Professional mounting foam TYTAN 65 750ml. Stroylandia Photos
Polyurethane foam is used in a number of construction and repair work: sealing cracks, installing waterproofing, etc. Foam is most popular when installing plastic window blocks and door frames. Despite the convenience and ease of use, some difficulties may arise . For example, when applied, foam can get on work surfaces, in particular: metal doors and plastic windows, clothing, and skin.
Reasons for hitting the door
Installation of door frames of various types involves the use of polyurethane foam to fix the structure and seal gaps and voids . Excellent performance characteristics and ease of application have made foam a popular building material. But when using it, sometimes unforeseen situations happen . Careless handling of polyurethane sealant leads to a certain amount of the composition getting onto the canvas, which can lead to damage to the integrity of the coating and loss of its original appearance. This can happen for several reasons:
Foam Soudal Construction and Repair 500 ml. Photo Petrovich
Little experience of the work performer leads to incorrect determination of the required amount of mixture coming out of the cylinder. When expanding, the composition increases significantly in volume, the excess protrudes from the gap and ends up on the canvas or additional parts.
Use of household foam , produced in cylinders with a plastic tube. This mechanism (unlike a professional pistol) does not allow you to control the exit speed and foam consumption . When the valve is closed, the mixture continues to flow from the cylinder for some time. Careless pressing of the valve may result in spraying of the composition. When the foam runs out, it comes out of the container in jerks along with the remaining gas , the spray flies out of the container at high speed and hits not only the surface being treated, but also the surrounding elements.
Using low-quality foam will most likely lead to unsatisfactory results. Therefore, regardless of the complexity and responsibility of the work, it is recommended to choose products from well-known brands, for example, TECHNONICOL, Makroflex, Soudal, Tytan. And purchases must be made from trusted trading companies.
Thus, before you start doing the work yourself, you need to find out how it is possible to remove foam from the entrance and interior doors.
How quickly it dries
The properties of polyurethane foam are important not only at the stage of analysis and selection of the optimal option , but also during the execution of work. Question: How long does it take for polyurethane foam to dry? - is also relevant when the composition gets on a surface not intended for it . After all, depending on when the foam got on the canvas, the means for removing it differ.
Household mounting foam Makroflex 500 ml. SHAKETEC. Photo by Maxidom
A feature of polyurethane sealant is its ability to polymerize, i.e. completely harden within 8-12 hours from the moment it comes out of the container. Fresh foam is much easier to remove and can be done without the use of special tools, using improvised materials.
How to clean at home, options for improvised means
Success in the fight against fragments of polyurethane foam largely depends on the efficiency of the work . The sequence of actions depends on how much time has passed from the moment the composition hits the surface until the moment it is detected:
- The first situation is when the foam has not polymerized, which ensures traceless removal of contamination.
- The second situation , an already frozen fragment of polyurethane was found on the canvas. In this case, the forecasts are less optimistic. There is a high probability of either incomplete removal of the composition or damage to the surface and damage to the decorative coating.
Therefore, when using foam, it is important to carefully monitor the cleanliness of surrounding surfaces . And if necessary, immediately remove the composition while the process of hardening and polymerization is underway. The formation time of the surface film is about 20-30 minutes, during which time the work must be completed. Measures taken in time will allow you to limit yourself to the use of improvised means and save money, since you will not have to buy special substances (cleaners).
Advice. The foam has high adhesion, i.e. Excellent adhesion to many building materials. Therefore, during the work, it is recommended to protect with film those areas of the structure that may be exposed to the composition. This will save time, effort and money on cleansing. The protective film is not a 100% guarantee of cleanliness, since droplets of foam can still get into certain areas; even experienced craftsmen are not immune from this, but small stains are easier and faster to remove.
What can you use to clean an iron or wooden door if it hasn’t hardened?
A special feature of polyurethane foams is their ability to harden quickly. However, there is time before polymerization. If the composition has not yet adhered to the surface, it can be removed using several tools and materials.
Important! Do not remove uncured foam with a wet cloth. Trying to wash off the polyurethane will make the situation worse, since contact with water will only speed up the polymerization process.
1) Spatula . To remove significant amounts of foam, it is recommended to use a plastic or wooden spatula. After which the surface must be wiped with a clean and dry cloth.
2) A scraper made of plastic or other material that will not damage or scratch the coating, if any. Residues of the composition are removed with a cloth soaked in a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover containing acetone.
