Thread: Styrofam Help

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I visited my local Lowe's today for some lumber. While checking out some other items my mind began to ask questions. I hate it when that happens, but what are you going to do.

My first question is the use of Dry-Lok. Used to seal the styrofoam works of art. Will any masonry waterproofer work? I know Killz makes one and I'm sure there are others. Or is Dry-Lok the best there is and there is no substitute.

Part B of question one is that I assume the latex based is probably a better choice over the oil based?

My second question is regarding the blue foam everyone uses to construct your works of art. These are huge sheets and will not fit in my car. How do you get them home? Do you cut them down at the store? Do you borrow or rent a vehicle? Also, for about the same amount of money (two 2" blue foam sheets) I saw a garage door insulation kit. It basically consisted of thick sheets of white foam that were already cut to size to fit right in the garage door. I'm pretty sure I can get that in my car. Has anyone ever tried this product for Halloween tombstones and such?

Thank you in advance for your assistance and thanks to all the people that maintain this forum and provide a place for someone like me to ask and learn so much.

Blue and pink foam are denser and easier to work with, hold up better etc.....

White foam tends to have large pieces so it is harder to work with.

I use my pickup to transport.... not sure about others

Most pink blue sheets have shallow guide cuts already in them across the narrrow 4 foot width. You can simply score them a little deeper and snap them over a straight edge if the size works for your project.

I think if you are trying to seal it from water you could use a regular exterior paint, but if you are going for more of a stone like texture you use Dry-Lok. I'm not entirely sure about all brands, but I don't think all masonry waterproofers have the sand "grit" already in it. I would definitely recommend using the latex vs. the oil, much easier to work with.

When I buy sheets of foam, I take a box cutter with me to score and snap it right there in the parking lot.

I agree with Rynnye about the latex much easier clean up and dry time. Plus the texture really helps with it looking and feeling like stone. I have a Honda Pilot so I don't have the problem of fitting in my car. Good idea to cut it down in the parking lot to make it fit. I know they cut the PVC for you to fit in your car, it is worth asking them to cut it for you......all they can say is no.

As "untillater" mentioned, the blue or pink foam sheets are stronger than regular styrofoam (that tend to crumble and dent easier). And, think of the wear & tear of years of storage & retrieval. Shoot for the blue or pink, if possible.

I use a pick'em up truck, but if you know the rough sizes of your tombstones before hand, you should be able to make at least one or two snap cuts to a 4x8 sheet to fit it in a car even if it has to stick out the window. (you should see all the carp that I fit in my two-seat convertible with the top down. LOL)

Use pink or blue foam boards. Easier to sculpt, don't dent and ding as easily, and more rigid.

Pickup truck. If you don't have a friend with a van or truck, rent their delivery trucks to get it home.