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Save Spray Foam

Chuck Miller, special-issues editor

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How to make a disposable spray-foam can last if you don't use it all at once

Neil Facia writes:

Often I don't need an entire can of spray foam but if I just set it aside the straw gets all blocked up with foam. To keep it clear of foam I insert one or two wood skewers (depending on the straw size) and leave them in till the foam dries, then I just slide the skewers out and the foam comes with it.

Tauntons for Pros By Pros: Building Tips and Techniques
From the editors of Fine Homebuilding Over 350 Site-Proven Tips $17.95 more info...

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Comments (8)

ShowerShoe writes: Place the straw tip in acetone and place a few drop in the spray can tube thing...presto! (carborator cleaner sounds easier though if our somewhere else but your home).
Posted: 10:24 pm on August 12th

DaveyG writes: Forget the straw that comes with the can and use a length of disposable 1/4" drip tubing. Cut it back or toss it after the foam has hardened. Good for getting around corners and tight places too.
Posted: 12:46 pm on July 28th

Amish Electrician writes: I know this video has been here for some time ... I tire of such 'old news.'

Electric supply houses have been selling foam cans with such tops for a decade - hardly news. Yet, I did not find them to be worth the effort.

Rather, I carry a spray can of carburator cleaner as well as the foam. Carburator cleaner contains, among other things, acetone. When I am finished foaming, I use the carb cleaner to clean out the hose, the nozzle, and to treat any foam that got in the wrong place (like on my clothes). Problem solved; the foam will now store just as well as a new can.

Of course, prevention is a better solution. Sometimes a retailer - WalMart, Home Depot, etc., will carry small cans. The small cans are ideal for small jobs, like sealing the hole you just ran your wires through.
Posted: 12:44 pm on June 19th

Seether writes: I've used a Froth Pack in the past. The twin hoses are protected between uses with petroleum jelly. The froth pack foam hardens due to moisture in the air as I recall. Would pj prevent any hardening????? I think one would just need to remove the straw and pack both ends with jelly. Of course you would also pack the nozzle of the can with jelly. I am going to try it next foam day. Anyone ever try this?

Posted: 10:20 am on May 9th

PDX gal writes: Will this work for the fireblock foams as well (that you spray in gaps between floors)? It says on the can to consider it good for one-time use only. I've been using this tip for a long time with the latex foam and had no problems, but the fireblock may be different.
Posted: 1:30 pm on April 27th

plyboy writes: That's a great idea for short term, but if you want to preserve the can for a long period, a few drops of lacquer thinner will dissolve any residue in the nozzle and the tube, leaving them they were never used.
Posted: 6:29 pm on April 26th

Foamer writes: Great tip! We use a lot of can foam in our insulation business and I prefer the straw dispenser over the gun foam.

One word of caution if you watched the video: do not use the regular foam shown around windows and doors - the foam can seal them shut because of its high expansion rate. Be sure to pick cans marked "window and door foam" to be safe. If you use the Great Stuff brand, go for the blue cans.
Posted: 4:21 pm on April 26th

DanMorrison writes: If you like Chuck's 'There's A Better Way' video series, vote for it in the Webby Awards at http://www.youtube.com/webby under 'How To & DIY'
Posted: 10:38 pm on April 24th

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