Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: tonyH on March 17, 2007, 06:57:48 pm

Title: HELP!!! Non paintable insulation foam?
Post by: tonyH on March 17, 2007, 06:57:48 pm
I've got a little problem!

Almost finished my USCG launch which is not an inflatable but has similar sized/shaped floats of foam - so - naturally, I tried pipe insulation foam. Normally, this is extruded using a silicone lubricant so I washed it carefully, rubbed it over with celulose thinners, gave it a rub over with a 600 grit paper and finally a coat of resin. Seemed fine so painted it with several coats of Plasticote.
Weather gets warmer and the whole lot starts to blister, so I ripped the whole lot off and nothing has stuck to the foam (the silver coloured variety).
After further experimentation NOTHING SEEMS TO STICK!
Any ideas PLEEEZE!

Tony
Title: Re: HELP!!! Non paintable insulation foam?
Post by: philk on March 17, 2007, 08:50:06 pm
try giving it a coat or two of diluted pva glue

phil
Title: Re: HELP!!! Non paintable insulation foam?
Post by: tonyH on March 18, 2007, 03:24:19 pm
Thanks Phil but still peels off. Nothing I've tried seems to give either a chemical or a solvent bond to the skin of the foam. The ends will stick with evo stik but the outside seems to have some inherent resistance.

Tony
Title: Re: HELP!!! Non paintable insulation foam?
Post by: Shipmate60 on March 18, 2007, 07:43:55 pm
Can you cover the insulation with normal cartridge paper covered in pva glue.
If you can just paint as normal.

Bob
Title: Re: HELP!!! Non paintable insulation foam?
Post by: tonyH on March 19, 2007, 11:02:42 am
Hi Bob,

Only problem with covering with a sheet material is that the 'floats' curve upwards and in towards the bow.
Latest test is with toluene based etch primer. Seems a bit heavy handed but it has just taken the sheen of the foam skin so, with a bit of luck, it may have enough reaction to give a key.

You certainly learn a lot with this hobby!

Tony