How to Sculpt Foam

Foam can be used to make many different decorations and stage props. Foam sculpting is an art form that many sculptors are well versed in. Many different types of foam are used including but not limited to bead board, Styrofoam and balsa foam. There are tools common to the sculpting of foam include hot tools that have metal pieces that are heated and then carve the foam by simply melting it. Rasps and rifflers as well as sandpaper are also used to abrasively remove the foam for sculpting.

Things You Will Need to Sculpt Foam:

Files

Styrofoam

Sandpaper

Marker

Stencil or design

Step 1:
Place the stencil over the Styrofoam and use the marker to mark around the entire stencil so you know where to cut and mold. Make sure the marker is a different color than the foam so that you can see where you have marked.

Step 2:
Use the file to gently press down into the marks left by the marker on the exterior lines from the stencil or design you marked around in the last step. Press down only as deep as the stencil required or called for to complete the design.

Step 3:
Use the file to gently pry underneath the edges of the stenciled area to dig out the sections that require you to do so according to your design.

Step 4:
Remove these areas by using minimal pressure pushing towards the inside of the area to be removed, and pull upwards at the same time.

Step 5:
Use the sandpaper to go around the edges of the areas that have been removed to create a finished area with no burs or chunks missing.

Many different stencils and designs are available for use with sculpting Styrofoam. These are available at local art supply stores or fabric stores, any of the same places you can buy Styrofoam. Hot tools are more efficient at the cutting away of foam areas, and files are better used for intricate and detailed work, and not for larger areas. Sandpaper is always used to finish edges and smooth out rough areas and patches in work. You can always create your own design to sculpt into the foam. Remember that sculpting is like a relief; it is more or less the negative of the design. This means that the design will be seen opposite of the way you sculpt it to be. Learning how to sculpt foam couldn't get an easier!