Reviews – GreatStuff vs DAPtex vs Touch-n-Foam

The bulk of energy loss in a home comes from dozens of small holes, cracks and gaps inside and outside that allow air leakage so sealing air leaks with insulating spray foam sealants is one of the most practical and economical ways to block heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Small foam cans come in two basic varieties. Latex (open cell) or Polyurethane (closed cell) foams.  If you would like to read more in detail about functional differences between the open vs closed polyurethane cells, go here.

In this article, we will review those ubiquitous Great Stuff, DAPtex Touch ‘n Foam cans found at your local big box stores.

TIP: The nozzle quality on Great Stuff blue cans is very poor and calling their customer service gets you nowhere. My suggestion is to buy it at your local hardware store and keep the receipt handy so that you can return defective cans. For some reason, Great Stuff in red or black cans do not have this problem.

SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

	GreatStuff	DAPtex Plus	Touch n Foam
Foam Type	Polyurethane	Latex	Polyurethane
Cell Type	Closed	Open	Closed
Absorb Water?	No	Yes	No
Size	12 oz	12 oz	12 oz
Price	$ 5.90	$ 4.99	$ 9.81
Part / SKU	175437	18836	4001044000
Reusable?	No	Yes	Yes
Cleanup	Solvent	Soap and water	Solvent
Latest Price	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon

GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door

If you’re installing windows, doors or skylights and you’re not using GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door foam sealant, you’re probably unaware of a faster, cheaper air-sealing solution. In fact, there are some window and door manufacturers that have tested and endorsed GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door. It is a minimal-expanding foam with a low pressure build that forms a durable, airtight and water-resistant seal between a window or door frame and its rough opening without bowing or bending the window frames. It’s the original window and door draft stopper.

• Proprietary low-pressure formula designed not to bow bend window and door frames
• Ideal for filling sealing other areas where low-pressure flexible foam is desirable
• Provides real insulation value which complements energy efficiency of the window or door. Greater insulating value than chinked fiberglass or caulk
• Soft, pliable foam is forgiving, easier to remove if gap is overfilled. Cured foam can be stuffed back into the gap without trimming
• One 12 oz. can foams up to six average sized residential windows (36′ x 60″, 3/8″ wide gap, and 1″ deep)
• Repels/deflects water
• Tack free in 8 minutes; Trims within 1 hour
• Flexible foam permits expansion and contraction
• Paintable, sandable and stainable
• Yellow colored foam

DAPtek Plus Multi-Purpose Foam Sealant

In its natural form, latex is a milky white liquid tapped from the trunks of rubber trees (hevea brasiliensis)and then combined with water to create a thick suspension.  There have been reports of individuals experiencing allergenic reactions attributed to exposure to natural latex products. For the most part, these cases allegedly involve dermatological contact with latex gloves, clothing or bed covers. According to companies involved in the production of latex foam products for cushioning applications, the vast majority of these cases are dermatitis related and occur primarily with people in the medical industry who wear natural latex gloves as protection over a long period of time.

Natural proteins from the rubber tree have been attributed by health professionals as the primary cause of allergic reactions. Some companies advise that if an individual is known to have allergies to plant antigens, they should avoid contact with natural latex based products. Synthetic latex does not contain natural proteins that can cause an allergic reaction and so synthetic rubber products provide options for individuals having concerns about exposure to natural latex.

DAPtex® Plus Multi-Purpose Foam Sealant is a latex-based product used for filling voids and sealing large
gaps. Designed to meet the tough standards demanded for professional window & door installations while
offering the easiest-to-use technology for DIYers. When applied properly, this patented formula helps reduce
energy loss and damage that can be caused by air, rain and pest infiltration.