Attention. Acetone is the most effective and inexpensive way to combat polyurethane foam. But due to the presence of potent components in the composition, acetone is used only for surfaces that are difficult to damage. Getting it on vinyl or plastic surfaces will only make the situation worse. It is not suitable for structures with a varnish coating. Using the product will cause it to wash away the foam along with the varnish or paint. Therefore, if there is no confidence in the safety of using acetone for construction, you need to abandon this product or conduct an experiment. Wipe an area inconspicuous to the eye with a rag and acetone and determine whether the surface is damaged.
3) A paper napkin soaked in slightly heated vegetable oil . It wipes the contaminated areas, which are then washed with warm water.
Set of plastic spatulas 50/100/150 mm, 3 pcs. Photo by Leroy Merlin
4) Soda . The small product is characterized by a gentle effect. It is enough to wipe the contaminated surface to remove the foam.
5) Vinegar . An essence is used to remove the mixture. A rag is soaked in it and the surface is wiped until the dirt completely disappears.
Remove if dried out
also possible to deal with frozen foam using improvised means . Removal of hardened composition is based on the dissolution of polymer chains . For this, special products and solvents . But weak substances are not able to cope with the task. It is necessary to use concentrated formulations . But we must not forget that they also affect the decorative coating of the door .
White spirit 1 l. Photo by Leroy Merlin
Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to try to remove the polyurethane mechanically . It is necessary to carefully select the tool so that it does not damage the structure or coating. The blade, knife and sharp spatula are suitable for cleaning surfaces made of wood, metal and varnished structures. For veneer doors, a wooden spatula should be used.
First, the upper part of the frozen mass is removed. After this, a thin adherent layer with a dense structure remains. It is quite difficult to completely remove the mass, so you will have to take additional steps.
Reference. Sometimes it is not necessary to remove the mixture immediately; it is advisable to wait until it dries completely. The frozen mass acquires a dense structure, which can be stronger than the adhesion force. As a result, there is a chance to remove the foam by tearing off a whole piece. It is recommended to remove residues with the hard side of a foam sponge or a rubber eraser.
It is possible to erase the remaining contaminants after removing the bulk of the polyurethane using special means. These substances are also used to remove small foam contaminants, i.e. without prior use of a mechanical method.
1) Solvents are first aid products. To remove polyurethane foam, products numbered 646 and 647 . The first is more aggressive, and therefore is only suitable for rough surfaces, for example, metal doors. For structures made of PVC and MDF, its use is strictly prohibited. The solvent is applied to a dry, light cloth, which is used to treat the contaminated surface. To achieve the best effect, it is recommended to leave for 10 minutes . The remaining product is removed along with the foam. The door needs to be washed.
Important! Carrying out work using aggressive agents requires protecting your hands with gloves. Lack of PPE can lead to injuries such as eczema or dermatitis.
2) Dimexide. This product does not belong to the category of building materials. It can be purchased at a pharmacy, since Dimexide is used to treat diseased joints. But in concentrated form, Dimexide successfully copes with frozen foam. To do this, you need to soak a sponge with Dimexide, rub the stain with it for several minutes (2-5), then you need to remove the remaining sealant with the rough side of the sponge or a toothbrush.
Reference. Dimexide does not destroy varnished and plastic surfaces. But white spirit, with prolonged contact with the varnish, penetrates its structure and leaves cloudy marks on the surface.
3) White spirit is an alternative to pharmaceutical Dimexide. It is an organic solvent obtained from oil refining. Allows you to completely clean the canvas from foam, without harm to the metal surface. A sponge or colorless material is impregnated with white spirit. The composition is applied to the stain and left for 2-5 minutes. The mass softens and is removed with a scraper or a brush with stiff bristles. Residues of polyurethane are washed off with clean water.
Attention. White spirit has a pungent odor. Therefore, work must be performed in a well-ventilated area and in a respirator.
4) Vinegar essence. For processing it is necessary to use concentrated acid; table vinegar will not cope with contamination. The procedure is as follows. Gloves must be worn. A dish sponge or rag is generously soaked in essence. The surface is treated with this composition and left for 15 minutes. The foam is removed with a spatula. The door is rinsed with clean water.
