Can I Paint Over Spray Foam?

Painting over spray foam insulation is not a straightforward undertaking. And although it might be a way to improve the overall appearance of an insulated space that has not been covered with drywall, much care must be given to the paint and the application. For example, oil-based paints or solvent-based paints may actually damage the spray foam, and may even cause an unexpected chemical reaction. The overriding rule is to be careful – and to probably seek professional help.

Before painting over spray foam it would be wise to check if local building codes require any type of fire barrier to protect adjacent living areas. Most often this is accommodated with drywall that completely covers the insulated space, and is all ready to paint. There are some paint products and coatings specifically designed for spray foam insulation, but here again, the best approach is a professional approach – someone with the experience and expertise to do the job right.

Like other building and construction materials, spray foam insulation can be combustible under certain extreme conditions. That’s why regional building codes insist on installing a fire rated separation from any occupied living space. So the bigger question is why paint over spray foam in the first place. Putting aside any advice that comes from the local home improvement centre, the wisest thing to do with spray foam is to ask the insulation professional that installed originally.

At Great Northern Insulation, homeowners can rely on the best professional advice, from product options to installation methods. And when it comes to finishing the space, GNI can suggest the best approach, whether it’s painting or drywall. Customer satisfaction is at the core of every job, regardless of the size. And homeowners can always rest assured that all products are warrantied and all installations are guaranteed.

Proudly Serving all of Southern Ontario

Great Northern Insulation - Better Business Bureau Profile.

Best of 2021

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.

Best of 2022

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Over 40 Years in Business

At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Do it right the first time
- with foam masters^TM

January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.

Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™

Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.

3M^TM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings

3M^TM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Holmes and Holmes

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge Incentives

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.

We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.

The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?

Climatizer

CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.

Can I Paint Over Spray Foam?

Most Popular Questions

Proudly Serving all of Southern Ontario