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FAQs

+ How do I get foam off the side of my house?

If the foam has not cured or hardened, use acetone or fingernail polish remover (with acetone). There is no solvent that will remove cured polyurethane foam. Remove as much as possible with a dull scraper or a hacksaw blade, and then scrub the remaining film with a non-abrasive cleaner. If that does not work, gradually move up to more aggressive means including sanding, sandblasting and repainting.
Warning: When using acetone on surfaces such as sidings, always test a hidden section of the surface to make sure that the acetone does not discolor the surface.

+ How much foam is in a can of GREAT STUFF™?

The theoretical yield of one-component foams is measured in lineal feet of 3/8" and 1/2" diameter beads. Gaps and Cracks - 12 oz. 259 lin. ft. at 3/8" and 146 lin. ft. at 1/2" Gaps and Cracks - 16 oz. 328 lin. ft. at 3/8" and 185 lin. ft. at 1/2" Gaps and Cracks - 20 oz. 417 lin. ft. . at 3/8" and 235 lin. ft. at 1/2"

+ Can I insulate my walls with GREAT STUFF™?

GREAT STUFF™ sealants use moisture in the air to cure. They are designed to fill small cracks and gaps. The foam does not cure properly if it is used to fill large voids unless it is applied in layers and allowed to cure before the next layer is applied. Do not use GREAT STUFF™ sealants to fill enclosed voids such as behind drywall or under tub surrounds.

+ Can I store GREAT STUFF™ if I don't use the whole can?

The GREAT STUFF™ foam straw will seal itself shut if left sitting for more than two hours after its last use. Inserting a pipe cleaner sprayed with oil lubricant into the applicator straw may prolong the life of the product up to 30 days. But it's better to plan ahead, identify and list all possible applications before using the can. The Air-Seal Audit Checklist can help.

+ What are the temperature limitations when using GREAT STUFF™?

The contents of the GREAT STUFF™ can should be as close to room temperature as possible when dispensed. The application temperature should be from 40°F to 120°F (5°C to 50°C).

+ Can I use GREAT STUFF™ to air seal my electrical receptacles?

GREAT STUFF™ can be used around and behind electrical boxes and insulated wires, but should never be used inside a box where it may be exposed to bare copper wires.

+ Does GREAT STUFF™ come in different colors?

GREAT STUFF™ Gaps & Cracks and GREAT STUFF™ Big Gap Filler are both cream colored. GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door is yellow. GREAT STUFF™ Fireblock is orange. GREAT STUFF™ Pond & Stone is black. All may be painted after they are fully cured.

+ Can mice, insects or rodents chew through GREAT STUFF™?

Mice, raccoons and large pests, if determined enough, can chew though many materials, including GREAT STUFF™. When a barrier is needed for large pests, it is recommended a wire mesh be installed and GREAT STUFF™ applied generously on both sides of the mesh. For small insects and bugs, GREAT STUFF™ alone typically serves as an effective barrier.

+ Are GREAT STUFF™ products ozone friendly?

GREAT STUFF™ does not contribute to the depletion of ozone.

+ Can GREAT STUFF™ be used outdoors?

Yes, GREAT STUFF™ can be used outdoors. However, cured foam will discolor if exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. If left exposed, the foam will eventually crumble. Paint or coat foam for best results in outdoor applications.

+ Does GREAT STUFF™ contain formaldehyde?

No, GREAT STUFF™ does not contain any formaldehyde.

+ Where can I purchase GREAT STUFF™ products?

You can purchase GREAT STUFF™ at most local discount retailers or anywhere home improvement products are sold. Check our Where to Buy page for U.S. and Canada locations.

+ What is the difference between GREAT STUFF™ and GREAT STUFF PRO™ products?

There are four key differences between GREAT STUFF™ and GREAT STUFF PRO™ products:
1. GREAT STUFF™ uses a single-use straw dispenser; GREAT STUFF PRO™ can be used with a gun tool applicator or reusable straw to dispense foam. GREAT STUFF PRO™ is perfect for those using GREAT STUFF™ products on a regular basis.
2. Size of cans. GREAT STUFF PRO™ is 24 oz. while GREAT STUFF™ is 12 oz. or 16 oz. in most cases.
3. Temperature dispensing range.
4. GREAT STUFF™ Gaps & Cracks is cream colored. GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks is orange colored.

+ What precautions should I take when using GREAT STUFF™?

1. Prevent skin and eye contact by wearing long sleeves, gloves and protective eyewear.
2. Protect the area near application with a drop cloth or newspaper.
3. Practice dispensing foam on newspaper before beginning your application.
4. Do not apply foam while smoking or near an open flame. Foam is flammable until cured.

+ How long does GREAT STUFF™ take to cure?

GREAT STUFF™ is tack-free within 5-10 minutes and cures fully in eight hours. The higher the humidity, the faster the foam will cure. Misting a layer of water on the surface prior to dispensing the foam will speed up the curing process.

+ What if I overfill a void?

Wait until the foam cures and trim excess with a sharp knife or serrated blade.

+ When do I need to use GREAT STUFF™ Big Gap Filler?

When filling gaps and holes larger than 1 inch.

+ What surfaces/substances will GREAT STUFF™ not bond to?

GREAT STUFF™ will not bond to nonstick-coated surfaces, paste wax and some polyethylene plastics.

+ Will an unused can of GREAT STUFF™ ever expire?

Yes. All GREAT STUFF™ consumer products have an 18 month shelf life. GREAT STUFF PRO™ has a 12 month shelf life, except GREAT STUFF PRO™ Window & Door, which is 18 months. There is an expiration date printed on the bottom of each GREAT STUFF™ can. If you attempt to use a can after the expiration date and the product will not dispense, dispose of the can. Do not try to activate the can by pushing hard on the dispenser or puncturing the valve. These actions will likely result in an uncontrollable venting of the product that is very difficult to clean up.

+ How do I get GREAT STUFF™ foam off of my skin?

If the foam has not cured or hardened, use acetone or fingernail polish remover (with acetone). If the foam has hardened, there is no solvent that will remove it. It will not harm your skin and will wear off in several days. To remove cured foam from skin, use a pumice stone (available at most drugstores) and warm, soapy water. Then apply petroleum jelly.

+ Will GREAT STUFF™ attack plastics or other materials?

The foam in the cured and uncured state is not expected to adversely affect any metals, plastics, foam plastics or rubber materials.

+ Is there a code report for GREAT STUFF™?

Yes, ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR 1961.

+ Can any GREAT STUFF PRO™ product be used as a fireblock for penetrations?

GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant is a minimal-expanding, single-component polyurethane foam sealant for general purpose building envelope air sealing. It has led the way in the industry by being the first foam sealant to be recognized as a fireblock. Fireblocking is defined by the International Building Code as the use of approved building materials installed in concealed spaces to resist the migration of fire and hot gases. GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks is tinted orange to be more recognizable to building code officials.