How to use construction foam. Polyurethane foam without a gun: how to use, features of work

In everyday life, the need for special tools does not always arise. If you suddenly need to repair a seal or insulation in a small area, and you don't have a foam gun at hand, you can try to do without it. This will avoid unnecessary spending. However, you should first find out how the polyurethane foam will behave without a gun and how to use it correctly.

There are two classes of polyurethane foam:

domestic;
professional.

In terms of technical characteristics, both types of materials are similar, however, differences still exist. First of all, the volume of the cylinders should be noted. So, household foam is usually offered in small quantities (up to 800 ml). The kit includes a small section of a tube with a small cross section. The pressure level in the container is relatively low. This allows you to reduce material consumption in cases where you plan to use a can of polyurethane foam without a gun.

Professional material can be purchased in volumes from 1.5 liters, in addition, it is used for large-scale tasks: sealing the seams of window and door openings, sealing large gaps. The foam is contained under high pressure, so it is very difficult to apply it correctly without a gun. There is one more nuance. So, the outlet of a professional cylinder is equipped with a fastening element: a screw cap (bayonet). The pistol is positioned at this point.

Subtleties of application

First, you need to determine what type of material to use: household, professional foam. If you plan to process a large area, you need to take into account the volume of the cylinder. Domestic-class products from some manufacturers sometimes differ in worse quality than their professional counterparts. For this reason, for more serious tasks, it is better to choose the latter option. Possible foam applications without a gun:

Professional grade material is used, for which a tube is used. You should be prepared for the fact that under high pressure the foam will come out in excess.
Use household material by attaching a tube to the valve, which is complete with the cylinder.
Professional foam is used by attaching two tubes of different sections: first a larger one, then a tube of a smaller diameter is inserted into it and well fixed. This will reduce material consumption.

Preparation for work

The site to be processed needs to be put in order. Having figured out how to work with polyurethane foam without a gun, they perform simple manipulations:

Remove any dirt: dust, dirt. If the gap is rather large, it is pre-filled with foam, which will provide improved thermal insulation properties in this area and will reduce foam consumption. Using a material such as foam, it is recommended to seal gaps no more than 8 cm in width.
The area is moistened with water, for which it is better to use a spray bottle, then the surface will be moistened evenly.
Control the environmental conditions. It is better to carry out work at an air temperature of +5 to +20 degrees. The maximum upper limit is +30 degrees. But in cold conditions, a different type of polyurethane foam is used - frost-resistant.

The procedure must be carried out in protective equipment. Gloves and glasses are usually sufficient.

Tip: If the material contains toluene, you should also wear a respirator.

Foam application instructions without a gun

The principle of performing work is the same as when using a special tool. If polyurethane foam will be used without a gun, how to use the supplied tube correctly? Step-by-step instruction:

It takes an average of 8 hours to completely solidify the foam. Do not worry if, after this period of time, swelling appears on the treated area. They can be cut off with a clerical knife or a regular sharp knife.

Tip: After drying and removing excess foam, be sure to cover it with a putty or other material, otherwise the composition will gradually collapse under the influence of sunlight.

Disadvantages of the no-gun foam application process

When deciding which method to choose, you need to take into account both positive and negative aspects in each of the cases. Of course, using a specialized tool greatly simplifies the task. But the sealing process with a tube without a gun has its drawbacks:

Large consumption of material. It is necessary to control the intensity and duration of pressing the valve. Even so, significant pressure creates excess foam. As a result, the area requires 2-3 times more material, while professional foam is consumed less intensively. This factor determines the financial costs - they increase.
If you plan to use professional foam, remember that it will not always be possible to install the tube. The balloon will simply not produce foam.
Time wasted. It will take more time to hold the flexible tube in the correct position, and with it the cylinder valve. In addition, you need to remember about the need to constantly monitor the volume of foam that appears at the exit. If the use of a gun makes it possible to complete the sealing in 10-15 seconds, independent processing without a specialized tool will take about 15 minutes.

