Is foam scenery safe to spray?

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**Brother SRM**

Hey all, I recently won some old Armorcast terrain on eBay, namely this bunker:

Tiny picture aside, I know this material is a kind of dense foam, more durable than styrofoam or what have you. However, I don't know if, like regular styrofoam, it'll disintegrate when it gets hit by spraypaint. Does anyone have any experience working with this material, and will it survive getting hit with spraypaint?

**oadie**

I would assume that those are made from a urethane foam. If so, that means you'll have more or less the same restrictions as with polystyrene - either seal it with something neutral (shellac, PVA, brush-on/airbrushed water-based paints) beforehand or use a foam-safe spray, like Design Master. Hopefully someone else can confirm the material.

[edit:] I stand corrected. I'd seen the same warnings about spraying urethane foams as styrene foams from R/C aircraft guys (foam bodies), but I'd trust Sean_OBrien's word, on this - he's generally quite knowledgeable on the chemistry front.

**Kilkrazy**

Watered PVA glue gives protection to Foamcore Board against spray paints.

Test the underside of the base of your terrain piece.

**midas**

There is basecoat that does not dissolve (styro)foam. If in doubt, airbrush as it is totally solvent free.

**Sean_OBrien**

Most cast foams can actually be dealt with in the same manner as a resin cast - that is spray paints will not damage them in any way at all like they do Styrofoam.

Physically, they are basically the same material as a more dense resin cast once cured...just with a bit more air. The same also applies to other urethane foams like GreatStuff foam insulation. Once cured - spray paint of any form won't impact it.

**LoH**

If you do need to seal it, using liquitex's matte medium or gesso may be less-hassle sealing solution instead of watered down PVA.