Love Pool Noodle Hacks? A Word Of Caution About Painting Them

Pool noodles are amazing and can be used for many different things outside of swimming. These classic pool toys are a dream for anyone who loves DIYs. There are tons of easy and affordable pool noodle hacks that you can try. You can use them to clean your gutters, keep fishing rods organized, and even babyproof your home! You may want to paint a pool noodle especially if you plan to use it around your home. Here's something important you will want to remember before painting them: pool noodles can melt if you don't paint them correctly. Also, spray painting comes with some safety risks.

The good news is that you can safely paint foam noodles with the right preparation and know-how. You just have to ensure you have the correct safety equipment, select spray paint that won't interact with the materials in the noodle, and use the paint correctly. Ready to spray paint your pool noodles for your next DIY project? Here's how to get the job done.

The first thing you need to do before painting is to select the right spray paint. Most pool noodles are made of closed polyethylene foam, a lightweight material that allows the noodles to float. However, some pool noodles have styrofoam in them, which can actually melt when exposed to certain chemicals in some spray paints. Therefore, you'll want to choose paint with a latex or water base, as these won't cause your pool noodle to melt when you paint it.

After you select your paint, it's time to prepare for safety. The vapors from spray paint are harmful to your health. So, it's important to avoid breathing in the paint mist. Make sure you set up your spray painting area somewhere well-ventilated. It's best to spray paint outdoors, if possible. If not, open the windows and doors to ensure you get plenty of fresh air. Make sure you have the proper safety gear. Safety glasses are a must. You'll also need rubber gloves, a respirator mask, and a pair of painter's coveralls or old jeans. Shoe covers are also a good idea to keep paint from ruining your footwear. You'll also want to cover the ground or floor with a drop cloth.

Next, you'll want to prep your pool noodles. The first step is to create the right surface so your paint will properly adhere to the noodle. You can sand the noodles with rough-grit sandpaper (80 grit or more), making it easier for the paint to stick. Polyfilla, a filler compound, also works great if you want an alternative to sandpaper. It contains special binders that help the paint adhere to the surface of the noodle. You can purchase this filler at Amazon for less than $20. When applying the polyfilla, make sure you spread it over the entire surface of the noodle. After sanding the noodle or coating it with filler, it's time to paint!

Here are some important spray painting tips. Before beginning, thoroughly shake your can of spray paint. This helps mix the paint up. Then, lightly spray the surface of the noodle, going back and forth in a horizontal direction. Avoid spraying downward. After you have applied one coat to the noodle, let it dry. How long this takes will depend on the specific paint used. Look at the can's instructions for more information about dry time. After you have applied both coats of paint, let the noodle dry thoroughly before using.