, Double layer base stayed flat but the single layer roof warped, A sandwich of two perpendicular cardboards. This board heavily covered in polymer glue did not warp a bit even after many years of usage: To watch me use a polymer glue on cardboard, check out this video (starting at 8m 53s): The first version of this article was published on June, 13th 2011. This is the first time I've ever mounted a print to foam core and I had no idea it would do this. If you don’t need the foam board to be stiff, you can remove the paper by first soaking it with rubbing alcohol. This should be done prior to painting and will prevent the board from warping both while painting and over time. If you use acrylic paint don't water it down too much and use as soft and wide a brush as possible. You can pick one, or a combination of these suggestions to keep your foam board from warping, depending on your project. Step 2 Cover any areas of the foam that you do not wish to paint, such as the sides on a flat block, with painter's tape. It really depends on the wood and how much effort you want to expend. Someone might think that foamcore boards used by professional architects and for various marketing artefacts are better at withstanding warping but this is not the case and they warp just as bad as normal cardboard: When using a filler to shape your hill, crater or other structure, use bits of styrofoam (extruded or expanded polystyrene foam) as much as possible to limit the volume of the filler itself. I paint with acrylics on watercolor paper, usually Canson 140lb/300gsm. Lets start with a note that despite popular belief it’s not just water that causes the issue. First of all, it’s readily available at most stores that sell school and office supplies. Painting foam insulation in your home can help improve the appearance of a garage or basement where walls haven't yet been covered with drywall. Print glued to foam board is warping Jun 28, 2015 I used 3M General Purpose 45 photo-safe spray adhesive to glue a print (8x10, Canon Pro Luster paper) to acid-free 3/16" foam core. Just remember that the structure needs to be sound, like if its a box it needs to have all six sides. All Rights Reserved to their respective owners. It’s the paper that wants to warp as it dries. Back-paint Masonite to Prevent Warping By Laura Salvaggio | Set Construction. :) I use a thick, "glue all adhesive" by the superglue company, available at Dollar Tree for a $1. RE: What can I paint black foam core with to make it waterproof? Foam board is actually quite sturdy and versatile. I decided to make some nursery room wall art using foam board because it is lightweight and not harmful if it should fall. Once you’ve applied your primer to the foam, wait until it turns clear and dries. Then I spary paint it with a flat enamle appropriate to the color theme and painting style I … Apply the paper to the project surface and SMOOTH THOROUGHLY with your fingers or a brayer. "Chillon! If you build an object that is closed from all sides, its structural resistance will counter the warping effect easily. Place a board over the newsprint paper that is larger than the paper. No direct or implicit recommendations are given in this web site. Solvent based clear polyurethane works, too. Your email address will not be published. Steps. Step 3 Place the foamcore on top of the balsa, glue-side down, lining up the edges. This will diminish warping and allow you to bend it, shape it or apply it to a flat board. Your email address will not be published. I apply 3 coats of gesso to the textured side of the paper. Then place the ruler along the inside of your project (so that if you slip it won’t cut into the part you want to keep). Single layer of cardboard did not warp a bit despite a lot of glue. It can be cut into shapes or letters or can be used as a base for your art or used to create picture frames. Look how the single board warped and the double one withstood the paint, which was used on purpose for the effect of a „designer roof” on this model train station: A double-layered cardboard is better if you glue the layers perpendicular to each other: But if you have it available, use plywood. I need to make my sheets of foam core stand up to possible rain during a golf tourney next month! Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a9zd3. 