Styrofoam is the right material to use for making crafts because it is very light and comes in many shapes and sizes. The best paint for painting Styrofoam is acrylic paint because it sticks well. Since styrofoam is very porous, you will need to use several coats of paint to cover it. Use a foam brush to paint and wait for it to dry before adding the next coat of paint.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing Paint
Step 1. Buy acrylic paint for craft and choose the color you want
Acrylic paint is the best choice for styrofoam because it won't cause any damage and will stick well. Visit your nearest craft store or buy acrylic paint online and choose the color you want.
Step 2. Purchase enough paint to cover the entire styrofoam
If you're only painting a few Styrofoam balls or small Styrofoam squares, you'll probably only need a small bottle of paint, about 57 grams. For larger projects, buy paint in a larger container so you have enough paint to make several coats.
If you're not sure how much paint you'll need, choose a color that you can buy in bulk
Step 3. Do not use spray paint because it can dissolve the styrofoam
Regular spray paint, such as latex or enamel, will dissolve the styrofoam when you spray it. If you want to keep the shape and texture of the styrofoam used, forget about spray paint.
The chemicals in spray paint will damage the styrofoam
Step 4. Apply a coat of paint lock on the styrofoam if you use a paint that doesn't stick perfectly
You can use a regular sealant, such as Mod Podge, or a special sealant for Styrofoam, such as Foam Finish. Apply the sealant using a foam brush or a regular paint brush and then let it dry before you start painting the Styrofoam.
- Foam Finish will fill the styrofoam pores and provide a solid base on which you can paint.
- Follow the instructions provided by the sealant so that you know the drying time required and whether the Styrofoam requires an additional coat.
Part 2 of 2: Painting
Step 1. Dip a foam brush into the poured paint
Pour the paint onto a paper plate or piece of paper that will make it easier for you to dip the brush. Take a foam brush and dip it in the paint until some of the paint sticks to the brush.
- Pour in a little paint – if you need more, you can add more.
- If you don't have a foam brush, you can use a regular, soft-bristled paint brush.
Step 2. Apply the paint on the styrofoam evenly
Use a foam brush to brush the paint evenly on the styrofoam surface. You may have to paint into the cracks and white spots on the Styrofoam to make the paint look even.
Step 3. Wait 10-20 minutes for the paint to dry
The paint you apply to styrofoam, such as acrylic, dries quickly and you should be able to apply a second coat after about 10 minutes. Styrofoam is very porous. So, check the styrofoam after the paint has dried to see if the styrofoam needs an extra coat to cover the white spots.
Touch the styrofoam with your finger to check if the paint is still wet
Step 4. Keep adding layers of paint until you are satisfied with the result
Continue to use the foam brush to coat the styrofoam with paint. Make sure the paint is dry before you add a coat on top. Once the white spots are gone and the colors are bright and solid, let the Styrofoam dry one last time before you consider the project done.
Tips
- If the Styrofoam you are using is uneven or bumpy, use sandpaper to smooth it out before starting to paint.
- Styrofoam punctures use a stick to help you grip the styrofoam during the painting process, but there will be small puncture marks left on the styrofoam.
