How to Use and Care for a Professional Spray-Foam Gun

Remodeler Kiefer Limeback shares tips on how to select the right spray-foam gun, how to fill gaps of all shapes and sizes, and how to clean and store a foam gun.
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[@rbrown6476]

I’ve just watched about 4 videos, all explaining how to use an expanding foam gun. Complete novice here, 70 year old woman with a few gaps around my bungalow. I think I know how to use the stuff now, but when I watched your video, it was a masterclass in communication! You, sir are a real teacher. No nonsense, no silly jokes, lots of helpful tips I can use, and fully comprehensive explanations for every step of the way. I thank you, and I’m going to get going tomorrow. I shall make a list of all the little places as I go around the property and do each one, as I’ve only got the cheap one from a local hardware store, so when I’ve don’t all the filling, I won’t be able to use the gun again. I don’t have the cleaner, but I think it will be enough. Really appreciate you taking the time to be such a great teacher.

[@deeeeeeps]

One huge tip he didn't mention is that after you unscrew an old can and put a new can on you must spray enough foam to cycle out any air trapped. Also never store the gun if it just sputtered always store it after a smooth bead has came out with no air or it will dry and you will be buying a new gun. I just use a rag with lacquer thinner to clean the tip and nozzle.

[@yomama9567]

Is there a longer version? I need to fill a gap about 14" away from my access point

[@bfullsyou]

Exactly. I realized that the hard way. My can near empty before weekend. The wee bit of air in there gummed it up. I also wonder if purging gun with the acetone can, if that should be held with can right side up, unlike shown in this video. I couldn't get another gun to purge so in desperation I quickly screwed on another full foam can and it came around fortunately.

[@eulachonfish]

Thanks, I've owned a foam gun for a couple weeks but haven't been brave enough to shoot it for fear of clogging the thing. Good video

[@TYMWLTL]

Way better explanation than the Hilti video. The guy on the Hilti video never speaks.

[@falfield]

Well explained, and congratulations too on clear articulation - I hate mumbling videos. Thanks.

[@libertyblack715]

That was really top notch instructional video! Obviously it's a simple topic but seeing and hearing all that so clearly explained will help me a lot when I go to try this. Not knowing these basics is where things get messed up. I do think there's room for another video dedicated more to application techniques with this medium.

[@LookSac]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen. Nice work!

[@virginias5952]

Thanks guy! Wish I would have watched this before breaking my gun 🤦🏾‍♀️ but now I know 👍🏾

[@rhaulman]

I've stored my gun for over 2 years, and the foam and gun was still good.

[@markfirmin7748]

Excellent tutorial, really well explained. Thanks.

[@NickDoddTV]

Nice, confident, expert. Woot.

[@richardroebuck1915]

"Your problem will be that your beads won't be as large as they once were..."

[@mmm0513]

10/10 informative video

[@dinkydoo66]

I've picked up my partially full foam gun after nearly a year of non use, expecting it to be clogged.Works great, good as new.

[@bryanupfield6934]

Very helpful, especially about screwing the cans on tight. Helpful to know how to clean the gun through. You can remove cans safely even when half full. . They have pressure valves. Cleaning takes time. . You'll get lots of coloured foam coming out before the cleaner runs clear. Good ventilation is essential.

[@sabanakincay9685]

Great simple instructions/information - thank you.

[@frfr335]

Great informative video tutorial, thanks very much. This contained all the information i will need to help me with the first use of my new foam gun.👍

[@cluracan2670]

Should the gun have that black attachment attaches to the can, before being able to screw the can onto the gun?

[@luanau]

A protective cap ships with the can, remove it first before screwing onto the gun!

[@sandra-fh8hc]

Good show dude!👍🏽 Didn't know how to use this contraption. Great, clear tutorial and she's (that'd be me 😁) good to go now!

[@FD-fx6mh]

Excellent! Really informative. Thank you 😊

[@dongray6834]

Excellent tips. Thanks

[@laurentjosserand5133]

Very professionnal video. Thank you so much

[@username901000]

excellent video! very thorough. answered all my questions.

[@stocek]

Thanks for this video! I'm preparing to use a foam gun for the first time to attach a few ledges under our windows, and I wanted to know if I can detach partially used cans or not.

[@jpperry2117]

Which foam should I use for sealing around foam board in rim joists? Regular or window/door?

[@joshginther5578]

This was very well done. Thank you.

[@Bibg867]

Very well explained thank you

[@robroby10]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, this will be a handy tool.rob

[@Cindy25Cox]

Very helpful video. Right on! Thank you!

[@bv2999]

Excellent

[@joujou79]

If I’m using the same product can, construction adhesive, do I need to clean the gun in between empty can to new can?

[@Fishsiskeke]

I’ve done all these things to a t and somehow the spray foam when putting on the cage quickly still continues to spray foam in the cage. I take it off quickly and clean the cage and foam can with gun cleaner and it all looks 100% clean. But air bubbles mixed with foam gun cleaner are coming from the ball inside the cage. Meaning it’s leaking air or not sealing properly when the van is screwed on. How do I fix?

