You can use foam sealants to seal cracks, holes or gaps in a home, garage or building. Most people use a spray foam sealant that expands upon contact, so it will fill the entire area. There are different types of foam sealants, and the properties of each vary depending on their chemical composition. When it comes to using foam sealants, you need to know what type of sealant will work best.

You may find it helpful to focus your education and training on particular aspects of foam sealants. An artist who wants to use foam sealants to protect a piece of art won't necessarily need to know the safety information for household spray foam sealants. When it comes to educational opportunities, you may want to consider the following options:

1. Focus your education on spray foam insulation products that are popular choices at retail stores.

2. Learn the safety requirements and information from foam sealant manufacturers.

3. Specialize your education on elements tailored toward art rather than construction.

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Get information on spray foam insulation products

One of the main uses for spray foam sealants is to insulate an area. You can also use these sealants to fill in cracks, gaps or holes. Some products are more difficult to control than others, and depending on whether you use water-based foam sealants, it may take a long time to clean up any foam from areas where it shouldn't be.

I recommend: Visit Great Stuff to find out why and how to use its foam sealant. The company dedicates portions of its website for do-it-yourself fans and professionals. ToolBase Services provides an overview on latex foam sealants and offers a brief description of the functions for expanding foam sealants.

Get safety information from foam sealant manufacturers

The safety requirements for working with foam vary depending on whether you work with foam polymer sealants, use a water-based foam sealant or prefer latex-based foam sealants. Its important to know get education and training on how to use the foam you prefer. In some cases, organizations like OSHA may require you to provide safety training to any employee working with foam.

I recommend: Convenience Products, offering Touch-n-Seal products, offers a safety manual for working with foam sealants. It also offers Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), providing technical information for its products. DAP posts links where you can download MSDS and technical data bulletins for its products. To learn more, you can contact an expert through its site.

Expand your knowledge of foam sealants and products for foam

While the majority of foam sealants refer to products that you spray or apply for insulation purposes, some refer to products that coat or seal foam. Knowing about coatings and sealants for foam can help you with additional areas of work aside from construction concerns.

I recommend: Industrial Polymers provides information on its StyroSpray 1000, which coats and seals rigid foam. You can download its complete instruction manual from its website. Polytek Development sells rigid self-skinning foam and provides information on the different types it sells at its website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase spray foam equipment, make sure you know what types of foam sealant you can use in the equipment.

Foam sealants are essential for construction and building maintenance. Spray foam sealants fill the gaps around windows and doors, and they can stop building cracks that let in cold air or, worse, critters from the outside.

There are three types of spray foam insulation: polyurethane foam sealants, latex-based foam sealants and water-based foam sealants. Polyurethane and latex-based sealants are the most common for building professionals. Water-based sealants are generally sold as do-it-yourself solutions for homeowners. Each foam sealant type has its strengths, so learn more about the sealants and how they'll work for your project before you buy:

1. Look into popular and widespread polyurethane foam sealants, which have a tried-and-true track record.

2. If you need more predictability and control for your construction project, think about choosing latex-based foam sealants.

3. A water-based foam sealant might be the best choice for smaller projects around the house.

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Evaluate polyurethane foam sealants, which are common and easy to find at hardware suppliers

Polyurethane foam sealants are probably the type of foam sealant you'll run into most often. Foam polymer sealants are excellent at repelling water, making them resistant to mold and rot. However, these sealants can be extremely hard to clean up, so be especially careful with application.

I recommend: Fomo Products makes Handi-Seal Window and Door Sealant, a specialized and durable polyurethane spray sealant. The Building Solutions arm of Dow Chemical Company offers a few different kinds of polyurethane foam sealants for different uses, including their GREAT STUFF PRO Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant.

Consider latex-based foam sealants, which are somewhat less common but have a few key advantages

Latex-based foam sealants are relatively new to the builder's marketplace. They have the advantage of being easier to clean up than polyurethane foam sealants, and a slower rate of expansion makes their final volume more predictable. The downside is that latex-based foam sealants are more susceptible to mold and rot.

I recommend: DAP makes DAPtex Latex Insulating Foam Sealant, a multipurpose sealant for use around the home. EasyFill from Touch 'n Foam is a latex foam sealant that works well around baseboards and plumbing fixtures.

Look into alternatives, such as a water-based spray foam sealant, for home sealing projects

For residential sealing projects, consider some of the alternative foam sealant products on the market. Water-based sealants share some of the benefits of latex sealants, including easy clean up. You and your clients might prefer to explore eco-friendly sealants, which are swiftly gaining popularity.

I recommend: Icynene manufactures water-based sealants and insulation that you can use in projects both large and small. Biofoam offers a green alternative; the company's environmentally friendly foam forms an air- and water-tight seal, keeping out cold air, dust and moisture.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask a spray foam expert to help you decide which type of spray foam will work best for your project. Industry associations and trade shows can give you more information about the products you're considering.

