How to Expand Foam Aerosol

Foam aerosol is used to spray into cavities in homes where there may be a draft or a need for extra insulation. The foam expands into the cavity and can provide a moisture-, heat- and sound-resistant seal. The amount of expanding foam in an aerosol can is not enough to insulate a large area, but it is sufficient to plug up small holes and fill small cracks. To properly expand the foam, it must be sprayed onto a clean, moist area.

Spray bottle filled with water
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Thoroughly clean the area where you will be spraying the expanding foam. Remove all dirt, grease or debris. If there is anything nearby that you do not wish to be hit with the expanding foam, cover it up with plastic.
- 2
  Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray the area lightly with moisture from the sprayer. This will aid the foam in expanding.
- 3
  Put on the rubber gloves. Shake the can of aerosol foam about 20 times.
- 4
  Hold the can upside down, keeping the nozzle pointed towards the area that you wish to spray and away from your face.
- 5
  Spray a small amount of foam by pressing the button on top of the can lightly.
- 6
  Spray the foam at the lowest point that you wish to fill first. Shake the can occasionally in between sprays.
- 7
  Wait several minutes while the foam expands. You will know that it is finished expanding when the foam is approximately 2 1/2 times as voluminous as it was initially. After 20 minutes, the foam will no longer be tacky to the touch. After 12 hours, the foam will be hard enough for you to sand, cut or paint.

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