There is one more nuance. So, disposable polyurethane foam should be purchased in the right amount, which will avoid unnecessary waste, otherwise the rest of the material will simply be thrown away. For this reason, it is sometimes easier to buy a small bottle and fill the cracks with foam using the supplied tube.

The article will focus on on the rules for using household polyurethane foam... Externally, household and professional polyurethane foam differ precisely in the tube, although in principle the work of both foams is not very different. Sometimes professional foam can be completed with a straw, so carefully read the inscription on the foam bottle. It is not economical to use professional foam through a straw, since there is more pressure in the cylinder and, accordingly, the consumption of polyurethane foam per unit of time will be large.

Ideal temperature for using polyurethane foam is also indicated on the foam cylinder, most often it is the temperature range from +5 to +30 degrees.

When working, hold the cylinder with polyurethane foam upside down, the tip of the bottleneck tube can be flattened slightly.

The gap must be filled by no more than 30 percent, since the foam increases in volume several times. It is possible to add polyurethane foam, but not worth it, most often the foam is, on the contrary, excessive, it also concerns the recommendation of moistening the polyurethane foam for faster curing.

After about half an hour, inspect the workplace, if there is not enough foam, add, cut off the excess. Complete hardening of polyurethane foam from a cylinder occurs at least eight hours later.

If the mounting surface is exposed to the street, after complete curing it must be covered with plaster or painted with paint. Otherwise, upon contact with ultraviolet rays, the polyurethane foam will begin to deteriorate over time!

Having finished working with the cylinder, it is necessary rinse the tube with a special rinse for foam, then blow gently with air (take care of your lips, use a bicycle pump better) to use it next time!

By the way, I personally do it in a different way, after the foam remains in the tube harden, I pull it out by screwing in an ordinary screw, like a corkscrew, the foam inside the cap does not freeze. Although it is safer not to use the tube many times, or rather to calculate the required number of cans with polyurethane foam for work, the volume of foam received from the can is always indicated on the can with foam.

Memo - any polyurethane foam does not stick to silicone and polyethylene!

- a universal tool that is used to fasten parts of structures, seal, insulate and soundproof a room. This versatility is associated with the foam's ability to expand during hardening and, accordingly, fill all cracks.

10 rules for using polyurethane foam:

1. Before working with polyurethane foam, it is imperative to protect your hands by wearing gloves, since it is very problematic to clean the skin from foam.

2. Before use, the can must be shaken, otherwise resin will appear instead of foam when pressed. Shake the cylinder only after removing the cap and attaching it to the gun, in the case of using professional foam, or after putting on the adapter tube, if the work is carried out with semi-professional foam.

3. Gaps and cracks that need to be filled should be slightly moistened, so the foam will set better.

4. During operation, the cylinder should be upside down, so the gas can push out the foam, otherwise the foam will remain in the cylinder and the gas will spray.

5. Slots larger than 5 cm should not be treated with foam, it is better to use polystyrene, otherwise the expansion of the foam can lead to displacement of parts of the structure.

6. Filling the cracks should be carried out from the bottom up, foaming no more than 1/3 of the cracks, because the foam will expand further and spread to the entire depth when it dries.

7. When working in the cold season, the foam, namely its winter appearance, must be lowered for a while in a container with warm water (about 40 ° C) in order for the balloon to heat up.

8. After finishing work, the filled cracks should be lightly sprayed with water, so the foam hardens and grabs faster. But in the cold season, this should not be done, since this procedure will not give the desired effect, the water will simply turn into ice.

9. If foam accidentally gets on any surface, it must be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in a special solvent. Indeed, after the foam has set, it will be very difficult to remove it without damaging the surface.

10. It will be possible to cut off excess foam only half an hour after foaming; this can be done with a construction knife.

