No Melt Foam Spray Paint & Primer Techniques!

[@ryandoyle9674]

I think I just found one of my new favorite channels on KZbin. Your personality is awesome and you're so clearly knowledgeable! Thanks for the great work!!

[@admiraltee]

I'm making my first XPS foam terrain piece and this video has helped heaps. I'll spray undercoat tomorrow, once I've let the watered down mixed filler dry overnight.

[@Sim-Rig]

if only all youtube tutorials were like this. Thats a great video, very informative especially on the filler trick for paint

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donkeyohtay8419]

This is amazing and seems so obvious now. How did it take me 4 years to find this? This will save so much time.

[@garrobond0017]

Excellent video Mel, I scratch built a thunderhawk gunship out of plastic card, sprayed ultramarine blue, melting, then used a product called plastic primer, which you get from halfords for around the same price as a can of primer. Done the job, and was able to use spray paint on the model with no issues. Keep up the good work Mel.

[@OrangeeTang]

I'm so glad I found your channel, you've been an inspiration. Cheers.

[@solomonhicks6244]

Found your channel today. You are 100% wholesome and your videos have been so helpful already!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Very useful tips, Mel. You're full of them.

[@garfieldwithissuez]

Mel, that history lesson was great. It just added a mee stop on my travel list when I get to travel Europe here in a few years when my girls are old enough.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Come say hi when you do

[@LJV030]

Genius! I tried it last night to see what happens and it works! Love it.

[@Toytography]

I'm glad I stumbled upon your video. I tried your method on a project for my son and it worked perfectly! Thanks a bunch!

[@sarahh9132]

Have come across this video whilst doing some Halloween craft. I really love your presentation, you can tell you love what you do. Thank you for the tips 👍

[@ElmoRaj]

Mate the history lesson is more than welcome!

[@johnbrisco1978]

Excellent video with vivid explanation.

[@dougsundseth6904]

You can seal the surface with many different things if you want to use spray paints on EPS. My preference is for mis-mixed latex house paint (I think I've heard you refer to it as "emulsion paint"). But I would only do this if there were some specific thing I wanted to use a spray for. In particular, I've used that kind of sealer before using rock-texture sprays to get a fairly convincing rock look with foams. If I just want color, there are better ways than a spray can, IMO.

[@danielwarren1062]

Just stumbled across your channel, and I’m happy I did, I don’t comment on KZbin, but thought I’d make an exception, thanks for the excellent work.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Glad you find it useful buddy

[@Hobbyrepubliken]

As always this was exactly the video I needed for the weekend! ❤️

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hoped it helped mate

[@gondogeek]

Mod podge with paint mixed in can be used a primer. Not only does it cover well but it also harden's the foam adding to durability. So no need to go outside (especially as it is 16 below right now in my neck of the woods) Then, paint for desired effect. You can then use a polyurehtane seal on top. To make sure you don't damage your project, Minwax brand spray is the only one that will NOT melt XPS or EPS foam, provided you stay a minimum of 12 inches and do small passes going back and forth and repeat a few times when your coat is dry. Not my idea, got this from Balck Magic Craft..

[@RandomizationShow]

Michel Godbout Thanks a bunch!! You had me at added durability for the sake of my project.

[@felhate2244]

I liked the history lesson. Thanks Mel

[@LibraryOfCat]

Oooh, you can use that melting effect as a feature to get a rough, volcanic, or burnt-out rock texture. :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yep!

[@jasonmoran5152]

so glad i saw this. I actually want a rock like texture so i'm gonna try to melt a piece as a test :)

[@terrainaholic]

BRAVO!!!!!!!! That was like a MAGIC TRICK!!!!!!!! I'm MORE impressed with that then sawing a lady in half!!!!!!! Please Mel don't saw a lady inhalf!!!!!! Well unless she's a mini and going in a tank turret hatch LOL:)!!!!! GREAT JOB BUDDY!!!!!!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I once thought about being a magician mate lol

[@Smale321]

watered down PVA glue also works great as a primer for the spray paint!

