From: "Angela Edwards" <paidtoparty@hotmail.com>
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com
Subject: painting & glittering styrofoam
Date: Mon, 14 May 2001 16:35:57 -0500

Just wanted to say THANKS AGAIN for all the great responses to my questions!

Here is a summary of the responses for the archives:

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Special paint is available, but I would suggest brushing on elmers glue 
colored with a little tempera paint to match your glitter! -- Good Luck, 
Daryl Baldwin -- I melted mine the first time too!
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Use Design Master paints found at floral supply houses. -- John Michael 
Stevens
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When I have to (repeat) only when I have to spray styrofoam I use Florlite 
Paint spray, it's sold at floral distributors or perhaps in your local craft 
store. I have no clue what stores are in Alabama. If your going to use 
glitter, all you have to do is...
1. Spray paint the styro
2. If you what it darker, spray again,
3. Stand about 2-3 feet away, don't spray it close
4. Glueing..take a paint brush and spread the glue on the styro,
then dip it into the glitter

I don't like using glitter for this reason. But it looks nice.
-- Shelly, Celebrations by Shelly
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If you are painting and then glittering on top - try adding the paint to 
your tacky glue to tint it the color you are looking for then apply glitter. 
Hope this helps. -- Cindy Drako, D&D Gift Baskets & Balloons
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It is easy to paint styrofoam. Use spray paint called Design Master.  
Purchase from a floral wholesaler or a craft store.  Make sure that when you 
paint, you hold the can 12" away or further.  Be patient and put several 
coats on.  I strongly suggest, that you paint a piece of scrap first.  Wait 
1/2 hour before continuing to make sure you did everything correctly.  If it 
is not correct, the styrofoam will be
eaten away.  The hardest colors to work with are metallic, like gold and
silver!  After you paint the styrofoam, then spray a layer of spray adhesive 
on the piece then sprinkle the glitter on.  When sprinkling the
glitter, do it over a clean piece of newspaper so you can pick up the excess 
and recycle. It will not matter if the glitter covers perfectly, because of 
the paint, you will not see the areas that area not completely covered. 
Glitter comes in several sizes.  The size you use really depends on the size 
of styrofoam you need covered.  .015 I use on smaller pieces, them .035. 
Those are the 2 sizes I favor. To quicken the process I do the following: I 
take balloon straws  and pick each side. I  then get some old styrofoam 
pieces. I stick the pick in one side of the camera.  I can then spray paint 
all sides.  I then pick the finished piece into the scrap styrofoam. When 
dry, I pick up, apply spray adhesive, glitter and then let dry again! By the 
way, I do sell a great adhesive and glitter in many colors if you need.  I 
belive the cost of the glitter is $6.50/lb. The price goes down with 
quantity. I am at home and I don't  have a catalog.  I can be a little high 
on the
price. If you have further questions or would like or or get samples,
e-mail or call. Good Luck -- Merrill, CBA, Advance Creative Products
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Water based ACRYLIC paint only. It's easy to come by. I don't know the US 
brand names. Sprinkle or dip apply the glitter after applying the glue 
coating. Again, use a water based glue such as PVA (wood glue)
if possible and not price prohibitive. Good Luck -- Don Dixon
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There is a paint to put on the styrofoam so it doesnt distort but cant think 
of it. Check with your local craft/hobby store. They probably
know. Hope this helps -- Mathilde Borel, RAINBOW WISHES
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We use a mixture of PVC glue and water based paint to cover the styrofoam 
and then sprinkle on the glitter. Takes a little practise to get the balance 
right - first time out I used to much paint and it took days to dry - not 
enough and the glitter winds up everywhere but on the foam! Looks amazing 
when you get it right. Good Luck -- Karen, A Swell Party
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You must use design master paint,and spray lightly.  Do not use gloss or
metalic. When glittering, use Aileen's tacky glue, spread it with your
finger and glitter. -- RL-Balloon Elegance
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Angela Edwards
EZ Occasions / 1-800-PARTYSHop Consultant #7868
Huntsville, AL  (256) 883-4FUN
http://www.EZoccasions.com

Planning a party?? It's my job to help!!http://www.EZoccasions.com