Carving foam is a type of foam that is made to be worked carving. Urethane foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, and polyisocyanurate (ISO) foam are among the foams that can be used for carving. These foams all have the characteristics of being firm, dry, and soft, as well as being quite sturdy. This item is commonly found in craft supply stores, but it can also be found at taxidermy, theatrical prop, and florist supply stores.
Foam is a great material to work with when carving because it is so forgiving; however, because foam is soft, an overzealous carver can easily take off too much accident. Many common woodworking tools, as well as utility knives and electric carving knives, can be used on foam. Carving foam is available in a variety of colors and weights, ranging from dense, small-pored foam to lighter, larger-pored foam. Many people develop a preference for the foam they prefer to use.
Carving foam is sometimes used to make prototypes, roughing out the shape of a product that will later be rendered in another material. Foam can also be used as the underlying base for a floral arrangement or taxidermy project, or to carve a prototype for a mold. Artists can also use carving foam to create a sculpture’s base, relying on it for support and coating it in materials like clay and paint.
Carving foam is also used extensively Hollywood prop masters. It’s a great material for props because it’s lightweight and easy to work with, and it can be easily coated with other materials. While such props may not stand up to close inspection, they appear to be real enough through the camera lens, and they are often easier for actors to handle than the real thing, as well as being far less expensive.
When working with carving foam, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind. Inhaling the dust can be dangerous, so wearing a face mask is strongly advised. It’s also a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area and clean up after yourself after working with carving foam to avoid releasing small chunks of foam into the environment, which can pollute the environment and harm wildlife. Small pieces of foam may fly out of the garbage and drift around the workshop or out the door, so using a sealed container to dispose of scraps is a good idea. Children and pets should not have access to sharp carving tools.