[@NoHairMon]

Please stop telling people that it is the propellant that is damaging the foam. What’s doing the damage is the solvent and or the carrier for the paint. Water based acrylic and latex paints use the same basic propellant and do not damage the foam.

[@manhardatta4721]

Great explanation

[@lesliebooth2833]

This is such good info, thank you! I am actually wanting to do some texture with the spray paint to create a look similar to concrete blocks. I’m hoping (we will see) to create faux breeze blocks since it’s near impossible to find the actual anywhere around here (Texas). They will hopefully grace the facade of my 65 year old midmod home!!

[@JamesBrown-vl8od]

modgepodge and paint mixed together make a great sealer and strenghtener

[@The-Mstr-Pook]

What's Modgepoge

[@craft_addict_can]

@@The-Mstr-Pook mod podge is a PVA sealing glue.

[@LaMOi1]

Excellent video! So helpful! 👍

[@ruthven78]

lol on the inside the studio view of EPS that was the first thing I thought of "that could be a texturing technique" lol

[@geekfreak69]

Great technique Mel

[@andrewwest4053]

Another cracking video! Loved the little history lesson. Thanks again!

[@Yamanoochi]

Watered down PVA as a base coat before paint? Acrilic primer liquid for the concrete walls?

[@PaganShredhead]

Several layers, and only water it down slightly!

[@batman9592]

PVA? That's a myth. It doesn't work and just adds to the time and cost. Water Based Cans cost the same or are sometimes cheaper.

[@PaganShredhead]

Of course PVA works, what are you talking about? It works as a sealant, you can even use it as varnish.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yep, all good, filler just drys quicker without warping issues

[@troybrand6626]

It's what I used to use.

[@bitzbox]

Really useful video. I was wondering if you have any tips for spray painting over the winter as I find spray painting outdoors can leave a nasty texture from the spray cans

[@PaganShredhead]

His last video from last week, buddy!

[@bitzbox]

@@PaganShredhead haha this is what I get for being ill last week and not being all caught up! Cheers dude

[@PaganShredhead]

You're welcome, happens to the best!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

As Pagan said mate ;-)

[@AndiRCR]

You get an abo here. I lost my first terrain bay using wrong spraying primer.

[@UnkaJuwie]

thank u so much for explaining the propellant. now i know! 😊

[@joymobley1508]

Great video

[@RicheUK]

Great techniques, thanks

[@scottmclean6301]

Quick question, what reason would you use spray paint and not acrylic? I was looking to make a sea container like you did but I was looking to do one for a 6 inch figure diorama.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Speed and zenith highlighting effects mate

[@howarddavid31]

Wow, this is super informative! Thank you so much

[@sirfatant]

Thanks for the great advice.

[@vicmarriott4849]

Love the lessons and the History.

[@lupod3131]

Great video, very useful information. I am going for the filler method, it seems to also increase paint coverage. Maybe also fills the small gaps in the EPS surface?

[@stuselkirk982]

What exactly is he referring to with "filler"? Forgive my ignorance!

[@garryeckert5929]

Good work

[@Ddigzdirt]

exactly the video I was looking for🧨 im just getting ready to seal a diorama and dont want to use modge podg. I find it never ready cures hard enough. going with tamiya clear...🤞

[@djskizzle1]

Thanks so much! Gonna give this a try tonight. Much appreciated!

[@ravenartsandgraphics4456]

Great video. I've heard that a coating of wood glue works also.

[@The_Keto_Klingon]

Thank you once again Mel. What about a coat of PVA or Mod Podge?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yep, that'll work but it might warp with those mate

[@billjonesnation]

Always wanted to know how to do this without buying expensive paint or using a long process. Thanks.

[@davidross7255]

Can you use this technique with acoustic foam?