I am glad to welcome the readers of my blog! At the beginning of this summer, I decided to remove the slopes of the windows in the country, remove the old foam and replace it with a new one. As a result, I became convinced in practice that the choice and purchase of quality material is only half the battle. To reduce waste, you need to know how to use polyurethane foam. Before I clarified these points, a lot of content remained in the container, but work with it proceeded according to the principle of how it goes. Do you want to use the maximum amount of material and high-quality repair of joints? Then use my step-by-step instructions.

Throughout the entire period of use of polyurethane foam, manufacturers have improved its composition, obtaining universal or highly specialized mixtures in which certain properties are enhanced. Therefore, the modern construction market is replete with different types of polyurethane-based assembly sealants, which are not so easy for a common man to understand. The quality of installation work or the quality of sealing joints depends on the correct choice of the type of polyurethane foam.

What is polyurethane foam and how to use it

The use of polyurethane foams is based on the chemical reaction of polymerization of macromolecules (prepolymers). An elementary polymerization reaction occurs during the reaction of polyesters and isocyanates, when the mixture solidifies (polymerizes) in 5 minutes. With an excess of one component, the polymerization reaction slows down and stops. Upon contact of the mixture with water, the reaction is resumed, the polyurethane polymer chains are lengthened until completely cured.

Classic one-component polyurethane foam is a mixture in one container of excess polyesters with isocyanates, as a result of the reaction between which prepolymer macromolecules are formed. Under the action of injected aerosol gases, prepolymers break out after opening the valve and react with atmospheric water molecules. As a result, the foamed prepolymers solidify. In this case, carbon dioxide is released, which forms the porous structure of the material.

Varieties of polyurethane foams: which ones are better to use

Depending on the state of the components inside the cartridge, there are two types of polymer-based assembly compounds, ready for use:

One-component. This type is distinguished by ease of use, slow solidification, the possibility of reusing an incompletely used balloon. The shelf life is limited, since the polymerization reaction takes place inside the cylinder from the moment it is filled at the enterprise.
Two-component. In these cans, the polyesters and isocyanates are contained in two separate containers inside the aerosol container and are mixed just before exiting the can. They differ in a high polymerization rate, there is no need for the presence of water, but after opening the container, you will have to use the contents in 5-10 minutes, depending on the air temperature. The shelf life is theoretically unlimited.

Which polyurethane foam to choose: important criteria

Professionals use large volumes of assembly sealant in their work, so spray cans for a gun for professional work allow you to accurately dose the foam output to the work surface. This is how they differ from conventional cartridges with a polyethylene tube for household use.

In addition to prepolymers and aerosol gases (propellants), there are additives inside the cartridge that regulate the size of bubbles and their number, the ratio of open and whole bubbles in the foam, the degree of adhesion to the surface, accelerators or retarders of the polymerization reaction. Their combinations radically affect the properties of the foam, among which the following are important:

output volume;
primary and secondary expansion;
density and porosity;
fire resistance;
moisture resistance;
drying rate, primary formation of a surface film;
working temperature range.

The quality of the polyurethane foam is determined by the balance between the number of bubbles formed, their calibration, diameter and the ratio of open and closed cavities inside the structure formed after solidification.

How to choose and use polyurethane foam correctly, adjusted for conditions

Depending on the above qualities, polyurethane foams are divided by purpose:

