Flex Foam paint/finishing tips

[Enrisan]

Hello. I just purchased some flex foam armor parts and I had some questions on finishing them for paint.

1) The foam has a thin skin on it that is flaking off on some parts, would it be a good idea to use something like Plasti-dip on them to seal them up? Underneath the skin is a porous surface and I don't think that will look too good after it's painted.

2) What kind of paint is the best so it doesn't flake off? I've read water based acrylic but also latex paints.

3) What kind of adhesive is recommended to attach strapping to the parts?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

-Enrisan

 

[calladar]

so far i have tried 3 things for sealing the foam before painting.

1. flexible primer (spray can)
2. plasti dip (spray can)
3. Mod podge (paint brush)

all three work well and sometimes a combination of the three will give the best results. i like to use plasti dip where the part may do some flexing. but if i am not concerned with flex i will use mod podge to seal the foam and then if i want to do some smoothing a layer of flexible primer and then flexible putty and a little sanding and paint.

as to paint i have used automotive spray paint and have had it chip in areas where the foam flexed. after this i started using acrylic paint and have found it works well. you need to seal the foam before painting or it will "dink" the paint and then have ad-hearing problems. the acrylic works well in areas that flex. just remember any paint other than latex can not take hard flexing. i have found though that most of the your pieces may have little flex but the kit is built to be rigid.

i have used hot glue to attach the strapping and have not had any issues as of yet. but i have not gotten out into any real heat with the strapping and you have to keep in mind heat will loosen the hot glue. i just used thick layers of hot glue to hold the strapping on and it has yet to give loose. some others may have used other adhesives but i have not tried any other and they may be able to give more light on the strapping alternatives.

hope this helps.

 

[Enrisan]

Thanks! I will do some testing with paint on a bare piece versus one with plasti dip.

Do you know if epoxy is a good adhesive for foam?

 

[ka5p3r]

ive used alot of flex stuff and my biggest advice is to make sure you wash it with dish soap before painting it. itll let the paint stick better. also i always use acylic or latex based hand pants for mine because if its done right itll stay on and not flex off

 

[Enrisan]

I was thinking about washing the flex foam it parts, but wouldn't water get inside and mess them up? They have kind of an oily surface that I feel would mess with the paint adhesive.

 

[Shadow Of Intent]

i have used hot glue to attach the strapping and have not had any issues as of yet. but i have not gotten out into any real heat with the strapping and you have to keep in mind heat will loosen the hot glue. i just used thick layers of hot glue to hold the strapping on and it has yet to give loose. some others may have used other adhesives but i have not tried any other and they may be able to give more light on the strapping alternatives.

Would polyester resin or epoxy resins be a suitable alternative to hot glue? It seems like it would be a stronger, lighter coupling, and certain not to peel away like hot glu might.

 

[Gamemaster]

I use lots of hotglue to hold strapping and velcro to the armor and have worn it out in the sun and heat with no problems so far.