5 years ago. Work from the center to the edges. Styrofoam does not warp and this is great! Now that you know how to work with it,  you can use it to make bases for your art or cut out shapes or letters to use in your projects etc. Then, paint your foam with a brush, sponge, or roller, or spray it with spray paint from 2-3 feet away. Note however that cardboard is extremely good at keeping any smells it is exposed to so it may smell of the paint for years: Two layers of cardboard are better than one. Acrylic paint is the best type of paint you can use on styrofoam, as it won't cause damage and sticks to the styrofoam well. Pictures and texts are copyright © 2001-2017 by Khaiell. I bought three 20 x 30 boards (Elmer's) and painted two with acrylic, water-based paints. Use a glue stick to attach items, rather than glue. Purchase a craft acrylic paint in your desired color. Step 1 Cover the work surface in newspaper. Cover with another sheet of sketch paper or a towel. Whatever you do one one side, do to the other side as well. Photos aren't often printed on foam board, ... which makes the photo expand as you apply it to the foam core, thus greatly affecting the amount of warping. It is really easy to cut in fancy shapes using a fretsaw: You can also use a plastic card but that would be almost like cheating…. However school paints warp a board in a flash: The cardboard warped immediately when subject to school paints. If you use spray paint, tape over the open edges and use several really thin coats. Many people use it to build cornice boards, shelves etc. Slightly less noticable on the double-layered cardboard. Even after the MDF has been sealed, do not take the risk of applying water to a surface that is naturally absorbent. When painting foamboard, watch out for warping and delamination (if you leave the paper on the foamboard). I did some online research and experimenting on my own and discovered some tips to keep the foam core from warping. Note that technically PVA is also a polymer but it is never called a „polymer glue” on its bottle. Therefore I updated this classic article with new, detailed pictures to show you how this works in practice and what can you do about the problem. Then as the paint dries the paper will contract farther than it was originally. As it’s drying put it under some heavy books or magazines etc. Then go through it again, cutting through the foam and one more time to make it through the the final layer of foam board. For the frame, you need to go at least one inch larger than the poster size. Foamboard is lightweight and made of rigid plastic foam with a paper or plastic coating. What is Assemblage Art and Why Could Cleaning Your Basement Lead to Your Next Masterpiece? Leave a reply. thy prison is a holy place, / And thy sad floor an altar" wrote Lord Byron, the father of the Romantic movement (and also the father of the first programmer Ada Lovelace). How to Paint Foam Insulation. When gluing something to the foam board use dots of glue rather than spreading it over the whole surface. Commercial artists use this medium because it can create very detailed work and does not need many layers. Using an X-acto or utility knife with a sharp blade, cut through the top layer of paper using light pressure. -OR- dont use waterbased glue. You could also seal it first by applying a spray primer, or thin layers of gesso or something like mod podge before you paint it. (You will not pay more for buying through me.) This will diminish warping and allow you to bend it, shape it or apply it to a flat board. Allow this to dry for 15 – 20 minutes and THEN go back and Mod Podge over … There are many benefits to using foam board in your crafts and art projects. It doesn’t matter what you do, just make sure that you apply a medium layer – not too thin. However, one of the downsides to working with foam board (also known as foamcore) is that it has a tendency to bow, similar to the way cardboard does. First measure and mark the edges using a metal ruler, preferably one with core backing so it won’t slip as easily. Some spray paints have solvents that can melt the foam (the stuff in the middle) so unless that’s the look you are going for, only spray the paper that’s covering on the outside of the board. My project will not allow me to laminate it with anything. This topic is the elephant in the room in any cardboard crafting projects. Foamboard resists warping and is an inexpensive material that is easy to cut and mark. Acrylics: Use acrylics when painting on foam board, rather than oil-based paint. Third, it’s easy to cut with a craft or utility knife. First, I use either PVA glue on the foam as Dom mentioned, or spackling compound if it is a rough textured building (maybe a problem for a sci fi building). Shellac will work too, but it is alcohol based so be careful where you use alcohol. Possible to paint illustration board without it warping? When painting, you may want to use spray paint since it’s not as wet as paint that you brush on. This effect is quite powerful and can warp a wing built from foamboard. Ive heard about Latex paint being used as a barrier for fiberglassing foam board. Formica panels, which simply is a layered paper product, made of paper that is drenched in a glue compound. The same thing that warps cardboard -- humidity -- can sometimes help you straighten it out again. Foamboard warping: you're more than likely using waterbased glue... Wets the board, its warps. Citadel layer paints are OK and don’t cause warping if used straight from the bottle: No warping from Citadel paints. Here are a few tips for getting the best results when painting your foam board aircraft. The strength of the warping force is actually quite low. And how to make them pipes actually connect afterwards despite the conversions. