Foam Guns Make It Easy To Apply Expanding Foam And Sealants

By Author: Andrew Richards
Total Articles: 32
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There are many construction projects that require filling, insulating and sealing techniques. Foam guns can make these tasks much quicker and easier. Foam guns allow you greater control over the product you are applying and this improves accuracy and helps to prevent wastage. These tools are essential for any new build or remodelling projects.

How to Use Foam Guns

You can reuse foam guns by simply buying replacement product canisters. These tools are easy to use and allow you to apply a smooth continuous bead of filler, foam or sealant by simply depressing the trigger. When you release the trigger the flow will cease, but you will need to wipe clean the nozzle to prevent it from drying and blocking up in between applications. If you are using more than one different type of expanding foam or sealant then it is best to use a separate gun for each product. This will prevent you from having to swap the canisters over each time you want to use them. You should avoid applying foams and sealants in temperatures under 5 degrees Celsius as this can negatively affect drying and adhesion.

Types of Foam Gun Filler ...
... Products

You can use a number of products in foam gun fillers including:

- Acrylic adhesive - acrylic adhesives are typically available in white. These products provide good adhesion to most building materials including ceramic tiles, wood, plaster and plyboard. Acrylic adhesive remains flexible once dried and is useful for projects that need to accommodate slight movement such windows and skirting boards. Acrylic adhesive is solvent free and can be used safely in the home environment.

- Silicone Elastic Sealant - This product offers excellent adhesions to a number of different non-porous building materials including ceramic tiles. This sealant is commonly used to provide a waterproof seal for bathroom and kitchen projects and contains non-yellowing, anti-mould chemicals. Silicone sealant is not suitable for use with water based acrylic or alkyd resin paints, gypsum boards, asbestos sheeting or bitumen materials. This product is typically available in white and can be applied easily using a foam gun.

- Synthetic Building Mastic - this is a flexible permanent non-curing sealant compound which is based on synthetic rubber polymers. Although the skin of the mastic sets to a waterproof finish when exposed to air, the underneath remains flexible. If movement is too excessive the mastic will split, but it should dry and reform again. This product is typically used to seal around structural items such as window and door frames. It will adhere to wood, concrete, brick, metal and most other building materials. Mastic can be painted with normal exterior paints after the product has formed a dry skin (this can take up to 24hrs depending on the conditions). This product is available in neutral, silver, grey and white and can be applied using a foam gun.

As a freelance writer Andrew Richards has spent many years writing about products such as the foam gun utilising his 15+ year experience in the industry.