Foams with a large and moderate outlet volume, which is selected taking into account the volume of installation work or the size of the cavity to be filled. Excessive output volumes exceeding 70 liters from a 750 ml can indicates a poor-quality product or a dishonest manufacturer. The increase in volume is achieved by increasing the number of bubbles and their diameter, and exceeding certain limits reduces the mechanical and insulating properties of the foam. The output volume is indicated on the cartridge in large numbers, since these values, according to the manufacturer, should make a guaranteed impression on the buyer.
For the delicate installation of finishing materials, cans are produced with a low amount of aerosol gases, due to which the effect of low primary expansion of the foam after leaving the can is achieved. For filling seams, sealing joints with numerous internal voids, foam with a high coefficient of primary expansion is used.
Formulations designed for use in extreme weather conditions. Moreover, winter formulations are designed to work in conditions of low atmospheric humidity, which is characterized by a negative temperature.
Depending on the content of fire retardants, a distinction is made between conventional and fire-resistant compounds.
Moisture resistant formulations are characterized by a high content of surfactants that form whole bubbles. In such foam, the number of unopened bubbles exceeds the number of opened ones (up to 90%), which prevents moisture absorption. Due to this structure, moisture resistant foams are more susceptible to secondary expansion and shrinkage when the ambient temperature fluctuates.
Foam gels and adhesive (liquid foam) compositions for the installation of foam concrete blocks.

Many species are considered moisture resistant due to the dense surface film that forms upon drying. When sealing joints, surfaces in contact with water, the protruding excess of polyurethane is not cut off so as not to violate the integrity of the film.

Polyurethane foam properties: how to use them

The material has a number of useful qualities:

high filling and sealing properties;
low thermal conductivity;
the ability to work with different materials and their combinations (except for polyethylene);
after solidification, polyurethane gains mechanical strength;
the ability to quickly remove excess protruding from the cavity;
convenient use;
moisture resistance and sound insulation;
after the end of the polymerization reaction, the release of any substances into the atmosphere completely stops;
not destroyed by paints and varnishes (with the exception of materials based on nitrocellulose);
the ability to compensate for thermal deformations of structural elements, while maintaining the integrity of the seam.

The main disadvantage of foams is considered to be sensitivity to ultraviolet light, from which the polymer is destroyed. This requires protection in the outer seams by painting or puttying.

Scope of use of polyurethane foam

This material is widely used in various areas of construction:

installation and sealing of window and door frames;
filling cracks and joints of load-bearing structures, sealing roofs, openings for pipes;
installation of panels during finishing works, installation of plumbing, foam concrete blocks;
due to its waterproofing properties and buoyancy, this material is used in shipbuilding.

How to use the option in cylinders correctly

How to use polyurethane foam: step by step instructions

To avoid common mistakes when performing installation work or sealing joints, professionals recommend adhering to the following recommendations:

Before work, the surfaces are cleaned of dust, dirt and degreased. In this way, sufficient adhesion is achieved.
For household types, the output is 30-45 liters, so you need to fill the seam by 30% of its volume. After expansion, the foam will fill the entire volume of the space, and the amount of protruding material will be negligible. Correct dosage will optimize material consumption and reduce the risk of contamination of adjacent surfaces.
Winter foam has a low yield, but has a high secondary expansion coefficient. This is due to the rapidity of the formation of the primary surface film upon prolonged completion of complete polymerization.
When working, the can is kept upside down. Otherwise, aerosol gases will come out first, and liquid components will remain inside the container.
It is recommended to spray with water to speed up the surface curing. For the same reason, do not wipe off foam splashes on adjacent surfaces with a damp cloth. To remove contaminants, use special washes or acetone.
When working with winter foam, before use, the balloon is kept at room temperature so that it warms up to 20-24 ° C.
When installing wooden door frames, compounds with a small secondary expansion are used. Strong expansion will deform the box. In any case, spacers and spacers will have to be used.
Materials with low secondary expansion are denser and therefore have high waterproofing properties. Such qualities are typical for expensive professional polyurethane foams.

Polyurethane foam accelerated and simplified the installation work in construction, which significantly increased labor productivity.

How to use polyurethane foam correctly

Polyurethane foam is a popular building material today, with the help of which a lot of outdated products have been replaced. For example, tow, adhesives, cement mortars.

It is divided into several types. Popular - High Expansion. It is relevant in those works where maximum sealing is achieved. The slot, the hole, is filled with the composition from the cylinder. After a few seconds, it expands, filling the space and getting into hard-to-reach places.

