How to make a foam gun from a ballpoint pen and 9 more tricks when working with polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is not as simple a material as it might seem at first glance. Its scope of use is not limited to filling gaps. Let's look at a couple of useful tips and tricks for using it.

Check the expiration date of the foam

No one thinks that the foam in the cylinder can deteriorate. Its shelf life is 12-18 months. You can check the production date at the bottom of the cylinder. Very often discounted foam in the store has a short remaining shelf life.

Polyurethane foam adheres no worse than adhesive foam

If you need to glue parts, you can use regular foam. It holds together no worse than adhesive foam, it just expands more. When this is not a hindrance, you can use it. If you spread the foam before joining the parts, it will expand less.

We are trying to separate the bars with a chisel

The foam gun can be removed from a full container without any consequences

If a mounting gun is required, but it is installed on unsuitable foam, it can be removed. This must be done with the gun positioned at the top.This way it will be removed without a lot of foam, but only a small amount of gas. The valve of the removed cylinder must then be washed with a remover.

Foam is washed off with multi-purpose lubricant

If there is no foam remover, multi-purpose lubricant removes it perfectly. Often it is even cheaper, so it is preferable.

What to do if foam gets on the finishing surface

If foam gets on the finished surface, let it dry for 10 minutes. This way, when you remove it, a smaller stain will remain, which will be easier to erase.

A foam gun can be made from a ballpoint pen

If you need to foam a couple of small things, then in order not to get the gun dirty, you can make a simplified version of it from a ballpoint pen. To do this, the thread is cut from its body, and a tube cut from the central part of the cap is put on it.