Precautions foam sealant

[joakim_j]

I needed to use some foam sealant at home and, excitedly, I bought a can at the local hardware store. However, when I read the instructions, it felt like I had actually purchased some type of chemical warfare agent, making me quite reluctant to use it.

I managed to find a water-based foam sealant that didn't seem nearly as dangerous. But, of course, it came with its downsides, namely that it doesn't become as hard as regular foam sealant.

Oh well, I suppose I just have to suit up as best as I can and tackle the menace. So my question is: what precautions are reasonable/necessary when using foam sealant?

I'm thinking full body covering, half-mask with A1 filter, gloves, and safety goggles. Is that enough?

What about ventilation? Should you ventilate while applying the foam? And if so, how long should you ventilate afterward?

 

[falkn]

I need to do some foam sealing at home and, eager as I was, I bought a can at the local hardware store. But when I read the instructions, it felt like I had bought some kind of chemical weapon that I was quite reluctant to use.

I managed to find a water-based foam sealant that didn't sound as dangerous. But naturally, it turned out to have its drawbacks, namely that it doesn't harden as well as regular foam sealant.

Well, I guess I just have to suit up as best I can and tackle the poison. So to my question: what precautions are reasonable/necessary when using foam sealant?

I'm thinking full coverage clothing, half mask with A1 filter, gloves, and safety goggles. Is that enough?

What about ventilation? Should you air out the space while sealing? And if so, how long after should you continue to air out?

Spontaneously, I'd answer none at all. You can try to avoid getting it in your eyes.

 

[Mangan13]

Spontaneously, I would answer none at all. You can try to avoid getting it in your eyes.

Heard that getting it in long hair is not recommended either

 

[falkn]

Heard that getting it in long hair is not recommended either

No, that's also stupid.

 

[C.Lundin]

As previously mentioned, do not spray directly into the eyes and try not to eat most of what you are going to use...

 

[joakim_j]

As previously mentioned, don't spray directly into the eyes and try not to eat most of what you are going to use...

That sounds like something I should be able to manage.

So you don't usually do anything special at all, then?

 

[Stefan N]

It's not that dangerous.

 

[tergo]

safety goggles and gloves and well-ventilated preferably from outside if possible

that the foam does not become as hard does not need to be a disadvantage, it can be an advantage

 

[joakim_j]

protective goggles and gloves and well-ventilated preferably outdoors if possible

that the foam does not become as hard does not have to be a disadvantage can be an advantage

Yes, I will probably use it for other things, but in this case, I will pour concrete on it, so it is probably good if it is a bit more stable.

 

[tobbbias]

It usually includes a pair of plastic gloves...

But seriously, I filled an old ventilation hole in our bedroom with foam spray a month ago. What you should remember is that it expands!!!
So it's better to use a little too little the first time and go back to add more after a few hours... Otherwise, it grows like a freaking foam monster and it's sticky as hell. Have plenty of paper ready in case you need to remove it...

 

[tobbbias]

Feel free to open the window in the room etc as well.. Ventilation is always good!

But using a breathing mask and stuff is really overkill!

And yes, the first time I used foam sealant, I was also a little scared when I started reading the label.
Same with PU wood glue. It said it was the most dangerous thing in the whole world.. Then when I finally opened the can, it was thick like honey and very harmless... A little anticlimax

 

[Luc Reiner]

My experiences are that it easily smears, a dab of foam on clothes never disappears, and if you get it on your hands, it's practically impossible to scrub off. It disappears after a few days of natural shedding. Therefore, gloves and durable clothing are recommended.

 

[Bjober]

Avoid contact with skin.
DO NOT wipe up spills!
Let it dry and then remove.
If you try to remove it while wet, you will quickly realize why you received this advice.
And then you'll also understand how much easier it is to avoid spilling from the start.
Ventilation is always good.

 

[SideshowBobBuilder]

Ugh. Devil's creation. Avoid!!!

 

[Messier1994]

I need to use some foam sealant at home, and excitedly I bought a can at the local hardware store, but when I read the instructions, it felt like I had rather bought some kind of chemical warfare agent, which made me quite reluctant to use it.

I managed to find a water-based foam sealant that didn't sound as dangerous. But naturally, it turned out to have its downsides, namely that it doesn't get as hard as regular foam sealant.

Oh well, I guess I just have to brace myself as best as I can and tackle the toxin. So to my question: what precautions are reasonable/necessary when using foam sealant?

I'm thinking of wearing full-cover clothing, a half-mask with an A1 filter, gloves, and safety goggles. Is that enough?

What about ventilation? Should one air out while applying the foam? And if so, how long afterwards should one ventilate?

Just discovered that, at least in some respects, it's worse than any chemical warfare agent, if you get it on your hands it's impossible to remove—even if you literally attack it with soap and water within 5 seconds… 😅

For future reference — I think it was a mistake to try with gasoline when the soap didn't help. I think oil/dish soap and scraping with a fairly sharp knife worked best.