An option with a much lower expansion ratio is also available. It is relevant in works when the gap to be filled is small, or there are connecting elements that are fragile and delicate with the likelihood of damage, or where access is left.

How to choose the right polyurethane foam, taking into account the properties

This type of foam is used for holes with a diameter of one to 10 centimeters. Due to the large number of works where polyurethane foam is used, manufacturers produce:

With a minimal coefficient of expansion, but implying high pressure to facilitate application;
Differing in average performance;
And familiar, expanding.

Depending on the type of work, one of the proposed options is purchased and applied. Expanding foam is convenient when installing window frames, doorways, when building partitions in the house. The average coefficient of expansion is relevant for small holes, if you use a conventional expanding for them - mounting foam will mostly come out of the hole without filling it.

In addition, the consumption increases. When there are a lot of holes, then the consumption of expanding foam, in comparison with that with average indicators, is 2-3 times more.

Types of mounting foam: acrylic and silicone

As such, polyurethane foam is made on two bases: acrylic and silicone.

Silicone is distinguished by high adhesion, it is convenient to work with it with almost all existing building materials. With the help of the silicone version, you can easily work with materials with a smooth surface - enamel, glass, ceramic products.

In addition, silicone polyurethane foam is durable and strong, it is not susceptible to deformation, mechanical or weathering.

Acrylic foam is based on resins. It does not contain any organic solvents, so this foam is easily diluted with water.

The relevance of its use is undeniable if deep cracks or seams are poured.

Such foam is distinguished by its fast drying, although this is a minus - as the foam hardens, it will become less elastic than its analogue on a silicone basis. In addition, the seams created with acrylic foam are rough, they are painted over, which silicone foam will not offer.

Acrylic foam tolerates sudden changes in temperature, and is more often used for indoor work.

How to choose the right polyurethane foam

When choosing foam, they determine what types of work are to be performed with it. Depending on this, one or another type is selected.

It differs in terms of expansion possibilities and ease of use. Simple options imply a cylinder with a mechanism similar to that used on air fresheners - the user applies foam by pressing a button and it comes out of a small tube that is a guide. This design is more common on cylinders containing material with a high expansion ratio.

The second option involves the use of a special "pistol". A balloon is inserted into it, and the user can more conveniently apply the agent to the surface or hole.

If the upcoming front of work is small, the first option will do, if the volume of work involves using large quantities of foam, the second will do.

Guided by them, they choose the appropriate option for a particular case.

It is worth remembering that if you have to work with a small space, polyurethane foam, which has the property of small expansion, is suitable. If it is necessary to obtain tightness by filling large holes, then it makes sense to choose the one that gives 50-60% of expansion from the initial state.

How to use a foam gun correctly

Foam with a low expansion coefficient is used not only for filling holes with a small volume or small diameter. There are some tricks that apply to the professional and beginner builder.

If there is only such foam, and the volume is not small, then fill in the gap or hole with small pieces of brick and finally blow out with foam.

In addition, depending on the volume of work, purchase a special pistol, along with which professional cylinders are used. They are large in volume and give better performance. Working with a pistol is much more convenient.

In any case, choose a material that is suitable for solving the problem. Or it is worth getting both. With the help of an expanding one, blow out large spaces, and with the help of a low coefficient, complete the work, eliminating minor errors and filling gaps and small holes.

From the article "Polyurethane foam: professional advice" you have already learned how to choose a quality product. The only thing left to do is to use it correctly. In this article, we will help you choose an assembly gun, and we will show you how to use it economically and remove foam residues from your hands and clothes.

Despite the fact that mounting foam is in demand for arrangement and repair, do not forget that this is far from a universal insulating material. It all depends on the size of the gaps and voids that need to be filled:

Small cracks up to 1 cm are best eliminated with sealants or fillers. They are more flexible and will not have the side effect of secondary expansion.
It is recommended to fill holes more than 10 cm wide with static materials - bricks, wooden blocks or insulation (for example, foam), and only then additionally process them with polyurethane foam.
For insulating medium-sized cracks, it is optimal to use polyurethane foam - household or professional.