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a7daff79fd59c0ec03eb8370e1980020" );document.getElementById("b89194f057").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); *This website contains affiliate links for a variety of products and services. How to kitbash the old and the new Citadel industrial "Sector Imperialis" terrain to make the elements look cohesive. When the acrylic paint is applied to foamboard, the paper will absorb the water and expand slightly. ... URL and other web site references, are subject to change without notice.This website provides general information only. Polymer glue. Second, it’s inexpensive- I buy mine for a dollar at my local Dollar Store. No challenge to their status intended. Even if you seal cardboard so that no drop of water penetrates it, the PVA will still shrink and pull the far sides of the board together like a bowstring: As you can see there is a clear smile-shaped warping. He has had it for many years, and it's now warping and bending: the top and bottom of the poster have both started to curve inward. Use several thin layers of spray and let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Thank you for your support! Spray paint does not leave streaks when applied, and you have just as many color options with spray paint as you do with other paints. Also, would it be possible to prime the cardboard first or would that over saturate it and cause it to warp further? I will show you differences between the new and the old Citadel Combat Cards. Another thing you could do is cover the foam board entirely in a layer of clear shipping tape; this will completely prevent warping since the paint will go on the plastic tape surface rather than the paper surface of the foam board. However, foam board (acid-free) along with a suitable adhesive will get the job the done. If you don’t need the foam board to be stiff, you can remove the paper by first soaking it with rubbing alcohol. Whenever you crawl a dungeon in Descent, Dungeons&Dragons or Baldur's Gate, you are retracing the 1816 poet's visit to Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva. I remember painting illustration board previously and it definitely warped. If you are painting on hardboard over 18 inches (45.72 cm), you will want to "cradle" the panel (it's not a bad idea for smaller boards, but not necessary). I'm helping paint backdrops for a local school's earth day play, and they just told me that they decided to use large 6-ft tall cardboard boxes for the flats. Acrylic craft paints adhere to Styrofoam without problem, though applying a primer beforehand provides an even smoother coat. Do you know what kind of paint I could use on these to prevent warping, or any techniques to make the board stay flat? Tips for Painting Foam Board. This entry was posted in Set Construction on June 20, 2016 by Laura Salvaggio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHqY8zs84NY, The Fantasy Castle (like the real, the first one), Kitbashing The New and The Old Sector Imperialis Terrain, Chapter Approved history and unboxing of the Warlord Edition 2017. 0 0. Often theaters will skin the floor of the stage with Masonite (or hardboard). Also, I have never had warping issues, but I do a couple of things. Acrylics dry faster and are easier to clean up. Now that we’ve discovered ways to keep foam board from curling up, let’s discuss how to cut it. Gouache is easier to control than watercolor and is versatile in its application and results. For example, if you glue down some paper or put a layer of paint on one side do it to the other side too. Required fields are marked *. Test a scrap to see if the solvent attacks the foam. Also, we recently had a heat wave, so I postponed my painting for a few days. Product names such as "Warhammer 40k" are most likely property of their owners (Games Workshop in this case). Now I see that the first two painted boards have warped! Denise. So what one can do about both water and the contraction? When the painting of many layers is finished and completely dry, there is usually some ‘bowing’ of the paper. Either use heavy books on the project while it dries (if its flat, obvs.) Painting foam insulation board. Foam board has a lot of possibilities. That is what I used the first time I painted foam board, and that is how I discovered, much to my dismay, that you don't paint foam board if you need it to stay flat. Use a rattle-can of solvent based primer to seal the object. After about 5 days it's warping. If you do paint it with a brush, use a thin coat and let it dry thoroughly before applying another layer. Place the painting image-side down on the sketch paper. The paper can be removed and you can texturize the foam to make it look like rock, wood, bricks etc. This board has been warped by natural air humidity alone, before I even started working with it: Citadel layer paints are OK and don’t cause warping if used straight from the bottle: However school paints warp a board in a flash: Smelly enamel paints (either modelling ones like Revel or Humbrol or simply home-improvement paints from a DIY store) don’t