Working with Foam: Tips and Tools

Рет қаралды 186,436

7 жыл бұрын

✅ Support Will via Patreon: / epicfantasy
✅ Tip Jar: via PayPal to: www.paypal.me/supportwill
Working with Foam - A simple and clear explanation of the different kinds of foams for crafting including XPS, EPS and styrofoam.
This is a tips and tools video where I show you all kinds of great techniques for working with foam. We start out by taking a look at the more popular types of foam including Styrofoam. And did you know that cups and coolers are not styrofoam? That is a common mistake.
I show you what my favorite foam is for arts and crafts projects. It is called XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) And it is readily available.
And I show you a bunch of great tips for cutting, working, sculpting and gluing XPS foam so you can make all kinds of projects.
About my Channel:
I have hundreds of videos covering all kinds of creative projects. I put out two new videos every week and if you want to stay updated you can subscribe to my channel here:
kzfaq.info_c...
Affiliate links to the products I use in this tutorial:
Pink Foamular sheets (XPS) amzn.to/3hkwfXx
Sheets of DOW XPS Foam: amzn.to/2n2ALRU
(It is listed under the DOW styrofoam name. It is XPS foam just like I use in this video).
FloraCraft Makes a variety of Styrofoam shapes: amzn.to/2C2l8CF
Smoothfoam makes a variety of EPS foam, Expanded Polystyrene- formed from the little balls: amzn.to/30AeTQI
In this video I reference and show you several of my projects that use XPS foam:
1. Make a Medieval mace: • Make a Medieval Mace
2. Make 3d Dungeon Tiles: • Make 3D Dungeon Terrai...
3. Hot wire foam cutter: • Make a Hot Wire Foam C...
4. Diorama Waterfall: • Make A Diorama Waterfall
4. Make diorama terrain from foam: • Make diorama terrain t...
5. Make a castle out of XPS foam: • How to make a Foam Cas...
6. El Guapo the foam dragon: • A look at the big Foam...
7, The Bloodborne Kirkhammner: • Make the Kirkhammer fr...
8. Halloween cauldron and gravestone: • make a halloween cauld...
9 Altair sword: • Altair Sword from Assa...
Playlist with all my XPS Foam Projects here:
• XPS Foam Projects
--- --- ---
Want to Support Will and his work? Help him create more content and help him build a castle? You can learn more and become a patron here: / epicfantasy
--- --- ---

Пікірлер: 166

@buklao4407 7 жыл бұрын

This video really helped me with making dioramas from different styrofoam

@karendemars6001 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this fantastic rundown! I’m heading to the home improvement store now ... ready to dive in to make some holiday décor projects. 😊😊😊

@susansmith1740 Жыл бұрын

This us just the information I was looking for so thank you for this video. Very helpful!

@ailbheskyfeather174 7 жыл бұрын

And here I was a few days ago wonder when you'd make a video over all the different types of foams you have used in many of your projects :D Great video as always!

@DanieleMazzoni 7 жыл бұрын

Nice video, so many cool tips thanks! I have done a couple of things for heroscape with foam but then applied papier-mache on it because the quality of the foam I had didn't let me paint it properly

@hinamanga 7 жыл бұрын

wow, i love this video, i was so excited when i see that you have upload a video explaining foam, it's sound strange but i was planning my next project and i have to use foam and i dont know nothing of foam, well now i know thaks to you ^^

@mikelove3271 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for this video, helped me with a project im planning

@sweetmimisestscha 5 жыл бұрын

Great Tutorial!!! Thank You!!!

@sandywebsdale8247 6 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for all the great tips.

@nostalgicstudy101 10 ай бұрын

This was extremely informative and helped steer me a way. Thank you 🙏

@JanineMKartist 6 жыл бұрын

Good video. I found just the right size of the purple one at Home Depot to use in a paper mache project . I was glad to see they sell sheets in the approximate 24x26 inch range rather than just the massive sheets for walls. Hoping they continue to provide these smaller sheets. I think it will be a good base for my project since I can’t do wood working and this will keep my work less heavy. Your glue demo was good to see as well to know what works. Not sure if I want to use the cheaper hot cutter pen or just a regular craft knife . Depends on fumes that hot cutter pen creates. I’ll be coating it in paper mache and paper mache clay or apoxy clay

@epicfantasy Жыл бұрын

It doesn't take long to get good with a regular craft knife. And... Lowes also carries the smaller sheets. They call them project sheets.

@nickltrains6952 7 жыл бұрын

Nice information on XPS. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from New Jersey

@anjumanislam3382 7 жыл бұрын

Very nice , very knowledgeable. I make lot if project for my kids , this very helpful. Thank you .

@MikeDMADLabs 6 жыл бұрын

Man thanks so so much for this video. Amazing tips! Liked and subscribed

@tomb4496 11 ай бұрын

Great video thanks

@Rynax- 7 жыл бұрын

Very nice video, Will. I've only made one project with the pink foam but I love it already. Also you totally got me with that glue gun haha!

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

lol, The glue gun thing was fun :)

@rickey5353 11 ай бұрын

I wish I would have watched this video before my first sculpture. Thanks.

