Plasti-Dip Your Gun Case Foam

Hard case foam liners just don't hold up very long without reinforcement. Plasti-Dip synthetic rubber protective coating spray is the simple solution to this problem.
Take a peek at a few foam gun container projects including a waterproof Pelican case for a 26.5mm Heckler and Koch flare gun.
Video link showing the boat the flare kit was used on:
• A Change of Pace...

[@theKGB65]

Same here. My Chrono, laser range finder, and spotting scope are stored together in a Pelican 1550 case and I've not sprayed that foam insert yet. Thanks for reminding me, I'll do it right now!

[@theKGB65]

I think it's important to mention that I don't my big Pelican case very often. The soft cases are so light and handy that I invariably just grab one and fill it with whatever rifle and magazines I happen to be shooting that day. The case for my PS90 gets used more often and that one was literally saved by the Plasti-Dip! Never tried casing a gun with a smoking-hot barrel. Hope your project goes well. A thin coat of this Plasti-Dip really makes a big difference in the foam strength.

[@cbclarke3]

I just want to express thanks for posting vids. This channel has inspired me to buy my first pistol (glock 19) and since then, I've become a huge glock fan. Thanks for the VERY INFORMATIVE vids. And keep posting them... ill keep watching them

[@user-ec7vo4sm8w]

Applied Plastic Dip to the foam in my pistol case using your instructions and it turned out great! I plan to apply it to my rifle case foam. Thanks!

[@theKGB65]

hiking biking That's good! When I started reading your comment I held my breath. So far nobody has reported any bad experiences with this stuff.

[@theKGB65]

Ebay has them. Or better yet, if you know someone who works with electronic equipment or circuit boards these are often found with the shipping material and are typically discarded.

[@theKGB65]

You'll probably want to apply at least 3 light coats with a 50% overlap. Allow enough time for each coat tack up completely before continuing. Three separate applications, with possibly a few more on the outside corners of your cuts where the foam is likely to receive the most wear, will make your foam noticeably less likely to tear. Applying more coats will make it stronger but there is a point of diminishing returns where the foam starts to take on the appearance of a frosted sheet cake!

[@theKGB65]

Yes, definitely! I'd really like to build a couple more inserts for this case but I have to locate some reasonably priced foam, first. Make sure your electric knife stays exactly perpendicular to the foam. Move the knife very slowly. You can stop but don't back up if you miss the line; keep the knife moving ahead. Touch up curves or mistakes very carefully with a wire wheel on a high speed Dremel tool, being careful not to let it dig in to the foam. Using the wire wheel is very messy.

[@justinwan5986]

I have a pelican case and recently a flashpoint sealtite case (Adorama copy of Pelican case)... The foam in the pelican is pretty good, but the flashpoint is terrible... Anyway your video gave me the confidence to go ahead and try this. Foam is holding up very well on both cases after about a year and I even made a a rubber compartment in the foam by applying multiple layers/coats to the foam. A few light even coats of plasti dip will stiffen up the foam, but still allow plenty of flexibility, so if anyone is worried that the foam will be too stiff it won't unless you apply 20 + coats... Thank you for the video.

[@theKGB65]

Justin Wan Thank you for the valuable feedback! My most-used Pelican is a model 1500 crammed with a spotting scope, chronograph, and rangefinder. I had applied Plasti-Dip non-aerosol to the foam with a paint brush and stirring paddle in several layers. Not real pretty, it looks like some kind of compartmentalized sheet cake with black frosting, but the thing has held up quite admirably over the years even though the foam is relatively thin between compartments.

[@theKGB65]

It does a fine job of sealing the pick-n-pluck foam so that it won't come apart with use like they otherwise will. Just make sure you spray in very light coats and let it flash dry between applications or the solvent will distort the foam. It really doesn't take that much Plasti-Dip to do a 1550 project. I wish you well!

[@theKGB65]

Glad you liked this! Thanks! The 26.5mm signal flare kit is built on a Pelican 1400 case.

[@theKGB65]

It's a soft plastic, softer than a milk carton. I could imagine that a fine, polished wooden stock might develop a haze if there was any amount of dirt between the stock and the plasti-dip, and the case was subjected to a lot of vehicle vibration.

[@theKGB65]

Plasti-Dip on pick-n-pluck has held up extremely well in my experience.

[@timothythomas1626]

Great work . Speaking of desiccant I make my own with "used" Tyvek envelopes my wifes flat hair iron ,A bag of 100% silica kitty litter, and for reinforcement on the seams- edges aluminum tape What's great about making them isn't the cost alone. Moreover is the ability to customise the size of the packs you want. And having the ability to make on demand. Humidity is a huge deal for those of us in humid Florida .

[@mervabercrombie465]

Just used it on the pick and pluck foam in my Peli case and it works a treat. Thank you very much for the heads up.