[@panoraoglamic]

Hey there ....terra trainer...I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides.Hey there ....terra trainer...I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides. Hey there ....t...I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides.Hey there ....terra trainer...I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides. Hey there .......... Mr Tutor... I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides.Hey there ....terra trainer...I really liked your video of especially the filler being used to get a smooth paint job. Since I am a beginner @ Dioramas...and am making for the first time an Airport along side an Indian village ...coz that's where I live( south western India) ,town of the Krishna temple , Udupi. Now coming to my query, I am currently making my own planes for the airport as, thats the fun part...and not just buyin stuff ....from anywhere...so since this is a CARGO Aeroplane I have begun work on...could you tell me.....if an aerosole spray paint ...of glossy type which I have ...would give a realistic finish to the whole aircraft...? Or even here I might wanna use the FILLER......like you mentioned...for the glossiness??? SO...should the FILLER be part of every glossy paint job? Also for your info...in the airport-village diorama .....for the air crafts ......., I am using a FOAM BOARD ..which in...India looks more like a chart paper ..2-3 millimetres thick and has a smooth surface ...on both sides.

[@swindonwhite8413]

All about ModPodge, Bose . Mixed with any acrylic paint for your base coat. I use car primer on this and works a charm with light passes . Eps , XPs , foam core, works on everything and very inexpensive

[@jvanamb]

Mel; Any ideas on how to DIY a filler like product? I thinking for my Winter 2019 layout expansion to use your spray technique for the mass of scenery, but all that filler. OMG. So what about thin paper mache, strips of cloth soaked in some sort of glue/paste/tack, or thinned down (homemade) sculpt-a-mold for resurfacing? Great tutorial. Especially considering you & your paint pot isn't ass over tea pot. SEE YOU DOWN THE LINE. Jim

[@PaganShredhead]

I used a layer of newspaper paper (very thin) with PVA to cover EPS terrain pieces for spray painting. It works, But I recommend a second layer of PVA after the papermachee has dried.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's basically a plaster coat, so any plaster should have the same effect mate

[@simmonslucas]

Great vid

[@jyomama9218]

😂 I love 💕 the accent...

[@briancarroll.]

My oh my…. That idea of using it for texturing really hit the excitement up to a 10!!! Lol (good video though 👍)

[@InsidetheBoothTV]

Thank you this was awesome.. I'm going to use these techniques for my project(Dan)

[@SunDancerGE]

Thanks Mel. So since the propellant is the problem Airbrushing acrylic paints onto XPS is risk free? Or are there traps too?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Perfectly risk free as long as you just use water as a thinner for your paints mate

[@christianharper7462]

Quick question: does the expanding foam have the same problem of melting?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

don't know but I've always covered it in filler before spraying it

[@christianharper7462]

@@TheTerrainTutor ah, OK thanks

[@sensibleperson8208]

Is Xps the same a blue Styrofoam? And expanding foam polystyrene

[@brianstewart3594]

Mel where did you get the microphone your using on the videos your using

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Amazon mate

[@brianstewart3594]

@@TheTerrainTutor do you have a name for the microphone

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Tekstar I think

[@Law0086]

I've found with some terrains you might want the styrene to melt. Such as an extraterrestrial planet or a dry desert. I now know how to keep my garden plants green all year around though.

[@kingbotzcustoms]

Great info here, very-informative, did NOT know that about the propellant-effect on foam!! Can I ask what type & brand-filler you're using there?

[@asimkhan4733]

I’m thinking of making a prop using xps foam, can I use the filler and spray filler then sand or wet sand it, also what filler did you use?

[@SpenserClark]

I've never warmed my spray primer before, is that a climate thing? Or something that always helps?

[@timothymitchell9956]

You are awesome!!! What is this filler called in the US please?

[@IainCiplinski]

Judging by the tub it's in, that's Di-all filler, an own brand from B&Q, a UK DIY store. It's a standard filler, you can use the powdered filler as well, if you get a milky consistency.

[@LondonMus]

Really enjoyed this thank you. I’m about to get some polyfilla & get cracking with this. Wanted to ask how to get rid of the styrofoam bubble effect to leave a smoother finish. Would you apply a few coats of filler maybe?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Sure mate, its how I do it

[@notcharles]

@@TheTerrainTutor What is 'filler?' Brand? Link?