5) Cosmofen, Cosmofen 5, 10 and 20. The numbers reflect the strength of the product: the smaller it is, the stronger it is. Cosmofen5 is a substance well known to window installers. This is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polish with strong solvent properties. Cosmofen10 and Cosmofen 20 are window profile cleaners that remove fresh and hardened foam and are also suitable for working with doors.
Slightly soluble cleaner Cosmofen 10 1 l. Photo by Leroy Merlin
6) Ultraviolet. If the hardened foam is located on the outside of the front door, then you need to wait until the polyurethane is destroyed by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Fighting dried polyurethane foam
The installation substance dries within half a day. Depending on what surface it hits, they resort to various means of control.
How to clean varnished wood panels and MDF
Knowing how to remove polyurethane foam from a wooden door, you will quickly and efficiently cope with this task. The easiest way to remove the substance from this type of product is when the foam resembles rubber. By pulling it, it comes off easily. However, if time has been lost, you will have to use a cleaner.
Dimexide has a destructive effect on sealant molecules. Before you run out to buy it, see if you have it in your medicine cabinet at home. Purification with dimexide occurs as follows:
- Remove the foam with a sharp object so as not to touch the surface of the wood or MDF panel.
- Wet a cloth or soft sponge with the cleaner and scrub the stain for about two minutes.
- As soon as the foam softens, remove it with a toothbrush or hard sponge.
When working with Dimexide, wear gloves, as it can corrode the skin of your hands. Alternatively, apply the pre-cleaner to the surface in an inconspicuous place and leave for ten minutes. If everything remains unchanged, you can use it without fear.
How to remove dried foam from eco-veneer
Eco-veneer is used to imitate wood products. In appearance it is not much different from natural material. It consists of compressed wood fibers and a synthetic binder.
It is strictly prohibited to clean eco-veneer from foam with dimexide, as it can destroy the fibrous structure of the material. Therefore, if any mounting agent gets in, try to remove it mechanically. Then wipe with a damp cloth and treat with baking soda. At the same time, you don’t have to worry that the food additive will ruin the veneer surface.
If the above method does not help, experiment with white spirit. After leaving the product on for half a minute, wipe the stain on the product with a dry cloth.
How to remove foam residue from a metal door
Metal is a material that is quite resistant to mechanical damage. Therefore, the question of how to clean an iron door in an apartment from polyurethane foam is easy to answer. Solvents, acetone or dimexide are the right solution to the problem. Apply the product to lumps of foam and leave to soak. After 15 minutes, wipe off the substance with napkins.
Cleaning glass and decorative inserts of interior doors
The imagination of designers is limitless. You can verify this by looking at the decorative design of interior doors. Products with numerous elements made of transparent and frosted glass not only attract the eye with their beauty, but also cause a lot of trouble if polyurethane foam gets on them.
It is advisable to remove the substance as soon as possible. For this type of surface, regular vegetable oil is used.
After cutting off the top of the frozen mass with a blade, apply it and leave for 15 minutes. The sealant will become softer and can be removed with a sponge. The trace of oil is removed with a soap solution.
If the stain is no longer very fresh, the oil method will not help. Vegetable oil is not recommended for cleaning wood, MDF, and veneer products. They will only disfigure the foam stain.
Features of working with various materials
When removing foam, it is necessary to take into account the material from which it is made, since there are no restrictions only for metal surfaces . Therefore, when working with uncoated metal, it is possible to wait for the composition to polymerize and then calmly remove the contamination using a special product, solvent , Dimexide or any other product that must be left for 15 minutes. After this, the remaining mass is removed with a napkin or rag .
Polyurethane foam cleaner Tytan Prof Eco 0.5 l. Photo by Leroy Merlin
If foam gets on a nitrocellulose-based varnish coating, it will require restoration , since the finish will be destroyed upon contact. Alkyd and polyurethane varnishes are not afraid of balloon foam. Therefore, the uncured mass is carefully removed from the surface, and traces are removed with a rag soaked in acetone before drying. It is recommended to do the same with laminated door leaves.
But with dried foam everything is more complicated. The mass is not completely removed mechanically. A thin layer of polyurethane can be removed by trying to reduce the adhesion of the foam to the surface. For varnished surfaces, sunflower oil is used, which is used to lubricate the dirt and leave for a long time, Dimexide, and white spirit. But the latter leaves marks on the varnish.
wooden surfaces coated with varnish not immediately; it is recommended to wait until the mixture begins to harden, resembling rubber in consistency. Then it will be possible to carefully remove by prying up the edge. The mark remaining on the surface is removed with Dimexide, which must be moistened with a soft sponge and rubbed against the stain for a couple of minutes. The softened composition is removed with a hard sponge or toothbrush . A cleaner or other solvent may be used.