[@paulgilmour8065]

That's a good idea, I remember you mentioning it Merv, but I'll say this guy is scarey, why does he need so many weapons?

[@mervabercrombie465]

Yes, I've used it on two sets of foam and it works a treat although probably a few more coats would be better but at £15 a can it can get a bit expensive! He's got so many because he's allowed to! If you ask him why he'd probably ask us why we've got so many quads. The land of the free, the home of the brave, eh?

[@Paul_Colton_]

Interesting stuff, never heard of it before, now I can't live without it!

[@f2mel2]

Just sent a camera lens to have fungus cleaned out. It would seem counter intuitive to "protect" your equipment in a material that creates a moist environment where fungus or mold can grow. So, the desiccite idea addresses this and also, the Plastidip seals the foam from moisture and controls the crumbling particles from contamination your gear. Case solved. This is the way to go. Thanks.

[@jimr5703]

You might consider storing gun with scope up toward the handle. If you should ever drop the case, the scope will be less likely to be damaged or put out of adjustment.

[@scottzettervall429]

Not a concern if you give your scope enough spacing around it. The foam should support the firearm, not the scope.

[@theKGB65]

It should be snug enough that you have to press down to get it in or else the gun can vibrate in transit and wear the finish. You can cut finger slots for removing the item if necessary.

[@overlordone1246]

This guys should get commission from Plasti Dip - Ive bought loads since I watched this...

[@lionlocVanDwellington]

I did a whole jeep in camo lol

[@matthewcrabbe]

Great video KGB, I was wondering if anyone ever plastidip'd their gun case foam and found your video immediately.

[@online247365]

Such a simple mod but, I never would've thought to do it before seeing this video... Thumbs up for you, sir. Nicely done!

[@theKGB65]

In reality I mostly just load the guns into soft cases and put them into the vehicle. It's the quickest, easiest thing to do. These hard cases are seldom used and building them is more of an extension of my shooting hobby. I doubt if routine use of Plasti-Dipped foam would cause any noticeable wear, though.

[@TheLimbReaper]

Good. If you did it, I can. I had the same idea of using Plastidip to spray the pick-n-pluck foam in my camera cases...but I was afraid of melting the foam too. Thanks for being the guinea pig. Looks like a new Saturday project.

[@theKGB65]

Possibly Ames roof repair coating, but I'm not sure if it drys the same. Another option might be to mail order Plasti-Dip from the UK.

[@theKGB65]

I can't sleep well when my guns aren't in a safe so they are never stored in the cases even though the desiccate keeps the foam dry. What I don't like about these cases is that I sometimes shoot in rain and snow and never like putting a wet gun into one of these for the trip home because it will have to be left open to dry which is easier to do with a soft case. The green boxes are Pelican Hardigg military surplus rack-mount computer cases that I bought from a private individual for $20/ea.

[@nominalvelocity]

That right there is a great idea. I keep my chronograph and parts in a Pelican case, and I'm careful to avoid jacking up the foam.

[@TheLegend87Minecraft]

had the same idea, but i found that flex seal works WAY better!

[@bignate06nrk]

The headliner feel out of my truck so I sprayed the foam with plastic dip looks even better and maid it like new for under $20

[@1AbominAble1]

Older not idler, but you knew that. Thanks for sharing this neat idea with us, I'd never heard of that product before.

[@TOPGUNMPD08]

Wow awesome idea. You should go into business. Between your foam cut out jobs and plasti-dip coating, I think you got something good. Thanks for sharing.

[@phishst1cks]

good idea to make the case last longer they arent cheap..i was wondering if the little suitcase od surprise would come out,is my favorite one, out of all of them..leave it on the south side of the boarder i'll get it..

[@Pinggong272]

If you are going to cut foam again anytime soon can you make a video to help out anyone who is new to cutting foam. Your foam looks professionally cut I'm ordering a pelican 1750 and will try to cut the foam myself.

[@CB-uc2zm]

Dude good tips.. Not only am i going todo this to my rem 700 case i am going to fix my dive boots now.

[@Doc02864]

Great video, just what I was looking for. Just spent eight hours making the same case you did. Wasn’t sure if it was going to be too thick or textured but yours looks great. By the way, I use desiccate once in a while and was told to periodically throw it in the oven for 20 minutes I think to boil off all of the water it absorbed. More often if you use it in the rain or humid conditions. No charge for that one 😆

[@CaptainChaos6MM]

What model case is the orange pelican one that you have your flares stored in? Thanks for some great ideas with the plasti-dip!

[@DG2244]

Great tip! Your videos a very informative, but not boring like others. Keep up the great work.

[@celticwarrior916]

Test a spot to make sure it wont melt your foam first! Great tip!

