Can you paint pink or blue styrofoam with flat latex paint without using a coating or paste beforehand?
You sure can, been doing it for years! Whatever you do, don’t use any lacquer or other paint thinners on it, as they will dissolve the foam. Don’t ask me how I know!
Bob Boudreau
Don’t tell me, right now your model railroad looks like a Strawberry Sundae, right? So, for the most part, does mine. But latex paint works very well, and believe it or not, I’ve accidentally sprayed part of it with Floquil spray (painting the rails) and not harmed it. But like Fundy says, just stay away from laquer or thinners.
Also DO NOT use Woodland Scenics realistic water on foam without a base coat of plaster or some other finish as it will absorb the water product and swell up your foam.
Be sure to remove any thin plastic laminate that may be applied to the foam. Some foam has this thin laminate applied as a vapor barrier when used as insulation in a home (silly use!) and if it is not removed the paint or any adhesive will not stick to it.
[:)]
Ed Schultz
I’ll be using a Latex medium gray from Glidden.
I made some platforms out of the styrofoam and painted them with art store acryllics. I added people to them with WS Accent Glue. The glue is a stronger bond than paint to styrofoam.
TIP: Do not try to cut styrofoam coated with latex with a hot wire cutter.