it's the kind of paint you use with a brush.
2007-05-12 19:07:24 · 6 answers · asked by :) 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The type of paint is very important, as mentioned already.
If you use a petroleum-solvent based paint (often called "enamel," especially in spray cans), the solvent will interact with the polystyrene foam at some point (even if it does appear to "dry," later it can become sticky or worse).
So what you want is an acrylic or water-based paint... but be aware that even some acrylics still have a bad solvent in the propellant if they're sprays. So it's best to apply acrylic spray paints if you use them in light coats, drying thoroughly between.
Or better, sponge them on, as mentioned.
(The same solvent thing is true for any glues you might use... for putting glue *directly* on polystyrene, white glues, 2-part epoxies, *low-temp* glue guns, or special sprays for ps are some good possibilities.... if you've already painted them with acrylic paint, then more glues would be fine too.)
As for paint drying time, acrylic paints should "dry" pretty quickly --within a half hour or so. But many won't really "cure" (a different thing) and attain most strength, water-resistance, etc., for about a week.
Diane B.
2007-05-13 07:08:21 · answer #1 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't take very long, but let me give you a tip. I just finished painting about 45 styrofoam balls for my child's science project and what worked a million times better than a brush was a foam sponge. Use the foam sponge to apply the paint in a dabbing motion. It gets into ALL the nooks and crannies of the styrofoam whereas the brush didn't ... and quickly too.
2007-05-12 19:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by Emily Dew 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Discover Spray Paint Art Secrets!
2016-08-01 07:41:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are using an oil-based paint it will take forever because the chemical reaction will cause the styrofoam to become gooey and disolve! Try using an acrylic paint...that should dry within 30 minutes.
Good luck!
2007-05-12 19:14:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as it is not put on to heavy, then less then a half hour. The heavier you use it the longer it takes to dry.
2016-05-17 05:18:29 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say exactly 14431.6557832 seconds per square foot. Quote me on that. It's exact.
2007-05-12 19:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by Steve K 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