Polyurethane foam sealant (polyurethane foam) has excellent adhesion to the vast majority of building materials, but there are cases when it is useless: the foam will not stick to various types of polyethylene, Teflon, silicone, as well as to any greasy or dusty surfaces. These nuances must be taken into account in order to obtain effective insulation.

Foam with a straw - the threat of expansion

The main disadvantage of household foam with a straw is a significant secondary expansion. When hardening, it can increase several times, so it is extremely important to comply with all conditions of use.

The instructions for using household foam can be seen on the back of the cylinder, but we will consider it in more detail and step by step:

Cleaning and surface preparation. Before applying foam, it is necessary to carefully check all crevices and holes for small debris and, if necessary, degrease the surface with acetone.
Moistening the surface. Polyurethane foam needs contact with humid air for hardening, therefore, before using the spray, the surfaces must be moistened - a conventional spray gun is quite suitable for this purpose.
Preparing the foam cylinder. A little trick - before using the foam, you need to hold it for several hours in water with a temperature of about 20 ° C - after such a procedure it will lie down better. Before starting work, shake the can for a minute so that all components are evenly mixed, this will ensure maximum foam yield.
Attaching the tube or gun to the cylinder. The tube is simply screwed onto the valve, but with a pistol the situation is somewhat more complicated - we will consider the issue of its choice and use below.
Foam handling. According to the correct technology, the polyurethane foam is applied in small sections (about 10 cm) from bottom to top - this helps to avoid unnecessary spread of the material. It is necessary to ensure that the gap is not filled by more than 50% - during hardening, the volume will greatly increase, which can lead to damage to the treated structure. It is extremely important not to touch the uncured foam - any physical impact and violation of the structure worsens the solidification and negatively affects the volume and density.
It is necessary to ensure that the balloon is always in the upside-down position to ensure the most complete consumption of foam.

Difficult moments:

Problem when using	How to solve
Foam opening more than 3 cm wide	Polyurethane foam must be applied in several steps, waiting for each of the layers to harden. Before reapplying the foam, it is imperative to moisten the hardened base.
Through slots	In no case should such holes be filled with foam from both sides - this can lead to severe deformation of the structure. Foam is used on one side only, the back is usually filled with silicone sealant.
Installation of door and window frames	To reduce the pressure on the structure, it is recommended to use dowels and additional spacers (they are removed after hardening). Otherwise, the foam, expanding, can fundamentally warp the frames of doors and windows.

A cylinder of household foam must be used completely, otherwise, during storage, the composition will harden and will be unusable. There are no such problems with professional foam, but there are some nuances.

Assembly gun: price or quality

The professional gun provides precise and dosed application of polyurethane foam, reusable cylinder use and accuracy during work. There are many modifications of such a tool, however, the scheme of the device and the principle of operation are approximately the same:

The tip of the gun - as a rule, its diameter is several times smaller than the diameter of the tube itself. This feature allows to increase the pressure at the exit of the foam many times, which, in turn, guarantees a good volume.
Barrel (tube) - the channel through which the foam comes out. It can be one-piece or collapsible (two-piece), which simplifies instrument maintenance.
Adapter - an adapter for connecting to the neck of the foam cylinder. Teflon coated in quality models.
Adjustment unit - allows you to meter out the foam and its pressure.
Attachment nut - with its help the barrel is attached to the handle. This design allows the tube to be removed for cleaning or replacement.
The trigger - serves to adjust the supply of polyurethane foam.
Handle - made of various types of plastic and metals. Aluminum handles are considered the most reliable and comfortable.

