Smooth finish for Divinycell camera floats?

[WOODMAN]

As detailed in a couple of other threads of mine in the Canon forum, I made strap-on floats for my camera rig which attach to the strobe arms and really work well. I used Divinylcell foam, which is non-compressible, for this. My problem is getting a smooth finish on the floats. I sanded them and sprayed them with plastic-compatible black paint, but they still feel as rough as sharkskin. I would like a smooth finish, and am not sure what to put on these floats to achieve this. Any ideas? Woody

 

[fjpatrum]

How about just heating up the outside skin of the things with a lighter? I'm not familiar with Divinylcell foam, specifically, but all the closed cell foams I've used I just "melted" a smooth finish on them where I wanted it.

 

[SoCalSwami]

Interesting question. I'm still in the 'about-to-cut' my foam phase of the project and am curious to hear what you come up with. Could simply adding more paint (with light sanding between coats) solve the problem? I thought perhaps a large diameter wire/cable shrink wrap could be used somehow to protect the foam.

 

[merxlin]

Try PlastiDip - that spray or brush on coating used for tool handles etc.

 

[WOODMAN]

Interesting ideas, but I was thinking more of a hard smooth glossy-type finish. I know that this stuff is used to make surfboards, and was wondering if anyone here knew what they do to get that smooth finish on those? Some type of marine enamel or varnish? It has to be impervious to salt water, obviously, and will stick to the foam plastic and not peel off underwater. Any ideas? Woody

 

[merxlin]

One thing to be careful of is the compression of the foam at depth. A rigid coating material will have no give, and despite the foams ability to resist compression it will probably compress some, which would crack or pop a rigid finish. I would call/contact the manufacturer DIAB and see what they say about a coating. Just a hint- many companies will not talk to individuals, so you may want to tell them you are making a prototype for a potential commercial product.

 

[WOODMAN]

Try PlastiDip

That seems to be the ticket! I tried this in flat black color in spray version, and although it takes several coats to get the desired effect, it delivers a rubbery smooth finish that looks pretty good. I don't know how it will hold up in salt water yet, but will find out in Cozumel in about a month. It looks great so far, anyway. Woody