Styrofoam art is a popular pastime in the world of crafting. The porous foam creates a versatile material that can be cut, shaped, covered and painted in a million different ways. However, working with Styrofoam requires some trial and error to master. The material can be fragile and certain techniques must be done in a precise manner for favorable results.
Cutting
If you're looking for the easiest and most precise way to cut Styrofoam, there are electric Styrofoam cutters available at any craft store. The long and thin blades on these cutters help you achieve sharp detail. If you don't want to spend any money, you can use a strong and sharp knife coated with a little plain beeswax. The beeswax helps the knife glide through the Styrofoam without making it crumble.
If you're looking to shape your Styrofoam instead of cut it, you can use a variety of tools. Fingers, toothpicks, sand paper and rolling pins can all be utilized to gently change the shape of your Styrofoam piece. However, never use heat to change the Styrofoam, as the warmth will melt the foam.
Covering
Styrofoam art can be covered with almost anything if you have some craft or Styrofoam glue. Fabrics, tiles, beads, stones, flowers, feathers, yarns, papers and wicker can all be glued over the foam shape as decoration. Keep the porous nature of foam in mind when gluing on decorations. The foam sucks up some of the glue and you will need to use more than an average, light coating.
If you want to create a plain, smooth surface on the Styrofoam, you'll need some Plaster of Paris. Mix the plaster and brush a thin, even layer over the foam. Let the plaster dry and lightly sand with fine sand paper. Wipe plaster to remove dust. Repeat entire process as many times as needed to create a smooth surface.
Painting
Almost every kind of acrylic or water-based, brush-on, craft paint can be used to paint Styrofoam art. However, the porous foam surface gives the paint a cratered appearance. You may need to let the paint dry and paint the foam again several times to create a solid color. Never use general spray paint on Styrofoam, as it will cause the foam to literally melt away. Only spray paints labeled as "Styrofoam safe" can be used on Styrofoam art.
Warning
Be careful not to confuse craft Styrofoam with floral Styrofoam. Floral Styrofoam is a dense, green substance that often crumbles if cut. It is made to absorb and hold water for living plant arrangements. Craft Styrofoam is a light, white substance made to withstand cutting, painting, covering and other abuse.