[@brianmarker]

dang u got some firepower bro.. reminds me of my loadouts in call of duty haha. im going to try this spray on my pelican case i use for my gopro stuff and see what happens

[@brianmarker]

***** i honestly havent gotten around to spraying it yet. My stuff fits nice in the Pelican tho! Ill be posting a video sometime next week with my setup. ill put a link here

[@TWANGnBANG]

What a great tip! I'm heading to Lowe's to pick up a can for my SBR tennis racquet custom case.

[@DwightMS1]

I would have never thought to try that. Very clever, thank you.

[@PeacefulTactics]

Alternatively, skip the Plasti-Dip and use 2" *firm* foam, which is more solid than the Pelican factory foam www.foambymail.com/CF/solid-charcoal-firm-foam.html

[@knifestuff2644]

PeacefulTactics thanks for the info

[@9unslin9er]

Has the Plasti dip or foam deteriorated over time? I bought a Plano case for one of my guitars (which is white). I don't some the black stuff melting all over my instrument. I remember some Peavey foam lined cased would basically melt back in the 70's

[@judedel9145]

Not related to the plastidip treatment but you mentioned bonding the layers of foam in one of your pelican cases using a glue gun. I've also heard of using 3M 77. What results did you get using a glue gun? Is it worth trying the 3M 77? Thanks. Thanks for your vids BTW 👍

[@theKGB65]

Most of my New Pelican cases like this one were purchased from Cases4less. The used ones came from eBay.

[@nfareview]

Hot glue gun another great idea! I've been using adhesive spray and it sucks.

[@TrogeyGolf]

Another option is kaizen foam. Works great and more durable than what that foam looks like

[@Graysonemory]

i really admire all the hard cases you own!! sooo jealous!

[@TheBenchPressMan]

Thanks man great idea, Pelican is looking great now! Love that distress pelican, very cool idea!!!!

[@natetheaxebattles2898]

Seems like the harder dipped edges might slowly wear the bluing or TiN coat on the rifel no?

[@Planetone.]

Did you use a pelican V700 for your AR15? looks like a good fit 👌

[@TheBigAndy86]

Im not using this in a gun case, but this is a great tip for foam inserts of any type!

[@theKGB65]

I'm very happy to hear that. You have chosen well with that G19!

[@kashmiri911]

Hi , im going to try to use it on the pluck n pick pelican 1550 case. Will this hold the foam together after spraying as one solid peice? or is it just more for edges. I just want to make sure before i go spray happy.

[@beelikestowatch]

That was a pretty cool tip for Plasti dip

[@NITEOWL22LR]

hi i just wanted to ask you what other sprays can you recommend if I cant find plasti-dip as im from ireland and i dont think i can get it here??

[@TFSGEO]

Love the Weber grills!

[@theKGB65]

Jacob A You can never have too many Weber kettle grills!

[@ch89lx]

Is the plastidip rough? Will it scratch a nice wood stock on a rifle?

[@sonnaps5465]

Can I ask what color Plasti-Dip is that you are using? Is it just the flat black or some dark grey color? I think they make both. I like how yours turned out so I want to make sure I get the same thing. Thanks.

[@SuperDuperCoolBeans]

I effin' love that gun. P90. I was just introduced today but am in love. :P Good idea for the foam though!

[@zmanphx]

Stargate SG1 introduced me to P90

[@1AbominAble1]

Very interesting solution to that problem K, thanks for sharing your idea with us. Do you store any guns in cases that you've done this with? Do you think that the coated foam will promote rust faster than the exposed foam if a gun is stored in it long term? What are those two monster green cases in the background, they look lie rocket cases that I saw at a gunshow.

[@WR_CTorch]

I knew I liked this guy when he busted out his HK Flare Gun.

[@josephplowe999]

Do you think if you used an air hose to blow the plasti dip into the fome it would make it stronger since the layer would be thicker

[@jkfrojen]

Love the idea but I was wondering what you guys thought about using the Plasti-Dip on the pick and pluck foam used in a camera case. I'm planing on getting a Pelican case for my camera on rafting trips but I don't want to scratch the viewing screen on the back of the camera. I plan on pulling the camera and lenses out relatively frequently. Any ideas/advice?

[@Dietzeeeee]

Very informative I am seriously considering doing this in the near future for some of my firearms.

[@AllAboutJack]

thanks for the great tip. The Flex Seal (As Seen on TV product) could probably work the same way, right?

[@YamahaWR200]

What kind of wear do you get on your regular use firearms that you have in plasti-dip foam?

[@timothythomas1626]

Did you have to bury your AR? Or are you in the US now?

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

I sell plasti dip spray all the time, but I've never thought of reinforcing foam with it. I know it will peel off after you snag at it, you're not experiencing it rubbing off on everything you set in the foam inlay?

[@Wilmington55]

Do you have an insert for your 26.5mm flare gun. I know Kennesaw Cannon makes a .45LC/.410shot and a .22 caliber insert for the 26.5mm guns. If not check them out. They are BATF approved.

