Whether you're seeking product or technical information, or you have a question about GREAT STUFF™ products, you're sure to find what you need here.
FAQs
| How do I get foam off of my hands? How do I get foam off the side of my house? How much foam is in a can of GREAT STUFF™? Can I insulate my walls with GREAT STUFF™? Can I store GREAT STUFF™ if I don’t use the whole can? What are the temperature limitations when using GREAT STUFF™? Can I use GREAT STUFF™ to air seal my electrical receptacles? How are latex products different from GREAT STUFF™? Does GREAT STUFF™ come in different colors? Can mice, insects or rodents chew through GREAT STUFF™? Are GREAT STUFF™ products ozone friendly? Can GREAT STUFF™ be used outdoors? Does GREAT STUFF™ contain formaldehyde? Where can I purchase GREAT STUFF™ products? What is the difference between GREAT STUFF™ and GREAT STUFF PRO™ products? What precautions should I take when using GREAT STUFF™? How long does GREAT STUFF™ take to cure? What if I overfill a void? When do I need to use GREAT STUFF™ Big Gap Filler? What surfaces/substances will GREAT STUFF™ not bond to? Will an unused can of GREAT STUFF™ ever expire?  Back to Top |
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| How do I get foam off of my hands? 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 drug stores) and warm, soapy water. Then apply petroleum jelly to soften your skin. Back to List |
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| 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 try scrubbing 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. Back to List |
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| How much foam is in a can of GREAT STUFF™? The theoretical yield of a can of GREAT STUFF™ is measured in lineal feet of a 3/8”– 1/2” diameter bead. One 12 oz. can of GREAT STUFF™ has about 250 lineal feet. One 16 oz. can has about 335 feet. One 20 oz. can has about 420 feet. One 6 oz. can yields approximately 120 feet. Back to List |
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| 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 put down in layers and allowed to cure before the next layer is applied. Do not use GREAT STUFF™ to fill enclosed voids such as behind drywall or under tub surrounds. Back to List |
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| 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 2 hours after its last use. Inserting a pipe cleaner sprayed with oil lubricant into the applicator straw may prolong the life of the product. Plan ahead, identify and list all possible applications before opening can. Back to List |
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| What are the temperature limitations when using GREAT STUFF™? The contents of a can of GREAT STUFF™ should be as close to room temperature as possible when dispensed. Back to List |
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| 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. Back to List |
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| How are latex products different from GREAT STUFF™? There are two key differences between latex foam and GREAT STUFF™, which is a polyurethane foam: 1. Latex foams are typically "open cell" and, as a result, can take on water. In fact, the same properties that allow you to wash latex foam off your hands with water also mean that the cured foam can absorb water. This can cause wood rot or deterioration in areas where wet latex foam is next to wood, such as a window frame. In contrast, GREAT STUFF™ is a closed-cell foam. It forms a water-resistant outer coating when cured. 2. Latex foam does not expand. GREAT STUFF™ expands to thoroughly fill all voids and cavities making it an ideal air sealant. Back to List |
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| Does GREAT STUFF™ come in different colors? GREAT STUFF™ Gaps & Cracks and GREAT STUFF™ Big Gap Filler are both cream color. GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door is yellow. All may be painted after they are fully cured. Back to List |
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| 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. Back to List |
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| Are GREAT STUFF™ products ozone friendly? GREAT STUFF™ does not contribute to the depletion of ozone. Back to List |
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| Can GREAT STUFF™ be used outdoors? Yes, GREAT STUFF™ can be used outdoors. However, cured foam will discolor if exposed to ultraviolet light. Paint or coat foam for best results in outdoor applications. Back to List |
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| Does GREAT STUFF™ contain formaldehyde? No, GREAT STUFF™ does not contain any formaldehyde. Back to List |
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| 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. Back to List |
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| 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 straw dispenser; GREAT STUFF PRO™ can be used with a gun tool applicator to dispense foam. 2. Size of cans. 3. Temperature dispensing range. 4. GREAT STUFF™ is cream colored; GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks is orange colored Back to List |
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| What precautions should I take when using GREAT STUFF™? 1. Prevent skin and eye contact by wearing gloves and protective eyewear. 2. Protect 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. Back to List |
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| How long does GREAT STUFF™ take to cure? GREAT STUFF™ is tack free within approximately 15 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 cure time. Back to List |
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| What if I overfill a void? Wait until the foam cures and trim excess with a sharp knife or serrated blade. Back to List |
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| When do I need to use GREAT STUFF™ Big Gap Filler? When filling gaps and holes larger than 1/2 inch. Back to List |
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| What surfaces/substances will GREAT STUFF™ not bond to? GREAT STUFF™ will not bond to Teflon**, paste wax and some polyethylene plastics. Back to List |
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| Will an unused can of GREAT STUFF™ ever expire? Yes, that is why there is an expiration date printed on the bottom of each can of GREAT STUFF™. 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. Back to List |
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Literature
Resources
| 1. ENERGY STAR®’s Guide to air-sealing your house... 2. ENERGY STAR: Improving your home to reduce energy costs… 3. Energy savings tips … Find out how Dow Building Solutions' products can help you reduce energy loss, air infliltration and moisture intrusion in your home. |
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