@paulamcnaught1118 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great video.

@kurkgamesnl3951 7 жыл бұрын

i use the pink foam for casting of aluminum and like you say you can make a lot of detail in it

@tibbs4000 5 жыл бұрын

laughed so hard at the glue gun! you got me!!

@PolarisCastillo 3 жыл бұрын

@Holden Rowan whoa whoa whoa!!! 10 minutes is so short

@gloriasamudio3387 2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for sharing. It was an awesome video.😊

@user-jy3lg6vm2g 4 ай бұрын

that was great! thx

@valarieannaliza8805 3 ай бұрын

Excellent explanation!

@tuskinekinase 7 жыл бұрын

Oooooh you're back!!! Wonderful video as usual. Are you planning to do any EVA foam (I believe it is the material you used to do the knight armor projects) tips? I know there's a ton of that kind of videos out there but yours are always very straightforward and I like your confidence with all these materials when you talk it inspires me :D

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I have purchased a bunch of EVA foam. Will be doing some projects with it for sure.

@alexkrisna2334 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You..Very helpfull Video👍

@goolamchohan6592 6 жыл бұрын

Well explained tx

@harmonic5107 7 жыл бұрын

That hot glue gun was bomb! Very nicely done! XD

@mharzstyrofoamartsandcraft1419 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the tips po.

@haririalaa6487 5 жыл бұрын

great video bro..!

@shivshakti4495 5 жыл бұрын

Good info thanks

@fan1gday 6 жыл бұрын

very helpful

@kingdanny12324 7 жыл бұрын

Hi epic fantasy I had just wanted to say thank you for making that video on the plague doctor mask in Halloween week it came out awesome when I made it and my teacher loved it. Just had wanted to say that to you hopefully you will see this and keep on making great content.

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Great to hear it! Thanks for watching :)

@thebatzinator 7 жыл бұрын

Nice to know the differences! Thanks!

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@sammyspaniel6054 5 жыл бұрын

Glidden Gripper (paint, sealer, adhesive) works fantastic as a glue for the pink foam. It is only sold at Home Depot (not Lowes)

@RubberR2 5 ай бұрын

Discontinued product

@gerlandkent6377 2 ай бұрын

[thank, you for youre video.👍 the, 2" foam board thats sold in my state comes in 3- colors . Blue, pink, and green]

@izzeddinkurdi-abojad5957 Ай бұрын

Good job

@docink6175 7 жыл бұрын

its the solvent in some spray paint that melt the foam, if you keep back off the project and give a dusting coat the solvent mostly evaporates, once the foam is dusted well a heavier coat can be applied

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Great tip. Thanks!

@StrongholdCrafterKev 7 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. I am surprised you didn't talk about foam core.

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

THanks, i definitely am obsessed with foam core :)

@maddystarlove 5 жыл бұрын

Loving your tutorials and the glue gun...LMAO!!! I was thinking that you hadn't plugged it in!

@bhagyn3236 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Could you please tell what is the best glue for Xps and Eps foam to stick together?

@dyscea 8 ай бұрын

18:45 before the era of "It's cake!" 😂

@vikassitap6096 6 жыл бұрын

Sir, your videos are so guiding, please try f22 raptor model with the use of 3 mm and 5 mm xps foam sheet the model that can be use as RC plane the upper and the lower half body so that it could be equipped with radio parts in it and ready to fly

@djwarrior1421 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Do you have a preference for a hot knife? I need to carve large sheets of the XPS to make life-size castle walls for a play I'm doing.

@patlapete3806 4 жыл бұрын

I know alot of foam sheets are pre scored for easy cutting. Im planning on sculpting a turtle shell shaped shield for an upcoming boffer larp. Ill be sandwiching a piece of corrugated plastic in between the 2- 2" x 36" circles. If the foam takes a strong hit by a standard kite rod and foam sword how likely is it to break? Any feedback is appreciated.

@FknNefFy 3 жыл бұрын

That gives me an idea I could spray acetone over a stencil to make it 3-D

@RicardoRodriguez-sy3qg 7 жыл бұрын

I would rlly love The tutorial

@nostalgicstudy101 10 ай бұрын

I was looking to use the xps foam for a rug making project. Would you be willing to share some tips as far as constructing a box? Similar to a cereal box?

@denisbelanger2273 7 жыл бұрын

great video, thank you so much. I'm about to make a long sword (5 feet long). I will use XPS. I'm wondering, do you think I should seal it with something to make sure it doesnt break?

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Five feet is a lot. I would seal it with mod podge. But If you are going to be swinging it around you probably should put a dowel or broomstick in it for strength.

@LizRose06 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, very thorough! Exactly what I needed.

@sachinsoni1599 3 жыл бұрын

Hello sir, what is the best way to achieve really smooth surface after cutting the extruded foam? Is it the hot wire method or the sharp exacto knife method?

@gothicpunkemo14 3 жыл бұрын

The mushrooms made that hot glue gun gag way funnier than it should've been XD This guy has some quality humor.

@franzgriffle6063 4 жыл бұрын

You had my dying laughing with the glue gun.

