Painting solid foam insulation on interior walls
by
Pam
+2
I live in a 1973 doublewide mobile home. I would like to use 3/4" solid insulation over the inside walls to help soundproof and prevent drafts. Can I paint or wallpaper the insulation and still keep the insulating qualities?
5 answers
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My first instinct is 'of course'. But with further thought, if the insulation needs to 'breathe' from the inside...hmmm. Good question. I would contact the insulation board manufacturer. They will know best, for sure, and I bet be more than happy you asked.
Johnchip
on May 29, 2016
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Only water-based acrylic or latex paint should be used on foam insulation, whether you are using the material for crafts or are painting unfinished walls. Avoid any oil-based or other solvent-based paints, these contain chemicals that damage and melt the foam. Before you start painting foam wall insulation, find out whether local building codes require a fire barrier, such as gypsum board. Applying of two to three coats of LATEX primer should be done on the foam surface to make sure that it is covered entirely. Do one coat at a time. Let it stand to dry completely. When the surface is dry, the second coating can be applied then the third. After applying the last primer coating on the foam insulation and drying it, apply a water-based Latex paint of the preferred color onto the foam. Foam brushes or paint rollers may be used for his application. Determine how much coatings are needed for the coverage of the entire area.
William
on May 29, 2016
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In general those boards are meant for exterior use underneath vinyl or metal siding, not interior applications. Depending on the brand you use there may be out gassing issues, you'll need to check that before you install. After that I would not recommend wallpaper as the glue could potentially react with the insulating material and damage the insulation ruining the whole project and looking absolutely horrible. If you insist on doing this inside use water based paint only, prime like crazy and pray the paint sticks.
Danielle
on May 29, 2016
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Rigid insulation is meant to be covered. If you have looked at it in the home improvement store, it is prone to nicks and dings that would not affect the R value unless really gouged or cracked. There is covered and uncover. The type that is used under exterior siding has a reflective side. The best thing you can do is consult with a the store on usage. It is probably better to have blown insulation installed. If just soundproofing is your goal, there is dense sound proofing products available, but not sure it can be painted. It too is usually covered.
Lynn Palmatier
on May 30, 2016
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I will use the styrofoam insulation and cover with 1/4" batten board panels (4' x 8' sheets).
Pam
on Jun 01, 2016
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