Food grade dye, or food coloring, is frequently used to alter or enhance the appearance of food and drink products. Food manufacturers use dyes to make their product more appealing to the consumer. It is used in cereals, sweets, baked goods and an array of other products.

The two forms of food grade dye are natural and artificial. Both the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Association) and the European Union have approved certain colors and deemed them as safe and other countries have followed suit in this process. Some of the important terms that you must know are natural dyes, seven approved colors and lake food.

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Seven approved colors

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has extensively tested and approved seven colors. Through thorough research, they have concluded that these approved colors have no serious side effects to the public. There are two blues, two reds, two yellows and a green.

I recommend: You can review the approved colors in a document provided by the FDA. Additionally, this document discusses in which food products you would most likely see these seven colors.

Delisted food dyes

The FDA started approving food grade dyes more than a century ago. The FDA has banned or delisted seventeen food dyes, as they are not safe for public consumption.

I recommend: Bella’s Cookies (PDF), a natural and organic bakery, provides a list of the FDA delisted food dyes.

Natural food dyes

If you do not want to use synthetic materials to alter the look of your food, you can opt for natural food dyes. Many plants, fruits and vegetables are useful for safely coloring your food.

I recommend: The Natural Food Colours Association, an expert on natural food colors that are used in food and cosmetic products, provides a chart of the plant, fruit or vegetable and the color that it yields. Additionally, green is sexy provides tips for food coloring, using natural colors.

Food dyes and lakes

Food grade dyes come in two forms—dyes and lakes. Dyes are used in products such as baked goods, sweets and beverages. Lakes are used in foods containing oils and fats. Lakes are water insoluble, whereas dyes are water-soluble.

I recommend: Neelikon, a manufacturer of dyes for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, provides a chart of the uses of dyes and lakes in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Special effect colorants

In 2007, the FDA approved colorings that can safely be used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to provide a glossy or metallic edge to products.

I recommend: Inventables, a website for buyers and vendors of products of various products, provides detailed information on special effect colorants and their applications.

Food dye allergies

Since food dyes are a common ingredient in many children's foods, such as cereals and sweets, it is tough to determine if your child has an allergic reaction to the food itself or if the reaction is due to the dyes in the food. Studies suggest that symptoms similar to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can result from dyes, particularly red dyes.

I recommend: BeyondAllergy.com, an information resource to millions of allergy sufferers, provides detailed information on the links between food dyes and allergic reactions in children.

Foam sealants are an essential product used to insulate and seal cracks and crevasses in industrial and home-based settings. Foam sealant products rapidly expand to completely fill the sealed space and can repel water. Three types of foam sealants exist that perform best in specific situations. From water-based foam sealants and foam polymer sealant products to the ever-popular spray foam sealants, a foam sealant exists to meet your diverse needs.

Regardless of your specific need, foam sealant manufacturers can offer valuable information to help you choose the best foam sealants for your project, big or small. As you research spray foam insulation, foam polymer sealants and water-based spray foam sealant products, pay attention to these foam sealants applications and uses:

1. Consider water-based foam sealant for smaller projects and as an eco-friendly alternative to polymer-based foam sealants.

2. Purchase spray foam equipment with discount spray foam for do-it-yourself projects.

3. Use foam polymer sealants for long-lasting seals in cracks and crevices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use water-based foam sealants

Water-based foam sealants provide solid options for small, do-it-yourself projects. Use this type of foam sealant around window and door frames and around faucets and pipes to prevents leaks. Water-based foam products are an environmentally-friendly alternative to silicone-based foam products.

I recommend: Insulation System offers in-depth information on specific applications of water-based foam sealants and spray foam uses within a home. Wisnieski Insulation uses water-based foam sealants and spray foam insulation.

Consider discount spray foam and buy your own spray foam equipment

If you run a spray foam insulation business, buy your own spray foam equipment and discount spray foam. This offers a cost-effective alternative to renting spray foam equipment.

I recommend: Use Foam Kit Solutions to satisfy your discount spray foam needs. They offer competitive prices on residential and commercial spray foam and spray foam equipment suitable for smaller projects. Partner with Tiger Foam to supply spray foam and spray foam equipment for your business. Tiger Foam can provide disposable spray foam equipment that meet and exceed ASTM standards.

Research foam polymer sealants

Foam polymer sealants are used when fast drying is necessary on a larger project. This type of foam sealant can bond together different materials and resists disturbance due to vibration. Foam polymer sealants also have more longevity compared to water-based foam sealants and can repel water.

I recommend: Spray Foam Polymers offers a wide variety of foam polymer sealants that can meet your diverse needs. They also offer free instruction on how to use and apply the specific type of polymer foam sealant you need. RHH Foam Systems offers an extensive listing of uses and applications for foam polymer sealant products.