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Dow Yellow/Tan Foam

DHClark76
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No votes yet

I think I came across a post that talked about this type of foam, but when I looked for it again I couldn't find it, so I'm adding a post.

After searching a bit I finally found a supplier for pink and blue foam in my region, but it's a Home Depot about 40 minutes away.  Luckily I just found out that if I have Home Depot's product SKU, that I can special order it at a home depot nearer to me.  Either way, I finally found out I can get the stuff.  YEAH!

Unfortunately, I didn't learn this piece of trivia (about special ordering) until after I had already made a purchase of some other kind of foam, which I was hoping someone might know something about.  Here goes...

At my local HD I found a DOW foam that appeared to be extruded but was yellow-ish.  It was also laminated on both sides with foil paper.  I bought some thinking I could peel off the foil and give it a shot.  However, peeling the foil is a bit of a mess and headache.  But more intriguing is that this foam seems to be embedded with some type of fiber (glass?).  So it's not quite as easy or clean as the pink and blue stuff.  I also noted on the foil liner that it said something about being combustible, which kinda made me wonder.  I figured that, in the long run I could rind some other use if it didn't end up on my layout.  Otherwise it would have been a costly experiment.

Anyhow, does any body know about this type of foam.  Is it safe to use?  Will it combust?  Should I just scrap it for pink & blue stuff?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Doug 


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Your not going crazy... your going sane, in a crazy world!
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Submitted by DHClark76 on Tue, 02/19/2008 - 02:21.

FriscoKid
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 Joined: 2006-11-07
More info, plz

According to the insulation guy I talked with when I was searching out foam, some of the product aren't suitable for MRR use - they may even be hazardous under certain circumstances.

It sounds like it may be DOW's Thermax product  - is there product labeling or an identifier of any kind?



Tue, 02/19/2008 - 11:05

ranulf
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A few years ago a friend

A few years ago a friend and I made a couple 1'x4' layout modules out of some of that stuff (it's what we found).  Left the foil on.  Laminated 2 pieces together with plain old white glue and toothpicks pushed through at various angles for the base, then added another partial layer for hills.  IIRC, we pulled the foil off that top layer, but it wasn't easy.  They were very strong, plenty strong enough for a layout. 

As for being combustible, I'm sure the blue and pink stuff is too.  They make it out of petroleum.   Here's some food for thought on that subject, though: If you live in the USA, then you probably have foam rubber cushions in your furniture.  I have heard that same foam rubber is illegal to use in furniture in the UK due to it's combustibility.  I realize that your layout will use a different type of foam than the couch, but it makes a good illustration.  If you are concerned about the combustibility of your couch, then you may not want to use foam for your layout.  If you believe that reasonable care with fire (candles, cigarettes, etc.) is enough to keep the couch from going up in flames, then you may feel perfectly at ease with a foam layout.  You'll have to make your own judgement call on the safety of you and yours. 

I would make one suggestion, that you be very careful with your wiring if you leave the foil in place.  Make sure wires are insulated where they need to be.


--

"Do Not Hump!?!?! Does that mean what I think it means!?"

I only posted for the points.



Tue, 02/19/2008 - 11:58

3shorts
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Posts: 41
 Joined: 2007-05-16
table foam
DHClark76 wrote:
I found a great table material, it is commercial roofing insulated 4x8 sheets. I had it as a leftover from a roof I put on, it's about 2 1/2" thick, with heavy cardstock on both sides. I put in on 1 x 4 frame but that may not be needed. My layout is hung on chains so I needed the wood to hang it.  It might be pricy, but you get what you pay for.  great flat table top, believe me.  check with contractor supply house, not HD or Lowes.

I think I came across a post that talked about this type of foam, but when I looked for it again I couldn't find it, so I'm adding a post.

After searching a bit I finally found a supplier for pink and blue foam in my region, but it's a Home Depot about 40 minutes away.  Luckily I just found out that if I have Home Depot's product SKU, that I can special order it at a home depot nearer to me.  Either way, I finally found out I can get the stuff.  YEAH!