Eco-veneer is a composite material containing wood shavings and a synthetic binder. Dimexide can harm the fibrous structure of the structure. The material has sufficiently high mechanical strength, so it is possible to use soda. White spirit will also work, but leave it on for half a minute. The textured surface of the doors will require some effort to scrub off the mixture.
Marks on veneer doors can be removed using potatoes and talcum powder. Just rub the stain and wait for it to dry. The remaining mass is removed with a napkin. The surface is polished with talc. Veneered structures can be treated with a cleaner.
Attention. It is not recommended to use vegetable oil to clean structures made of veneer, wood and MDF.
To work with plastic doors, it is recommended to use table vinegar. It is applied to the uncured stain and the dirt is rubbed off. It is possible to use special cleaners. Dried foam can also be removed with Dimexide.
Glass inserts on interior doors are cleaned using an oiled rag. You can leave the vegetable oil for 15 minutes. Once the mixture becomes soft, remove it with a sponge. The trace of oil is removed with a soap solution. Solidified contaminants are removed using special or home remedies: oil, Dimexide, acetone.
PVC coatings are cleaned with Dimexide, and painted surfaces with vinegar.
Removing fresh foam from doors
Success in the fight against foam fragments largely depends on efficiency. You need to have time to remove it while the polymerization process is underway and not allow the substance to dry out. Using a wet rag and trying to clean the door from dirt is strictly prohibited; under the influence of moisture, the foam will instantly harden and it will be much more difficult to remove it.
If the substance gets on uncoated metal, then just wait until it dries and carefully wipe off the stain. If foam gets on a layer of nitrocellulose-based varnish, you will have to deal with restoration, because upon contact, the varnish finish will instantly collapse. If we are talking about an alkyd and polyurethane-based coating, then there is hope of preserving it. The lump of mixture should be lightly removed without touching the surface. Before drying, wash the remaining thin layer with a rag soaked in acetone, which dissolves the fresh mounting mixture well. It no longer affects old stains. Acetone is also useful for removing foam from a structural laminated surface.
A good way to remove non-dried foam from a metal door is a special remover for cleaning the gun. It is more effective than regular acetone.
Special means for removing dried mixture
It is possible to get rid of fresh and hardened polyurethane foam using store-bought products specially developed for this purpose. There are a significant number of substances on sale, for example:
Axton foam cleaner, 0.5 l. Photo by Leroy Merlin
Makroflex PREMIUM is a professional cleaner for removing uncured foam from various surfaces and fabrics;
Soudal offers several types of cleaners, one is designed to remove hardened mixtures, a paste-like product is used for door and window frames and frames made of chemically resistant materials, in particular aluminum and polymer materials;
KRAFTFLEX CLEANER from Kraftool , a cleaner designed to remove uncured foam from a gun, clothing and other surfaces;
PROFI STAYER removes uncured foam from guns, leather and other surfaces;
Penosil Premium Cured PU-Foam Remover is designed to soften hardened foam;
TECHNONICOL - cleaner from the PROFESSIONAL series is used to remove splashes from clothing, work surfaces or skin;
Tytan offers a multi-functional product for removing material residues and degreasing surfaces.
Attention. Enterprises offer a wide selection of special products. It is important to select a cleaner of the same brand as the polyurethane foam used.
The use of the cleaner should not cause difficulties for performers. Instructions for use are provided by the manufacturer. Enterprises also provide general recommendations regarding which surfaces can be treated with the product, how long it is safe to leave it on the surface, etc.
What products should NOT be used to clean the surface?
To prevent harm to your own health and not to damage the door, you must follow some rules and recommendations regarding the tools and means used:
- It is not recommended to use sharp spatulas and spatulas, they can easily damage the surface; scratches have not yet been adorned on more than one structure;
- Do not use abrasive powders, they leave abrasions;
- for metal doors there are no restrictions in the choice of means;
- for structures with decorative finishing, aggressive substances that can damage the structure cannot be used;
- It is prohibited to use solvents and acetone for plastic coatings;
- stains remain on wooden and veneer surfaces after applying oil;
- It is not recommended to use the solution with soap or powder.