[@jes2tngo]

Have you ever had to go back and reapply the plasti-dip spray on any of your cases?? Just wondering how durable & long it'll last... no biggie seeing as a couple cans are only a few bucks but just curious.. Thanks for the vid!

[@GTCustomModels]

I have a Plano 42" Tactical Rifle Case. It has the cube foam pull-outs, instead of the solid foam piece. Would this work with the cube foam pull-outs? Would it help hold them together?

[@theKGB65]

James VanDyke Yes, Plasti-Dip does a nice job of concealing the seams between the foam cubes while keeping them from separating over time.

[@glockfan112]

Where did you get that pelican case again

[@mahari7285]

Thank you so much for this great idea! That´s exactly what i´ve been looking for to stabilize the cube cuts!

[@popculturechameleon5100]

So does this technique stop the foam from crumbling thinking of doing something similar for a harmonica case mod

[@theKGB65]

POPCULTURE CHAMELEON Yes, the flexible spray coating helps keep the foam from crumbling and tearing.

[@EMAXXMASTER]

i know this is and old video but will plastidip foam scratch wood finish like gloss clear coat or matte clear coat?

[@1AbominAble1]

$20 a piece, what a great deal! I haven't traveled by air with my rifles yet so I really don't have a need for the super heavy Pelican case that I want other than to make the super cool looking tv movie style put together sniper rifle that I've always wanted. Don't know if I'll use an AR or the Henry survival 22 that was always made to look super powerful by the prop dept ;D maybe I'll use the 10-22 breakdown that I bought, when my boys are idler they'll think that it's really neat ;D

[@tmjoutdoors9486]

theKGB65, Thank you. Smart idea with the plastic spray. I never tried that. I had that stuff already and will be trying it this weekend. TM

[@Mikesullin]

On your flare gun how did you get it to stick up out of the foam? Mine goes all the way to the bottom of my case

[@SVT2NV]

are you just putting on the plasti dip from the top or inside the cuts too?

[@officialWWM]

How tough is the finish? I'm considering making some seat cushions for my boat and coating the foam with plastidip. Do you think it would work?

[@natetheaxebattles2898]

I was thinking of using a hot knife to just slightly foam weld the edges when the time comes. Maybe it won't work🤷‍♂️

[@BeHereNow333]

It seems that your firearms aren't way below the foam line. With my items in my case they're below the foam line. Is there a method you used to make your firearms elevated ? Thanks !

[@cash2unow365]

can you use memory foam as the top layer and not have to cut anything out

[@aliveandwell2078]

Are you spraying the side walls of the foam where the rifle sits, or just the top of the foam??

[@erkwit]

Where do you get those desiccant packs?

[@sionaprhys]

Excellent tip! Good detail on the application. Thanks!

[@ericjaramillo4352]

Do you think this method would work with reinforcing the pluck n pull foam?

[@kiltedvet420]

i use plasti dip on my foam. it looks very sharp being black instead of the standard grey ish foam.

[@totoroutes5389]

Also "dip" the gun in liquid plastic for best overall results

[@bandofbrothers1964]

Thank you for sharing! Do you spray the second layer which your SW 15 laid on?

[@obxsocom]

Where is the best place to purchase this Plasti-dip? thanks

[@mjohn11]

How many coats would you suggest on a pelican 1750 case foam?

[@CalebJaqua]

It's hard to tell from the video, but does the Plasti-Dip make a rigid shell over the foam? Or does it make a sort of rubbery layer over it that can still give way some?

[@CalebJaqua]

Stretchy. That's the word I was looking for. Is the Plsti-Dip stretchy?

[@theKGB65]

Yes, stretchy is a good term for it, It stays stretchy with multiple coats unless you go really hog wild, then it starts to be plastic-y.

[@NelsonReyesJr]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@Fredruiz622]

Thanks for sharing your ideas, very nice info!

[@2221bart]

Great tip and well explained.

[@neoprimato1959]

Great video thanks. I went to a few stores trying to find the Plasti-Dip but coudn't find it in gray, but Rust-Oleum FlexiDip was sitting next to it on the shelf and it seems to be the same type of product. Do you think it would serve as well as the Plasti-Dip on the foam in my Pelican 1750? Thanks in advance.

[@theKGB65]

Frankie D Yes, the two products, Plasti-Dip and FlexiDip, along with Flex Seal, are all basically the same type of product.

[@ShinYoshao01]

I have bought both the black colored and white colored plastidip at Lowes.

[@theKGB65]

What is Flex Seal like? More rubbery?

You are pretty damn smart! What are the odds of me building ar 15 case that has hidden gps and tons of extra battery power in it. I plan on the same inside the moe.

[@HunterXray]

I used the same Plastidip on my cargo liner in my car to keep things from sliding around.