[@KitchenDiariesByMK]

Amazing

[@readhistory2023]

I was thinking you could use the melting action of the paint to texture your foam instead of carving. It could pass for swampy ground, river bank, rough concrete/rock. I'll get back you on that.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yep, that'll work well mate, the main issue is control of the effect

[@mask1967]

Yes, the melting is deffo caused by the paint solvent and not the gas propellant 👍

[@dharma2692]

Mate, awesome job on your channel. I just found it. I have a question, because I am from Greece, I would like to know the brand or the kind of the filler you use, because the market is saturated with differents products. Once again fantastic work and great information

[@IainCiplinski]

Judging by the tub it's in, that's Di-all filler, an own brand from B&Q, a UK DIY store.

[@rafaelandrade5379]

I'm really thankful for your video! God bless you. What is the product name that you use to protect the foam? Fila? 🤣 I do not understand... Thanks

[@FLSheepdog]

Can you use an airbrush with acrylic paint directly on to styrofoam without it melting?

[@Ewauti]

Yeah ! Three thin coats for the win ! Thank you so much for all your great tips, my younger kids (5 &7) now think I am a genius in terrain making ^^. I can even make them actually do terrain stuff (and their favorite part is applying filler, don't know why :)) I have also used water based spray cans that don't seem to melt foam. Well they did not so far. Keep up the great job, I love your channel.

[@notcharles]

EPS XPS Styrofoam . . . I use the foam stuff that they package TVs and such with. What is that foam made of? Anyone . . ..

[@TheTerrainTutor]

EPS

[@UpcycleEngineer]

Krylon, rustoleum and testors all make foam primers, i used krylon primer and the flat camo green on my rc foamie

[@lyndontaylor4440]

Minwax polycrylic sealer works to seal the foam brush it on to get a thicker coat its water based as well so no issues you can use any spray cans then!!

[@ItayBia]

What exactly is this filler? Joint compound?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Spackle mate

[@ItayBia]

Thanks for your videos and taking the time to answer questions 👏

[@matttriplett6299]

Love you Mel. But. You're fundamentally wrong on this one. I can't speak for all companies (they all use their own formulas) but, I can guarantee that the the can of grey plasti-kote primer you have on the table uses propane as a propellant. Try turning on a propane torch without lighting it and passing it over foam and see if it melts. It does however contain acetone to thin the resin in the paint and is used because it dries quickly. What your doing in this video is holding the can far enough away to allow the acetone to dry before the paint hits the foam. Oh, also on your last video... it's usually not the nozzle that gets clogged up. Usually it's the rubber seal just beneath the nozzle that does. It will get paint on it and stick thus, not allowing it to evenly distribute the paint to the nozzle, creating the mess and that will clog up the nozzle.

[@dougsundseth6904]

This. Most commonly, propane, n-butane, or isobutane are used as propellants, which are not significant polystyrene solvents. Spray paints usually use extremely volatile solvents, so that they will dry quickly, which is why the technique you are using will work, but you do run the risk of a powdery surface and poor paint adhesion if you're causing the paint to dry right as it's hitting the surface.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks for the info bud

[@dougsscalemodels]

Yes, it's the solvent in the paint that reacts with the foam. You will notice the same results when airbrushing. However none of this changes the fact that the technique works. It's also a good idea to use the same approach when using lacquer paint on styrene plastic.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Yea

[@TheZapan99]

Liquitex has a range of water-base acrylic spray paint that are safe for foam, but they are terrible for small projects because their valves tend to get clogged fast.

[@XR-Monkey]

Yes, Liquitex has water based acrylic spray paints, whole range of different colors.

[@TheZapan99]

@@XR-Monkey I discovered since that Montana spray caps are useful to save clogged Liquitex Acrylics valves, because they have a sort of cleaning notch under the nozzle you can work by twisting them around the valve.

[@rinadeych]

Excellent video! Thank you! I make feral cat shelters out of discarded styrofoam I find. I usually use acrylic porch or deck paint, but this would be much faster, especially if I have to make an emergency shelter.

[@gowanus7185]

I'm going to make Styrofoam Cat Shelters & try deck/porch/sealer acrylic paint w brush, maybe less chemical smells for the Cats.