How to remove dried foam from eco-veneer
Eco-veneer is a multi-layer material made from compressed wood fibers and a synthetic binder component. It imitates the texture, pattern and color of natural wood and has a smooth surface. Dimexide is not used in the case of doors made of such material, because it is absorbed and destroys the structure of the fibers. You can clean a veneer door as follows:
- First, clean the foam mechanically - using a knife, spatula or other convenient tool.
- Then wipe the surfaces with a damp sponge, and then treat with soda.
Eco-veneer is a material that is resistant to chips, scratches, impacts and other mechanical damage. Baking soda will not damage its surface.
As an alternative, it is possible to remove clumps of polyurethane foam with white spirit. To do this, apply the product to the desired location and leave for 30 seconds. After which the veneered canvas is cleaned with a dry soft cloth. A prerequisite is preliminary testing of the product on a small fragment of the canvas.
How to clean polyurethane foam with white spirit - video
What not to do to remove foam from a door leaf
Respirator Source FFP1 with valve. Photo by Leroy Merlin
When removing foam, you must remember several prohibitions:
- Work should not be carried out without personal protective equipment: gloves and a respirator;
- It is not recommended to cut the frozen mass with a knife to the very base, this increases the likelihood of damage to the canvas;
- Solvents and cleaners should not be left on the surface longer than indicated on the packaging, as this may damage the surface;
- Do not spread the foam over the surface; the composition must be removed with sudden movements;
- you should not try to wash off uncured foam, water only strengthens the adhesion of the mixture to the base;
- It is necessary to use a sponge of moderate hardness, but do not use a metal mesh, as it can damage the finish.
Precautions to effectively remove the mixture
Polyurethane foam is a product that can penetrate deep layers of the base . This property is the reason for the difficulties that arise when removing the composition . In order to avoid difficulties and problems, before performing work, it is recommended to cover the surface of the canvas and the box with film and secure it with tape. The contractor also needs protection , especially if the work is carried out using aggressive means. Thick rubber gloves are used to protect hands . The use of products with a strong odor, such as acetone or white spirit, requires the performer to wear a respirator or gauze bandage . The effect of the substance on the material is checked on an inconspicuous area of the door. Just apply a few drops to the surface and wait 15 minutes. The absence of damage allows the product to be used for its intended purpose.
Cleaning products depending on the door covering
If foam gets on the surface of the door leaf during installation work, it is recommended to remove it immediately. When it dries, this is much more difficult to do.
If residues of the product were noticed after it had completely dried, you need to know what and how to remove dried foam, depending on the door covering. As a rule, iron doors can be decorated with plastic, acrylic, paints and other materials.
In any case, traces of construction foam cannot be removed using ordinary water. Firstly, she will not cope with this task. Secondly, the foam will harden more after contact with water and will be even more difficult to get rid of.
Therefore, before you clean the foam from the surface of a metal door, you need to figure out what products can be used for a specific coating.
For decorative materials, it is not recommended to use cleaners with aggressive components. They can remove the coating layer along with the dirt. Therefore, before using any cleaning agent, it is recommended to test its interaction with the material in an inconspicuous area.
For plastic and varnish coatings, Dimexide can be used. This product works well on stains of dried foam without damaging the base material. But it is recommended to work with it only in protective gloves.
Tips on how to remove foam and more
Pistol foam TECHNONICOL 50 all-season 650 ml. Photo by Leroy Merlin
* when cleaning you cannot mix different products ; their interaction can lead to unpredictable consequences not only for the door structure, but also for the health of the performer;
* an alternative to a plastic scraper or spatula can be an old bank card;
* before using a solvent or cleaner, it is recommended to test its safety on a surface that is not visible to the eye; products may give different results on different surfaces;
* before applying foam, it is recommended to ensure the availability of means to remove the composition;
* cleaners have different purposes , some are focused on removing uncured foam, others are intended for hardened composition;
* contaminants must be removed completely, otherwise the composition will adhere to the surface again and the work will have to be repeated;
* to avoid foam getting on surrounding elements, it is necessary to apply the composition in small portions;
* it is recommended to purchase professional foams equipped with a special gun:
* in the absence of skills and special tools, it is recommended to entrust the work to professionals.