Unfortunately, I didn't learn this piece of trivia (about special ordering) until after I had already made a purchase of some other kind of foam, which I was hoping someone might know something about.  Here goes...

At my local HD I found a DOW foam that appeared to be extruded but was yellow-ish.  It was also laminated on both sides with foil paper.  I bought some thinking I could peel off the foil and give it a shot.  However, peeling the foil is a bit of a mess and headache.  But more intriguing is that this foam seems to be embedded with some type of fiber (glass?).  So it's not quite as easy or clean as the pink and blue stuff.  I also noted on the foil liner that it said something about being combustible, which kinda made me wonder.  I figured that, in the long run I could rind some other use if it didn't end up on my layout.  Otherwise it would have been a costly experiment.

Anyhow, does any body know about this type of foam.  Is it safe to use?  Will it combust?  Should I just scrap it for pink & blue stuff?  Inquiring minds want to know.

Doug 



Tue, 02/19/2008 - 13:49

3shorts
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Posts: 41
 Joined: 2007-05-16
ideal layout material
I found a great table material, it is commercial roofing insulated 4x8 sheets. I had it as a leftover from a roof I put on, it's about 2 1/2" thick, with heavy cardstock on both sides. I put in on 1 x 4 frame but that may not be needed. My layout is hung on chains so I needed the wood to hang it.  It might be pricy, but you get what you pay for.  great flat table top, believe me.  check with contractor supply house, not HD or Lowes.

Tue, 02/19/2008 - 15:28

ibdrown
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Posts: 7
 Joined: 2008-02-09
Itchy, Itchy, Itchy

But more intriguing is that this foam seems to be embedded with some type of fiber (glass?).

The foil coated foam you have found is used as an exterior sheathing for homes and other buildings. It is usually used in leu of plywood and has an R value of something like 1. Yes the fibers in this type of foam are definately fiber glass. I've had to work with it before, and it was definately irritating. As far as combustible, anythng burns if you get it hot enough. If you have a doghouse you could line the inside of it to help keep the dog warmLaughing. Just remember to wear proper protective measures if you have to cut it.


--

She was the beautiful daughter of the D and R G, and she weighed about a thousand tons!

ibdrown



Tue, 02/19/2008 - 22:46

DHClark76
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Posts: 38
 Joined: 2007-10-11
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How'd you know about my doghouse?

Ironically, I have a large doghouse for which the plans originally suggested insulation.  (it was a design used for extreme climates).  I never did insulate it, because I was afraid if I insulated I'd be tempted to get an air conditioner for the dog house.

Anyhow.  I checked the portion that I hadn't already peeled.  It seems to be called Tuff-R commercial polyisocyanurate and has an R rating of 13 (yes 13, I did not misread that).

I looked up and did a little reading on polyisocyanurate foam and found that one of its uses, ironically, is in railcar insulation.

So, with that additional info.  are there any out there that have used it?  What was your experience.  Or, should I send it to the doghouse? 


--
Your not going crazy... your going sane, in a crazy world!
--The Tick


Wed, 02/20/2008 - 00:06

DHClark76
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 Joined: 2007-10-11
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What a mess!

I started my first layout today and decided to just give this stuff a shot.

What a nightmare.  It took forever to peel both sides of a 4'x8' panel that I cut into quarters.  You can take a look at the mess here, in my blog.

Let's just say, we won't make this mistake again.  If the peeling doesn't get ya, then the fiberglass does!

Now I've got to find some filler for all the little divots I created with my razor blade.  Got any suggestions?

Doug 


--
Your not going crazy... your going sane, in a crazy world!
--The Tick


Mon, 03/03/2008 - 04:52

taz-n-rr
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 Joined: 2006-04-28
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Spackle?Charles

Spackle?
Charles



Tue, 03/04/2008 - 13:15

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