[@scifimodelshop]

I use craft acrylic paint in a airbrush if you do not have an airbrush you can put craft acrylic paint with a 50/50 mixture a water and paint into a spray bottle and spray it on just make sure that when all the painting and stun that you seal it up what a sealer I've never had problems with any melting using acrylic

[@Bababobby1]

yeah

[@UncleBenjs]

All I want is some clear primer to coat some EPS panels that I have already successfully painted. But it seems impossible to find. Hours and hours searching and still no luck, and I can't risk melting these as they're cut to specific QRD mathematics and would cost way too much to get more done.

[@damoncrowfeather4655]

Water based acrylic craft paints work well. Just go with around a fifty-fifty mix of paint and water.. Apply with a cheap airbrush kit.

[@AxDhan]

I like to see those bees on your garden :)

[@TakronRust]

It's not the propellant. It's the solvent they use for the paint. By spraying from a distance, you are allowing the paint to partially dry. Alcohol based white pigment spray shellac will seal the foam without melting and you can paint it with whatever you want after the shellac dries

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Handy to know, thanks mate!

[@tastelikechinahadababyandn9928]

u could easily place a stick or thin metal piece to hold foam away from you while spraying it, just a tip.

[@mardukes1529]

what is filler?

[@wadebarnes6720]

What is filler

[@stuselkirk982]

What is "filler"?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

wall stucco in the states

[@stuselkirk982]

@@TheTerrainTutor many many thanks! Love your tutorials!

[@MrSinghKhanna]

In-credible. I needed this video BEFORE I PRIMED THE WALLS I CARVED. What they melted into, defies belief. Bitter. Still in disbelief.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

We've all experienced it at some point mate, mine was my old Mighty Citadel set :-(

[@MrSinghKhanna]

@@TheTerrainTutor- It's still a great video, thanks for all the tips! ;)

[@Chromaz]

So the trick is to use spray cans the way you should always use them? At distance, upright and light coats. Surely they should be able to figure this out for themselves lol

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Based on how often I get asked this question, I'd so no

[@SSluvNlife]

Yeah the Terrain Tudor is correct ... I’m a newbie and didn’t know so thank you for stating maybe the obvious for some people but definitely not the obvious for many people!! 😉

[@cowboy6591]

I have no clue WHAT this thing called filler is your using. Needs scenario explanations, it looks like something we call SPACKLING here in the states. You might want to hold the can up close to the camera so we can read the ingredients labels or something. No clue what brand name either.

[@luke_rs]

it is spackle. Any polyfilla will do (it's used for repairing holes in walls).

[@Spekd]

I had to go through 9 adverts (skipped) today just to get the vid. Otherwise good information.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

9? what did you do to upset youtube?

[@Spekd]

@@TheTerrainTutor Hey TRY 😂😂😂 maybe I upload so hard and support the community so much that want me to slow down 🔥🔥🔥

[@newsflash6895]

Just paint it acrylic or reg outdoor paint. Then spray paint if u want.

[@joehartman5543]

I’m building a Buster Sword out of insulation foam.

[@Romin.777]

Very good tips but a bit to hyper for my taste. Relax man, take it easy.

[@finnkunertutube]

You're a funny Guy but anyway, thx for the learning.

[@Yamanoochi]

Another idea for thouse who have an airbrush. If the melting problem is in the propellent - just get rid of it - drain the paint from the can and put it in the airbrush.

[@Yamanoochi]

And this method is usefull for thouse, ( me as well ) who have 3-4 months of snowing winter. The miniatures would not be primed by themselfs. There is a week spot in this idea - what is smelling in the canpaint? The propellent or the paint itself?

[@dougsscalemodels]

@@Yamanoochi It's not the propellant that disolves the foam, it IS the solvent in the paint. The solvent is also where most of the smell comes from. The propellant is a butane/propane type gas.

[@Yamanoochi]

@@dougsscalemodels TY ! Just in time - stopped my hand with a needle in an mm from spray can. A have a lack of resorses - will use airbrush with craftpaint. Do you know what is modgepodge in general and how to craft it? ))) Thankyou one more time.

[@dougsscalemodels]

@@Yamanoochi, mod podge is just watered down PVA glue.