Crocodile costume for Peter Pan

Excuse the cross post.

We're repairing a Croc costume handed down to us from productions of long
ago. The exterior is painted egg-crate foam, with a bit of fabric bonded
inside for comfort and strength. Alternating rows of the foam's "egg"
protrusions have been shaved to enhance the scale-like texture.

The problem is that the paint seems to have weakened the foam. When the
actor scoots along the floor or wriggles into it, bits of the foam fall off.

Does anyone have experience with this foam? Is there some sort of sealant
that might protect it from the paint?

BTW, sorry, but I don't know what kind of paint is is - I'm passing along
this request with 3rd hand info.

rick