• DAPtex® Plus will not over expand like polyurethane foams. DAPtex® Plus will expand to 90% of its full
size immediately upon application. Full expansion will be achieved within 20-30 minutes, depending on
bead size, temperature and humidity.
• Proven not to bow, buckle or distort window and door frames.
• Tack free in 10 minutes. A one inch bead fully cures in 24 hours depending on bead size, temperature and
humidity.
• Toolable and moldable while wet. Do not trim or remove skin of the cured foam.
• Flexible when cured.
• Cured foam can be painted with latex paint.
• Easy soap and water clean-up when wet.
• When fully cured the product should be firm to the touch and withstand moderate pressure.
Surface Preparation

DIRECTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS: READ DIRECTIONS AND SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USE!
1. Product is EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE WHILE DISPENSING! Refer to label and Material Safety Data
Sheet and extinguish all ignition sources during use and cure.
2. To avoid risk of electric shock when perimeter sealing electrical switches and outlet boxes, disconnect
power during application of product and until product is fully cured. *When perimeter sealing switches or
electrical boxes, do not fill box.
3. Wear safety glasses and use in well-ventilated areas.
4. Clean and remove grease, dirt and debris from application area.
5. Shake can vigorously for 1 minute before use.
6. Push straw into nozzle located above the trigger.
7. Remove safety tab above trigger.
8. Apply at temperatures between 45°F -105ºF. The product should be above 60°F for optimum dispensing
rate.
9. Slowly dispense foam from can in upright position, filling cavity to 90% to allow for minimal expansion.
10. For best results, tool or shape while wet. Do not trim or remove skin of the cured foam.
11. For exterior applications, foam must be painted with a quality exterior latex paint after fully cured.
12. If storing for reuse, remove straw and clean it and nozzle with warm water. Cured material can be removed
from nozzle or straw with a pipe cleaner or paper clip.
13. Not recommended for use at or below grade, or for closed cavities. For gaps more than 2” deep, use multiple
layers of 1”-2” each.

• Seals, insulates and weatherproofs
• Easy water clean-up
• Won’t over-expand
• Tough and durable
• Conserves energy to save money
• No paint thinner required
• Water resistant
• Paintable
• Toolable and moldable
• Reusable, non-clogging applicator
• Interior /Exterior

Clean Up and Storage:
Uncured foam can be cleaned up with soap and water. Excess cured sealant can be scraped off.

Packaging: Net Wt. 12oz (340g)
Color: White
UPC Number: 0 70798 18836 5, 0 70798 18822 8

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – (English )- If the link is broken, click here for English

Touch ‘n Foam NoWarp Window and Door Sealant

Touch ‘n Foam is a relative new player when compared with Great Stuff and DAPtex Plus.

NoWarp Window and Door Sealant from Convenience Products on Vimeo.

Touch ‘n Foam No Warp Window & Door Sealant is specially formulated for use around window and door frames. While it can be used as an all-purpose foam, This revolutionary expanding polyurethane foam is designed to seal and insulate without exerting pressure that can be detrimental to window or door frame stability.

This low pressure foam is actually self-venting which means that once it fills the void, the trapped CO2 leaves the product – unlike conventional polyurethane foam that may continue to expand and apply pressure. This is ideal for sensitive areas (like window and door frames where the gap can be sealed without bowing the frame – even if the area is overfilled with foam).
Touch ‘n Foam NoWarp Window & Door Sealant is specially formulated for use around window and door frames. While it can be used as an all-purpose foam, This revolutionary expanding polyurethane foam is designed to seal and insulate without exerting pressure that can be detrimental to window or door frame stability.

This low pressure foam is actually self-venting which means that once it fills the void, the trapped CO2 leaves the product – unlike conventional polyurethane foam that may continue to expand and apply pressure. This is ideal for sensitive areas (like window and door frames where the gap can be sealed without bowing the frame – even if the area is overfilled with foam).

Low pressure formula – guaranteed not to warp frames or jambs
• Fills and insulates better than fiberglass
• Stops drafts to minimize energy loss
• Creates a moisture barrier
• Fire retardant
• Meets ASTM E-84
• Item # 4001044000

Material Safety Data Sheet – English) – (if the link is broken, click here for the English version).

 

REFERENCE LINKS:

Polyurethane Form Association