[@alexsquared1460]

Awesome tutorial

[@steinbierz]

Excellent video…thanks!

[@juandelacruz1520]

Thanks for sharing this ideas

[@michael.schuler]

Are the guns universal, capable of working with foam cans made by various manufacturers, or must the manufacturer of gun and foam always match up (e.g. Great Stuff and OSI)? Thanks.

[@shaunalcodrayrealtor672]

Awesome Video, great detail. Apperciate it!!

[@williamwright3735]

Great video just bought two

[@workisfun...2438]

Love my foam guns! That is until I used one with the Great Stuff adhesive (was hanging rock) and it just wouldn't come clean and it ruined the gun. I almost ran half a can of cleaner through it just for insurance and it still ruined it after it sat. Bummer.

[@jeffsprott-redoakceo4514]

Best damn video I've seen in my life. Lets go.

[@shericreates]

So I bought this gun and went through about 5 cans squirting the Stuff everywhere. I couldn’t get it to screw on for nothing. I took the gun to the hardware store I bought it from and asked them to show me how it works. I found out there is a special top or special can you have to buy with that special screw on top. Ugh!

[@darrenbirch6022]

Thanks for a great post.

[@zabysherzy661]

Thank you so much for your great Information

[@peterhughes3344]

Keeping a small jar of Vaseline to coat the tip and the adapter cage really helps prevent cured foam from building up, and assists with clean up. If anyone knows where to get parts for these, please drop a link.

[@andrewsimpson9435]

great work. Thank you.

[@Redandranger]

Great! A thousand times more informative than the video and instructions from DuPont, the maker of Great Stuff. In fact, it appears that the author of the instructions that came with the gun have English as a second language.

[@jimginter6802]

Well stated. Great stuff. ( This comment is not endorsed by Great Stuff, or Dupont, user direction is assumed)

[@robertsamagalsky1617]

Excellent video!

[@jazzil7887]

Top, man! Thank you!

[@ShoDocta3]

Killer video

[@yomama9567]

Is there a longer model?- I need to fill an area about 14" from an inside wall

[@leeyoung347]

when a can is half used and unscrewed from the gun the can should to have no foam coming out?

[@kpolak80]

yes it is safe, the can has a pressure valve.

[@Twirlyhead]

Great. Thanks.

[@lbroachutube]

Ver good Video.

[@josephsegura6589]

Where did you get your vest and pants??

[@jonathansmith283]

what is the gun cleaner ? good tips - ~ JDS/CT

[@diaperdood9369]

Can great stuff foam improperly cure and off gas for years?

[@martinf9626]

Cool video . I have seen people spray water before use . Is it recommended or not

[@rayc1503]

Definitely as it helps the foam both adhere a cure quicker.

[@aj800066]

So can you use half a foam can, take it off and attach gun cleaner and do the cleaning process and then re attach the foam can and leave it till next time?

[@downriverjordan]

Just leave it on for storage. It’s best to not take it off, unless you have to.

[@mirnachicas]

But gun needs to be cleaned otherwise the foam will get stuck inside the gun.

[@mohankrishnasamy1456]

Bless you

[@ltteoh8911]

thanks a lot

[@alfredgaskin3345]

Excellent video. Now I might be able to use my foam gun for more than a month.

[@samishwaiki3792]

Question...how do I get Great Stuff off of my vinyl floor planks? Accidentally spilled some and need to know how to remove it without damaging my floor. Thanks!

[@downriverjordan]

Acetone should work.

[@matthewswerdelian3855]

great video, what are you cleaning the tip with? just oil?

[@matthewswerdelian3855]

sorry just watchedt he rest of the video :)

[@petergreenan9178]

why no fan pattern gun for this brand

[@FactorzGT1]

Two thumbs up

[@garvielloken3929]

Nooice!

[@AyalaJD2730]

anyone know if these great stuff guns are compatible with DAP's gun grade subfloor adhesive gel floam?

[@Toolaholic]

Yes they are. All similar polyurethane products

[@thenexthobby]

*Never remove a partially-spent can unless you're standing over a trash bag.* Ask me how I know ... there's a decent chance it'll all come out, uncontrolled.

[@matthewc4094]

Gerat video, very useful. However, it doesn't tell you how to remove the little black wheel when it's completely stuck on the can. After 15 minutes of cursing and attacking the wheel witth a variety of sharp implements and liberal sprays of GT85 the wheel is now off the can, but is completely mangled, and I probably need a new gun now.

[@oddopops1327]

👍👍😊😊

[@ivanromo4273]

Anyone else feel like its too much of a hassle for foam??? I mean you're not spraying 2 pound foam which does require a special setup and a licence. Anywho looks good but personally i just dont see a tremendous benefit to justify the added costs- unless im missing something here???