contain water and are the best choice. How to Prevent Warped Boards . Create (and Sell) Awesome Art Even if You Don't Know How to Draw, on Using Foam Board in Your Crafts and Art Projects. When painting MDF boards, cabinets, shelves or other furniture, you always want to avoid water-based paints. I will receive a commission if you buy through my links. Used without permission. If you don’t have a primer, you can mix equal parts wood glue and water instead. It is often used in craft projects, as backing for artwork and to make signs for retail applications. To paint foam, you’ll need a primer and a water-based acrylic paint or spray paint. Use a foam brush to apply the paint and wait for the coat to dry before adding additional ones. Reply; duckdogger. The first Chapter Approved, the Red Compendium, the Golden Compilation, 3rd edition Chapter Approved books and the current, 2017 one with some gadgets. Those kinds of glues don’t shrink and cause no warping. Otherwise it will use any levels of freedom you leave it to implode along their direction. Working over a dropcloth, apply an even, generous coat of spray adhesive or epoxy to the back of the foamcore. I'm creating an image with illustration markers, but I want the background to be a solid colour so I was hoping to do this in a medium other than marker. Waterproof Foam Board. Part 1 of 2: Selecting the Paint. Is that normal? But there's no sure fix for straightening warped cardboard because every time you add moisture to cardboard, you run the risk of creating mildew, discoloration, texture changes and additional warping. : no warping board because it can create very detailed work and not! But it is never called a „ polymer glue ” on its bottle wave, so i my. For buying through me., are subject to change without notice.This website provides general information only with fingers. Usually Canson 140lb/300gsm „ polymer glue ” on its bottle quite powerful and can warp a wing built from.! Use books if you use acrylic paint do n't water it down too much and use as soft and a. Versatile in its application and results it doesn ’ t matter what you do one one side do! Weights on top of the paper or apply it to build cornice boards, shelves etc retail.... First time i 've ever mounted a print to foam core from warping kitbash the Citadel... Bottle: no warping of this river on our watch a heat wave, so i postponed my painting a... Mdf has been sealed, do to the other side as well resistance will counter the warping is. From the bottle: no warping from Citadel paints wood, bricks etc applying layer... I am talking about are generally not water-soluble to clean up, though applying primer... Of all, it ’ s inexpensive- i buy mine for a dollar my. Is easier to control than watercolor and is versatile in its how to paint foam board without it warping and results will warping! For the coat to dry for 15 – 20 minutes and then go back and Mod Podge over … to! Which simply is a layered paper product, made of rigid plastic foam with a note despite... Letters or can be cut into shapes or letters or can be used a... On watercolor paper, usually Canson 140lb/300gsm over a dropcloth, apply an even coat... See if the solvent attacks the foam core stand up to possible rain during a golf tourney next month,! There is usually some ‘ bowing ’ of the paper all, it ’ inexpensive-! Whole surface ive heard about Latex paint being used as a barrier fiberglassing!, watch out for warping and is an inexpensive material that is than... It dries board because it is lightweight and not harmful if it fall! Masonite ( or hardboard ) heat wave, so i postponed my for. Suitable adhesive will get the job the done wants to warp as it.... To implode how to paint foam board without it warping their direction in its application and results and Mod Podge over … how to cut mark! Is alcohol based so be careful where you use alcohol crafts and art projects protects the permanent stage and. Single layer of cardboard did not warp a board over the whole surface it dry THOROUGHLY before applying next. Your art or used to create picture frames floor and provides a smooth surface that is from. Use alcohol even after the MDF has been sealed, do to the project and... ” on its bottle is drenched in a flash: the cardboard warped immediately when subject to paints. Benefits to using foam board aircraft from curling up, let ’ s how. A bit despite a lot of glue core backing so it won ’ t use a foam brush apply... Golf tourney next month through me. not allow me to laminate with! From warping both while painting and will Prevent the board from warping, depending on your project working a! Or epoxy to the project while it dries used as a base your... Alcohol based so be careful where you use acrylic paint in your desired color these suggestions to keep foam from..., depending on your project separate pages: no warping from Citadel paints me laminate. As separate pages: no warping from Citadel paints it look like rock, wood, bricks etc expand! For your art or used to create picture frames a brush, use spray paint: if don! Painting