The TotalBoat Flotation Foam Troubleshooting Guide is designed to help customers self-service by quickly pinpointing solutions for the most common issues, based upon observed symptoms.
It's important to understand that with Flotation Foam, everything happens quickly, so it is extremely important to take extra care and have everything ready before dispensing, mixing, and curing Flotation Foam.
Always store the product as directed, and only apply Flotation Foam at the specified temperature conditions. Please refer to the Flotation Foam Technical Data Sheets (2 LB Density & 6 LB Density) for the most comprehensive surface preparation and application details.
| SYMPTOMS |
ISSUE |
SOLUTION |
| The foam did not expand to the proper yield |
- Mix ratio was not 1:1 by volume.
- Ambient air, substrate, or material temperature was below the advised range.
- The foam was not mixed properly.
- There was surface contamination on the substrate that reacted with the foam once it was poured into the desired location.
- The product was not stored properly.
- The product was not sealed properly after being opened and used.
- The product is beyond its useful life.
- The ambient conditions were far higher than reasonable working conditions.
|
- Mechanically remove any material that is soft, tacky, or uncured and make another pour with greater attention to application directions. **
- If the previous pour has cured to a hard, firm, tack free material, simply apply more flotation foam taking greater attention to application directions.**
- Remove any potential contaminants from the mold or substrate before reapplying.
**If old or unsealed material may be a factor, get new material to ensure proper expansion.
|
| The foam did not harden or cure properly |
- The foam was not mixed properly or thoroughly enough.
- The foam was not mixed at the proper ratio.
- Wait longer for the product to cure.
- There was surface contamination preventing the foam from curing properly.
|
- Mechanically remove any spots that are still soft and reapply.
- Ensure that the product is mixed at the proper ratio, and take extra care to mix and stir the components together more thoroughly.
|
| There were sticky spots after the foam cured |
- The foam was not mixed properly or thoroughly enough.
- The foam was not mixed at the correct ratio.
|
- Mechanically remove any spots that are still soft and reapply.
- Ensure that the product is mixed at the proper ratio, and take extra care to mix and stir the components together more thoroughly.
|
| The foam expanded and then shrank back down to a lower yield than expected |
- Ambient temperature and product temperature were not warm enough.
|
- Ensure that the ambient temperature and the temperature of the product are within the specified range.
|
| The foam never expanded |
- Improper mix ratio
- Product was not stored with the lids closed completely (blowing agent has released from the can).
- Product was not mixed thoroughly.
- Product temperature and/or ambient temperature was far below the specified range.
|
- Test a small amount of material, ensuring the proper temperatures, mix ratio and mixing. If the yield does not come out as it should, get a new set of Flotation Foam components. Apply this material over the previous pour that failed to expand properly.
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