Reader Tip: Great Stuff Spray Foam
By J.R. Bluett
When we posted about Great Stuff Spray Foam, readers commented on the difficulty of cleanup and the “single-use” nature of the cans. One workaround is the “Pro” version, but it requires applicator guns and cleaner, which you don’t want to shell out for if you’re not getting paid for the job. Reader Joe offers a cheaper solution: “Here’s what Dow tech support suggested about keeping a can reusable:
“One-component foams as GREAT STUFF(TM) do not lend themselves to re-use. Once a can has been used and allowed to sit for more than two hours, it will seal itself shut. This is indicated on the can’s label.
“It is possible to preserve a can of GREAT STUFF polyurethane foam sealant. Insert a pipe cleaner, soaked with WD-40, into the attached applicator straw (do not remove straw from can). Leave the pipe cleaner sticking out of the applicator straw approximately 1/4 inch. This has to be done within two hours of use. The WD-40 soaked pipe cleaner may preserve the can up to 30 days.”
Kudos, Joe, for enduring the technical support hold time, and many thanks for sharing the fruits of your labor!
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November 19th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
This is a neat trick if it works. We use Fomo Products Handi-Foam and their dedicated guns that cost us anywhere from $60 (F61030) to $120 (F61110) bucks depending on the application. Have a few more of the $120 guns because we can use both canned foam and cylinders with this model. I can’t tell you how many have been rendered useless because the crew did not run the spray can of cleaner through the gun within the open-time of the foam. For some small jobs where I think the crew may be inattentive (ie. just throw the used gun in the back of the truck) we switch to the cheaper Fomo Gun (F61050) – which is about $15 but still not worth discarding on a regular basis
November 19th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
it doesn’t seal itself shut. All you need to do is take a drill bit and screw it into the foam until it gets a good grip on it, then pull it out. It should come out in one piece, but sometimes it doesnt. Worked great for me
November 19th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I’ve had good luck cleaning the nozzle with acetone before it dries, then the can lasts indefinitely until the next time I need it.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
If you rinse everything out with acetone, it can be reused. Poor it back and forth through each end of the straw to clean it off. Also, take the straw off and poor it right down into the top of the can. That’s what I do.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I have had good luck putting a drywall screw (long enough to make a good seal) in the end of the straw immediately after use and storing it indefinitely. Usually just removing the screw from the end and it’s ready to go. Sometimes I need to poke a piece of wire in the straw to clean it but usually the old foam has shrunk and no longer blocks the straw.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Right on the can the instructions state that acetome will dissolve the uncured product. As soon as I am done using a can I swish the straw applicator and the top of the can in a shallow pan of acetone. I have successfully re-used a can as many as four time before emptying it.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Sorry - that would be acetone that dissolves the uncured product
November 20th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I also use acetone. It works great!
November 20th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Just take the can, tip it upside down and hold the trigger till the tube and nozzle
are clear. Works great checked a can put away 3 years ago, its fine.
For a wiggly extension, take a piece of tv cable pull out the center wire,
carefully pull off the outer vinyl jacket and shield . Fit the tube into the jacket
and fit the other over the supplied nozzle.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Take the straw off, and blow it out with your mouth from the threaded end. Then stick a screw into the blob of foam sticking out of the nozzle on the can.
When you want to use it again, pull the foam/screw “plug” out, and cut a couple of inches off of the straw with an xacto knife.
ta-da!
November 24th, 2008 at 3:35 am
Yeah, right on the can the instructions state that acetome will dissolve the uncured product. As soon as I am done using a can I swish the straw applicator and the top of the can in a shallow pan of acetone.