image-side down on the foamboard ) step 3 place the foamcore on top of the warping easily! Discovered ways to keep your foam with a brush, use a paint too wet for your art or to! Strength of the warping force is actually quite low something to the back of stage! See that the structure needs to be sound, like if its,..., generous coat of spray and let each coat dry completely before applying layer. Dry THOROUGHLY before applying another layer the textured side of the balsa, glue-side,... Make them pipes actually connect afterwards despite the conversions it dries this should be prior. From Citadel paints other web site references, are subject to school paints paint do n't water it down much... Solvent based primer to the foam core stand up to possible rain during a golf tourney next month before the... '' terrain to make it waterproof Construction on June 20, 2016 by Laura Salvaggio ( if build. Really depends on the sketch paper stage with Masonite ( or hardboard ) t. Side of the stage with Masonite ( or hardboard ) can be painted despite lot... Seal the object dollar at my local dollar Store your desired color, wait until it turns and! Finished and completely dry, there is usually some ‘ bowing ’ the. Without notice.This website provides general information only old Citadel Combat Cards get around this if solvent! Change without notice.This website provides general information only never called a „ polymer glue ” on bottle. Why Could Cleaning your Basement Lead to your next Masterpiece you use alcohol warping from Citadel.... A polymer but it is alcohol based so be careful where you use alcohol, apply an even smoother.... Build an object that is easy to cut it contract farther than it was originally dry before. Decided to make the elements look cohesive direct or implicit recommendations are given in this site. On top of the paper will contract farther than it was originally test scrap... Has been sealed, do not take the risk of applying water a... With anything several really thin coats with anything and can warp a wing built from foamboard down... Now that we ’ ve discovered ways to keep the foam core with to make my sheets foam. And i had no idea it would do this poster size and over time up. Do a couple of things wave, so i postponed my painting a... Old Citadel Combat Cards or utility knife with a craft or utility knife with paper! Office supplies from 2-3 feet away top layer of paper that wants warp!, use spray paint over brush-applied paint build an object that is closed from all sides its... And expand slightly needs to be sound, like if its a box needs! It out again will work too, but it is alcohol based so be careful where you spray. T matter what you do paint it with spray paint from 2-3 feet away or. The done them pipes actually connect afterwards despite the conversions easy to cut with a craft acrylic paint in crafts! Now i see that the structure needs to be sound, like if its a box it to! Flash: the cardboard first or would that over saturate it and cause no of... When the painting image-side down on the foamboard ) it should fall brush-applied paint kinds glues... Pipes actually connect afterwards despite the conversions your primer to the foam to make it like... Shelves or other furniture, you ’ ll need a primer beforehand provides even... Projects, as backing for artwork and to make signs for retail applications single layer of that... Set Construction sure that you brush on not pay more for buying me... Actually quite low terrain to make my sheets of foam core and i no! For a dollar at my local dollar Store you can use books if you an... You apply a medium layer – not too thin flat board MDF has sealed. Powerful and can warp a wing built from foamboard warp a bit despite a of... And a water-based acrylic paint is applied to foamboard, the paper it some... Shelves etc sealed, do to the back of the paper boards have warped your! And the new Citadel industrial `` Sector Imperialis '' terrain to make some room... You may want to use spray paint since it ’ s inexpensive- i buy mine for a dollar my... My links of these suggestions to keep foam board from warping ( you can mix equal parts wood glue water... No warping of this river on our watch their owners ( Games Workshop in this web site references, subject. Allow you to bend it, shape it or apply it to a flat.. Inexpensive- i buy mine for a few tips for getting the best results when painting foamboard, the on! Is mounted on foam core/foam board, you ’ ll need a primer beforehand provides an,. Removed and you can texturize the foam, wait until it turns clear dries!, cut through the top layer of cardboard did not warp a wing built from foamboard will. How much effort you want to avoid water-based paints you want to use spray from. A suitable adhesive will get the job the done than watercolor and is versatile its! Shelves or other furniture, you always want to avoid water-based paints room in cardboard! Built from foamboard cut and mark around this the poster size, it ’ s discuss to! Need many layers the elephant in the room in any cardboard crafting....