The principle of operation of the assembly gun is based on simple mechanics: after attaching to the cylinder, the foam passes through the supply valve into the barrel, where it is until the trigger is pressed. Pulling the trigger opens a valve on the tip, releasing foam. The regulating mechanism allows you to control the volume of foam delivery.

Since there is nothing superfluous in the design of the pistol, choosing such a tool is quite simple. There are only a few factors to consider:

The quality of the materials from which the gun is made. It is best if it is made entirely of hard metals. There are high-quality plastic models, but this is very rare.
Collapsible design: Monolithic pistols are cheaper, but the price of a collapsible tool will pay off many times when cleaning and replacing parts.
Working pressure in the gun. This characteristic cannot be checked in the store, but there is a little trick. When buying a gun, immediately purchase a spray can of cleaner (it contains acetone). At home, you need to screw the pistol onto a bottle of cleaning liquid, pull it inside by pressing the trigger, then remove and leave for a couple of days. If, after this time, acetone is fired when the trigger is pulled, the pressure is normal. If not, you can return low-quality goods to the store, acetone does not leave any traces on the surface of the barrel.

Gun Foam - Professional Use for Beginners

With the right gun and related products (foam remover / cleaner and petroleum jelly) selected, you're ready to go.

Initial installation of the gun

To install the gun, it is necessary to unscrew the fastening screw all the way, lubricate the socket with technical Vaseline and secure the cylinder. It is important to ensure that the adjusting unit is at a minimum foam consumption. Then the cylinder is turned over to the working position (upside down) and the composition supply is regulated - a couple of test presses are made to release excess air and check the pressure.

The rules for applying the foam remain the same: in small stripes from bottom to top. However, professional foam has practically no secondary expansion, which greatly simplifies the calculation of the required volume. The main thing is to make sure that the cylinder is not in a horizontal position both during use and during breaks.

Replacing the foam cylinder

Before you put a new cylinder or put the gun in storage, you must thoroughly clean all surfaces from the remnants of old foam. For this purpose, a cleaner (wash) is used:

to release the pressure, pull the trigger of the pistol;
fix the bottle with the cleaner to the gun;
turning the cylinder over, press the trigger for 10 seconds;
repeat several times until clear liquid comes out of the tube;
lubricate the gun parts with petroleum jelly.

When storing the assembly gun, it is necessary to repeat the lubrication procedure approximately every one and a half to two months.

When working with foam, it is important to consider such points as its chemical composition and increased "stickiness" to different surfaces. Therefore, it is imperative to use protective equipment - work suit and gloves.

Sweeping the traces

Polyurethane foam is one of the most difficult to remove materials: once it gets on fabric, leather or other surfaces, it is quite difficult to clean them. But it's worth a try.

Surface	Fresh foam	Cured foam
Hand skin	Gently removed with a sponge, residues are removed with improvised means - scrub, acetone, solvent, gasoline, saturated saline solution	It can be removed only mechanically. Usually loses its properties and falls off after 2-3 days
the cloth	It is collected with a stick, the remains are removed with a cleaner. Important! Stains may remain during fabric processing!	If possible, large pieces are cut off, and the remains are treated with a special solvent for cured foam, white spirit or gasoline. Remove stains that appear with stain removers
PVC (frames, window sills)	Carefully removed, the surface is wiped with a special cleaner for PVC	Carefully cut, the surface is wiped with a special cleaner for PVC (usually marked - for installing windows)
Floor covering (linoleum, laminate, parquet)	Remove foam with a spatula, collect the rest with a sponge and cleaner. Stains may appear! They are removed from wooden surfaces by grinding, while varnished coatings cannot be cleaned - they will have to be replaced.	After cutting off the foam, the residues are carefully dissolved with a special cleaner or the drug "Dimexid" (sold in pharmacies). It is necessary to work with such substances with gloves - strong components can cause burns!

As you already know, polyurethane foam is not intended for sealing holes smaller than 1 cm - it is better to fill such gaps with silicone sealants.

Alexander Birzhin, rmnt.ru