Can I Paint Over Spray Foam Insulation?

Yes! It’s entirely possible to paint over spray foam insulation. It’s even something many experts recommend due to the added benefits the paint can provide.

For one thing, painting over spray foam insulation increases energy efficiency, as the paint can increase the R-value of the insulation by up to 5-10%.

Paint can also help make spray foam insulation stronger and more durable. Plus, there’s the obvious of making it more visually appealing. Open-cell spray foam insulation that’s been painted is also less likely to have issues with mold and mildew growth, as the paint helps prevent moisture infiltration.

The only concern is that you can damage spray foam insulation if you don’t use the correct type of paint and don’t do the work properly. So, here’s a primer on painting over spray foam insulation.

The Best Paint to Use to Paint Over Spray Foam Insulation

If you plan to paint spray foam insulation, it’s essential that you use a quality water-based latex or acrylic paint that’s specifically designed for use on foam surfaces.

One reason is just that these types of paints adhere better to spray foam than others. Using an oil- or solvent-based paint on spray foam insulation is never recommended. These paints contain a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that tend to react with spray foam, causing it to blister and/or expand, which in turn reduces the insulation’s effectiveness. Using the wrong paint can also shorten the insulation’s lifespan.

You can use brushes or rollers to paint spray foam insulation yourself. However, the textured surface of the insulation makes it difficult to achieve full, even coverage when applying the paint by hand. You’ll consistently achieve the best results when applying the paint with a paint sprayer, which is one reason why you may want to hire a professional for the job.

What You Should Know Before You Paint Over Foam Insulation

Painting over spray foam insulation is relatively simple, but you do need to follow certain steps to achieve the results you’re looking for. Taking the appropriate precautions also ensures that the paint properly adheres and that you don’t damage the insulation. If you want to do the work yourself, here are the steps to follow.

• Wait at least 24-48 hours after the insulation was applied before painting to ensure it is fully cured.
• Clean and prepare the insulation to ensure it’s free of dust and debris.
• Start by applying a coat of primer formulated for use on spray foam.
• Use a water-based latex or acrylic paint and apply several coats in thin layers.
• Wait for each coat to fully dry before applying the next coat.
• Apply the paint with a sprayer to achieve better coverage and a more even finish.

Tips for Painting Over Open-Cell vs Closed-Cell Spray Foam

You can paint over either open-cell or closed-cell spray foam insulation, but each type presents some unique challenges. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is easier to paint with a brush or roller due to its smoother, less textured surface, but you’ll still get better results using a paint sprayer. The main issue with closed-cell spray foam is that its smooth surface can make it difficult for paint to adhere properly, especially when applying too thick a coat.

Open-cell spray foam is less dense and not as hard. That means you can easily dent or crush it if you apply too much pressure. As such, we’d never recommend trying to paint open-cell spray foam with a brush or roller, or else you could damage it.

Call Momper Insulation for Insulation Solutions in Fort Wayne, IN

The team at Momper Insulation has more than six decades of experience providing reliable insulation services and solutions. We serve residential and commercial customers in Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and the surrounding areas, utilizing only the best and latest products, equipment, and practices.

We offer a range of options when it comes to business or home insulation, including spray foam, cellulose, fiberglass, batt, and blown-in. No matter what type of building you have, we’ll make sure that you get the solution that works best to meet your specific needs.

We’re also the area’s most trusted choice for insulation removal, waterproofing, and spray-on fireproofing.

To schedule a consultation with one of our insulation experts, contact us today.