Are you looking to add some color to your craft projects? Styrofoam balls offer an exciting way to decorate your home and make fabulous creations. It is one of my favorite mediums for creating art and crafts. But can you spray paint styrofoam balls?
Yes, it can be done if you use a special spray paint for styrofoam. Be sure to test a small area of the ball first to ensure compatibility.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to paint styrofoam balls using spray paints so that you can create unique masterpieces in no time at all!
Table of Contents
How Should I Prepare the Styrofoam Balls Before Painting?
Preparation is almost identical to what I described in my previous article “How to spray paint styrofoam“. In order to provide a brief refresher, I will once again summarize the steps here:
1. Surface Preparation
Before applying the paint, make sure to clean the styrofoam balls with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Allow the balls to dry before you begin spray painting them.
2. Sand the Surface
Why do you sand a surface before painting? It generally helps you to achieve a nice smooth finish. You should lightly sand the surface of the styrofoam with fine-grit sandpaper before applying paint. It will help the paint adhere better.
3. Seal Styrofoam Ball Before Painting
If you plan to paint your styrofoam with regular paint, you must first learn how to seal it properly. Applying regular paint to Styrofoam without sealing it will eat away at the foam and cause it to melt. Properly sealing the Styrofoam first prevents this problem and gives you a relatively smooth surface to paint on.
How to Spray Paint Styrofoam Balls for a Quick and Easy Project
Have you decided to spray paint your styrofoam balls to make them look like planets? Compared to regular Styrofoam, round-shaped Styrofoam is a little tricky to apply paint.
You can follow a similar procedure to apply spray paint on Styrofoam Balls. But you need to consider some additional things to get a reliable result.
a) Paint Support
Foam balls have a round shape, so you need to be cautious while painting the surface. For a convenient way to hold the ball, use a toothpick or skewer.
Another effective solution is cutting your toilet roll inners and making multiple small parts. It can work as a little stand. In addition, the Styrofoam spheres can easily stand on them.
b) Better Control
Sometimes, the nozzle of spray paint may affect your control ability in spray painting. Since styrofoam balls are a little bit tricky to work with, the nozzle must work precisely.
As an alternative solution, you can use this spray paint adapter to replace the current nozzle. The paint will come out perfectly. Also, it won’t clog and make the paint pattern more practical.
c) Maintain Eight Inches Distance
Do you have the habit of applying spray paint too closely? You must maintain at least six inches distance while spray painting on any Styrofoam object. Otherwise, it will cause dripping issues.
Also, avoid standing too far. The paint may not reach all the holes in Styrofoam. Maintaining the ideal space is what you should always aim at.
d) 10-20 Minutes Drying Time
How much time do you wait after applying spray paint on Styrofoam balls? Depending on the paint thickness and surrounding weather conditions, it can be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
Waiting too long to paint the next coat may lead to streaks, peeling, and uneven colors. But you must ensure that the spray paint dries properly. Keep track of the drying time and apply the next coat accordingly.
e) Paint Brush
Sometimes, spray paint’s nozzle alone may not always provide a fine and soft paint finish. Using a brush is a great way to add texture and color to your projects, though it can sometimes leave streaks and brush marks. Afterward, if you want to use a brush with spray paint, please read my article “How to use spray paint with a brush.”
f) Store the Foam Balls Carefully
After painting, store the foam balls in a cool, dry place to prevent the paint from cracking or fading.
By following these additional steps, you can further ensure a successful and professional-looking result when painting Styrofoam balls.
New Trick to Use Styrofoam Paint Balls at Home!
This is the bonus for you. Creating a project with styrofoam balls is so easy! Let me show you how to use them to design your own home – it’s super fun!
Make an Eye-catching Home Kit
One of the best ways to make your home look fantastic is by using styrofoam paint balls. Using these colorful balls, you can create a unique and fun home that will make you smile whenever you enter it.
The following supplies are needed to make your project look amazing:
- Some styrofoam balls
- A small bowl or pot
- Spray paint cans or other paints
- A lot of creativity!
Use paint to color Styrofoam Balls
To use styrofoam paint balls in your home, follow these simple steps:
- Place a few styrofoam balls on the bowl or pot.
- Pour some paint into the bowl or pot.
- Use a brush to apply the paint to the styrofoam balls.
How to Make Your Home Look Amazing with Styrofoam Paint Balls
To make your home look amazing with styrofoam paint balls, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- start by painting all of the walls in your home white
- then add a few black and white stripes around the outside of your home
- then add some colorful styrofoam balls to your liking
- let the project dry
- and enjoy your creative home design!
FAQS
Should I Use A Primer Before Spray Painting Styrofoam Balls?
It is not necessary to use a primer before spray painting styrofoam balls, since the paint designed for styrofoam already contains a primer.
How Many Coats of Paint Do I Need to Spray Paint Styrofoam Balls?
It is best to apply two coats of paint to ensure even coverage and color. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.
What is the Best Way to Apply the Paint to The Styrofoam Balls?
The best way is to use a spray gun. A spray gun will ensure that the paint is evenly distributed over the surface of the styrofoam.
What Kind of Paint to Use on Styrofoam Balls?
When painting Styrofoam balls, it’s best to use acrylic or water-based spray paints to avoid any melting or dripping. Solvent or oil-based paints will quickly break down the Styrofoam.
Conclusion
Spray painting styrofoam balls can be a great way to add an extra layer of decoration to any project. It is important to remember to use a sealer to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface and to protect it from the elements.
Even though I have 10+ years of experience in the painting business, I am always trying to learn the latest coloring methods. I have been into colors since my teenage days. I spent a lot of time experimenting with new painting methods on multiple surfaces. Now, I want to spread my knowledge through my blogs and articles.
