If you are using expanding foam for your home improvement project, you will need to learn how to get dried expanding foam off, especially if it’s newly installed. This kind of foam can be handy to seal the house and such things alike, but when it sticks to your hand or skin, it can be quite annoying.
One effective method is using nail polish remover, which can dissolve the foam without harming your skin.
So, if you don’t want to hurt yourself while removing the substance, read on and find out the ‘smart’ methods that won’t harm you.
About the Expanding Foam
Also known as spray foam sealant, this substance is used to seal cavities and insulate buildings so the outside air won’t be able to enter the premise.
The spray foam is super effective in preventing such a heat transfer, but removing it will be quite difficult when it makes contact with your skin or hands. In most cases, you will have to provide extra effort because the substance will stick.
Removing Spray Foam: How to Do So
The first thing that you want to do is quickly remove it, especially if it’s still wet. When it’s still in a wet state, it’s easier to remove when compared to the dried foam. For dried foam, you might need to resort to methods like using nail polish remover or a combination of warm water and soap to soften and remove the foam.
Use a disposable paper towel or cloth to wipe the spray foam off. Discard the paper towel or cloth so it won’t stick to other stuff. NEVER wet your hands because water speeds up the entire curing process.
· Baby Powder
Use baby powder and apply it to the affected area. The amount of powder you should apply depends on the amount of expanding foam on your skin. Once you have applied the powder, rub your hands together. If this doesn’t work, you can try washing the area with soap and warm water to help loosen the foam.
Those foams would stick to the baby powder, and as you rub your hands together, the foams would come off your skin. You can wash your hands so the powder and the rubbed-off foam will be cleansed away.
You may have to repeat this step several times before those expanding foams can be cg expanding foam for your home to be completely removed from your skin.
Read also: How to Get Spray Foam Off Hands Quickly?
· Acetone
You can also use Acetone, such as nail polish remover, to remove the spray foam. Once the acetone touches the dried expanding foam, it turns the foam into liquid. You can then wipe it off with a disposable paper towel or cloth.
After using acetone, it’s a good idea to wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any residue. Just apply the Acetone. It will lose the foam, and you can easily separate it from your skin.
· Special Remover
Some say you can use a special expanding foam remover to deal with this issue. Ask your local store or find the information online. There are some remover products available. These products are usually applied to remove the expanding foam on the building, but you can use a small amount of it for your hands.
· Pumice Stone
It’s also possible to use the pumice stone. You can rub the stone on the affected area, but do it gently. If not, you are risking hurting yourself.
· Petroleum Jelly
Using petroleum jelly on the affected area is okay, especially on the hands. After applying the jelly, don’t wash it off immediately, and wear rubber gloves. Let it be for a while.
The petroleum jelly should soak your skin, softening the hardened foam. After some time, you can try washing off the jelly and foam with soap and warm water.
Warning and Precautions
This is why you should always wear protective and safety gear when working in construction, including on home improvement projects. Wear goggles, safety gloves, long-sleeved clothes, and boots (including a safety helmet when necessary) whenever you work. The foam itself isn’t toxic for the skin, but it can cause irritation or allergies for those with sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Now you don’t need to worry anymore. When you have the question of how do you get dried expanding foam off, you know some of the answers now.
