Hello all…did a search for related topics and found out some helpful info- i think. I have a new Polypropylene Foam longboard. its all black and i wanted to add some coloring to it. can this be done realistically w/o bleeding or any type of deteriation of paint? I would only have access to different spary paint cans and/or paint w./ rollers. no spray gun here. From what i understand, i need to use acrylic lacquer spray paint possibly found in auto part stores or paint shop. ok so having said that, is this info accurate? Also, will it compromise the surface of board’s material, or possibly cause the board to be more slippery (waxing over it im sure would solve that). any advice or direction for this newbie would be greatly appreciated. I apologize in advance for my ignorance on the subject
There is a foam made from expanded polypropylene (EPP), although I'm not aware of its use in surfboards. More common is expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and polyurethane foam. Either way, I would proceed the same: test samples. I would use an automotive or industrial paint, and do a small test area first, to see what kind of bond you get. Clean the board thoroughly first, then paint, and let dry. See if it forms a good bond. Painting color over black, you will probably have to use a grey or white primer first.
Ideally, a protective coat of clear resin would preserve the color, but the paint itself should make a pretty strong final coat, it is used on cars after all. If your board is all black, I can see why you'd want to add some lighter colors! Black stores heat, and can lead to melted wax and other problems.
hey Huckleberry thanks so much for the advice…i know for sure its not the EPS foam (the company feels that foam is not as durable and bouyant as the other foam). its proabably the polyurethane foam then… the foam is much heavier/dense. the board is clean as it brand new. its from greco surfboards . my buddy had one and for the price its a quality soft top board and very bouyant. Also, i agree with you and have read on these boards about the white primer idea as well as a clear coat ontop of finished product. here is a generic pic from there website that you requested:
I'm assuming that the board is already made...so the material it's made of is of no issue, you are not painting on foam, you are painting on the finished surfboard...right?...right! So, epoxy, poly resin, wood, plastic, paper, cloth, metal..it don't matter much..........it's all going to eventually chip and fade, but it will look nice for a while.
Go to the local automotive store, buy some car touch up paints in the rattle can, also buy a can of clear coat if the have it. the brand UPOL is best. But you can use good ol rustoleum paint too...the trick is covering it with the clear coat.
Get all the wax off..all the wax. Then give it a bath / wipe down in acetone,...do it again with a clean paper towel....make sure the wax is off, and clean. Wear rubber gloves and wear a mask so you don't die.......
Tape off your little design and spray away...when done just cover the art work with the clear coat. It won't last forever, but it will probably last longer than the board.
It’s some kind of softie. Possibly a soft top. The website (Greco Surfboards) really gives no worthwile info, but they look like a typical softie. I would imagine, as with all surfboards, black is the worst color you could pick.
Polypropylene is a bodyboard foam. I think they also use Aercel, another type of foam. Both are “squishy”, thus this can only be as Sammy said …a softie.
Not sure about painting this type of foam. I guess if the paint was elastic it would be practical, but the paint would prob crack straight away when the deck/bottom deforms for any reason.
thanks for the advice guys, especially yours raisinhead…the board has an eps core, encased with a IXPE foam (i believe thats polyethylene). anyhow i’ll probably go with good old rustoleum spray paint with a clear coat over it and a white coat as the first layer to prime over the black board. btw, the board is brand new and has no wax on it…so no, raisinhead, no need for acetone, and no threat of death here.
any other advice is surely welcome. thank you all once again
I wouldn't prime it...just a waste of paint. But I would sand it with 320 grit, and make sure you cover it with some clear coat. try to get some UPOL clear coat from a pro auto paint place, not a kragen or Pep Boys.