[@sohij]

Dude it looks like ur making cheetos.

[@lolitabonita08]

nice info however the music is super annnnnooooyyyyinnnng!!!!

[@almcclain1061]

Skip the music

[@DunlopHobart-e8q]

Miller Scott White Thomas Young Thomas

[@barryomahony4983]

Just bought a gun; will never use those little cans with the terrible nozzle again.

[@johnf8991]

Good Video - Thank you!

[@johncollins8304]

Whooda thunk it could be so complicated?! This is worth a university degree. Well done, matey. Brill.

[@leefottler4744]

One tip I learned from one of the gun manufacturers was to coat every area that might contact the foam (this is on the gun I am referring) with Vaseline. I do the threads on the can, the can receiver on the gun and all the way down the nozzle. Basically, I brush it on with a small brush like a plumbers acid brush, everywhere but the handle and trigger. The nozzle I reapply as I go and wipe the end. My guns have never been cleaner!

[@kaweah41]

I think these guns are way too much work, cost and hassle for what they deliver. I think the spray sucks also. Need a better solution

[@CommentsAllowed]

Thank you for the video. It helped me a lot!

[@ElectricIguana]

One time I got stoned and ate almost an entire can of that stuff. I thought it was stale Cheetos. I haven't shit right ever since :(

[@michael.schuler]

During the one month in which you can leave the can attached to the gun, must the unit be stored so that the can remains in an upright position, or is it ok for the unit to be lying horizontally (e.g., to fit in a toolbox without tipping over)?

[@kimmiesunshinebubbles1020]

Could you link the gun for us to find thank you

[@XFBO]

Anyone know if there is a way to possibly add a tip to these guns to allow a fan-like spray pattern? Trying to seal off light gaps AND weatherproof the (roof) peak in a metal building.

[@libertyblack715]

I purchased a set of three simple plastic nozzle extensions. About 4 inches long, one end pressure fit over gun nozzle, the other a "fan" exhaust about .5 inches by by 2.5 inches . I trimmed the three to different lengths giving them different exhaust dimensions, 3/4", 1.25", and 2". Works great, just keep them clean with lacquer thinner or foam cleaner.

[@beachboardfan9544]

Good luck finding the cleaner cans!

[@genoabeyta9218]

Good video. Thank you

[@neomacchio4692]

Wipe the tip. Just the tip. 😂

[@downunda107]

Brilliant thankYou

[@folerx]

i have problem with adjusting foam/air ratio. i full screw bottle to gun and foam escape from bottom end, not from gun tip. i try to little unscrew bottle from gun and gun start to work. BUT, quality of foam is very bad, to thin. do i need some adjustment? maybe is gun clogged.

[@Adventitiousone]

Hmm, should have googled a "how to care for" vid before getting the gun. Gun is now not fixable and trashed. wasn't going to buy another, but after seeing this and seeing the cleaning spray, will try once more and actually take care of it properly. It did work great until it got all gooped up.....and yes that foam is soooo sticky, wear gloves, lol, Great video and thank you for keeping it short.

[@jasonmontroy9182]

I cross threaded a can or didnt tighten alll the way.. now the gun with new can it sprays foam really slow. I think foam dried on the inside. I tried claning that part that can connects to. Still not working what should i do

[@lylewaters6161]

I had a clogged gun. It was the official great stuff gun that he is showing. It was really badly clogged. I used mineral spirits and nearly a whole can of cleaner and took it all apart and used several pick tools to remove all of the dried foam inside the gun. I was able to save it. It took a lot of work, like hours.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Great info - do you know if you can use this same gun for the DAP Smartbond subfloor adhesive and clean that out with this same cleaner? Thx

[@davepangolin4996]

Excellent. Well made tutorial for beginners, trades and professionals. American videos are always much better than the British. The Brit video usually looks like it’s been shot with a baked bean tin and the presenter like he’s just got out of prison, no teeth and arse hanging out of unwashed jeans. Which to be fair is 75% of British builders

[@orchidscraggler9802]

lmao britbongs

[@asopol3673]

I actually forgot totally about spry cleaner 😌my gun is so dry now and I don't know how to clean it, anyone know how to do that?

[@luisalonso195]

Same problem here.

[@dotarsojat7725]

watch a video on KZbin that shows how to disassemble and clean the gun.

[@axdel24]

great stuff

[@simasp7189]

Hmmm, shouldn't you keep the foam can vertical, not upside down while you're screwing it on? That way, there's less risk that you will have the foam in between the can and the gun, which you don't want. Less cleaning

[@GrantJeffrey94]

It will come out regardless it's under pressure. Meep

[@simasp7189]

@@GrantJeffrey94 there is a reason why we hold the can upside down when using the gun.. meep.

[@CowplainCC]

Very good educational video, many thanks.

[@kristoftinelly]

Clear instructions. Nice video, thank you!