# How to Paint Styrofoam
If you would like to paint Styrofoam, you will need to consider a few factors, or you could end up destroying the very surface you are attempting to enhance. Ordinary oil-based and latex paints are not appropriate for coating Styrofoam. Certain paints will even melt Styrofoam surfaces. Before you attempt to alter the color of Styrofoam, you should know the appropriate type of paint to choose and the correct application process, or you may end up with a finished product best suited for the trash.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloth
- Blue painter's tape
- Styrofoam paint
- 1- to 2-gallon painter's pot
- Cotton rags
- Plaster of Paris
- Metal putty knife
- Acrylic latex primer
- Acrylic latex paint
- Oil-based spray primer
- Oil-based spray enamel
Instructions
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1
Move the Styrofoam to a ventilated area.
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2
Place a fabric drop cloth below the Styrofoam.
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3
Pour the Styrofoam paint into a painter's pot.
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4
Dip the corner of a cotton rag into the Styrofoam paint. Apply the paint to the Styrofoam, using the rag. Do not use a paintbrush to apply Styrofoam paint. Wipe the paint against the Styrofoam in a circular motion until the Styrofoam has soaked up the pigment.
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5
Remove excess paint from the Styrofoam using a clean rag.
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6
Wait one hour for the painted Styrofoam to dry. Apply additional coats for darker results.
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