@cupcakepiekjc8249 6 жыл бұрын

The glue gub got me hahaha

@steviesmith5161 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for the video! i would like to make solicone molds from the designs i sculpt with the XPS. do you know what i should use to get a smooth hard coating that will allow me to form a mold over the design without burning through or distorting the piece itself? thank you

@heywilli Жыл бұрын

Smooth Cast 65D - Semi-Rigid Urethane Casting Resin - Pint Unit Hardens into a hard plastic very quickly. I then put on a release and make a silicone mold

@Blossom44100 7 жыл бұрын

Wicked cool! :) Can you make Star's Royal Magic Wand too?

@markcano4782 4 жыл бұрын

Hey quick question, can I fiberglass over that xps foam? Resin or body filler maybe?

@rayd.4253 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video great job , My dad and I are trying to make a niche using EPX Foam can you help us

@Mnpctech_Giveaway_PC_Mods 3 жыл бұрын

Just ordered 2lb high density foam. Curious how much detail I can get

@TheRunesmythe 7 жыл бұрын

One thing I can add to the list of things that will melt foam is super glue (cyanoacryliate); found this one out the hard way on one of my first attempts to make wargaming terrain.

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Great tip!

@VitaPlastica 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I have worked with this foam a lot. I've used it to make a river, using Woodland Scenics realistic water as the water. I watched another video that suggests that since this material "out-gasses" you should add a layer plaster/plastercloth before adding the water to avoid bubbles. Now I'm getting started making a swamp using 2 part resin for the water. Did you find you needed to add a layer of something before adding your "water"?

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

No, but you have to paint the bottom of the swamp. I would say that counts as a layer! Your best bet is to do a small test first to see how it looks. Generally, if you proceed slowly bubbles aren't much of an issue.

@VitaPlastica 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Thanks so much for your help!

@iamyourmuse 19 күн бұрын

I've seen videos where they melt styrofoam with acetone and make a very strong glue, also plexyglass with acetone.

@dsww496 3 жыл бұрын

What's the best glue for using poster foam board strips as a border against each other? I'm making 5ft mosiac letters to put balloons inside. People use hot glue but the Hot glue isn't working for me.

@origamikira 6 жыл бұрын

how can i glue styrofoam together and to eva foam if i dont have a low temp glue gun? is there like a glue or something? ...i tried superglue, contact cement, wood glue etc...nothing works, most disolve the foam others dont stick...

@tristanbackup2536 4 жыл бұрын

You get a sub for that intro, everyone elses is always flashy & annoying. Yours is quick, simple, straight to the point. 😂😂😂 Edit: I wonder if you throw primer on the XPS foam. Will it eat it or give it a goat seal to be ready for painting?

4 жыл бұрын

That was a very nice video.I was thinking about make a beehive but i don't know what kind of styrofoam to use.Commercial beehive companies use eps and little beekeepers use xps.Would xps affect the bees or the honey in a styrofoam hive?

@DarkWolf-et3dx 4 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering if a furry head can be made in one piece from soft foam using hot wire sculpting method. Then hollowed out to wear.

@RicardoRodriguez-sy3qg 7 жыл бұрын

Heyy I love your work and all The swords and weponry that u make,.can you please do The adventure time demon blood sword!!

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

I have a web tutorial for it on my site here: www.stormthecastle.com/how-to-make-a/finns-demon-sword.htm

@gingerblack4528 3 жыл бұрын

What is the best glue for the pebble foam cardboard ang paper mache. I'm making a garden gate collage and using materials that I have around including some material from packing.

@MM-ys3hm 4 жыл бұрын

What sort of filler would you recommend to use on xps foam?

@danielraymond9631 4 жыл бұрын

Any Aussies watching this, you can buy the pink foam at Bunnings. Ask for foam insulation board, its XPS and cheap. Don't forget ya snag lol

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

Great comment. Thanks for the helpful tip!

@babugeorge7413 5 жыл бұрын

super

@MrKockabilly 5 жыл бұрын

8:50 I cringe when you cut a sample from the middle of a good piece.

@agoudimoun 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing video!! Could you please turn on the subtitle? Thank you.

@rienathomas3419 7 жыл бұрын

what do you suggest to make the purple foam into interlocking puzzle pieces?

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

A table top hot wire foam cutter would work well for this. And good creative idea. I have thought about it.

@gingerblack4528 3 жыл бұрын

What type of glue works best with pebble foam and cardboard and paper michae

@chrisgath2619 Жыл бұрын

Wot do u seal the foam with ..I'm wanting to do a reptile backdrop..rock or castle scene but needs to be friendly ta

@epicfantasy Жыл бұрын

Use mod podge. It is non toxic.

@ambermeow598 5 жыл бұрын

Ok got the carved thing done and sneeezein cause de dust *time to clean*

@bluelight404 7 жыл бұрын

in your opinion what is the best type of foam for armor (like the saiyan armor vegeta wears to be more precise)? also could you make something from dragon ball z as your next project?

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Probably EVA foam is the best for this. I will be doing EVA Foam tutorials soon.

@Gakk13 5 жыл бұрын

Would the hot glue work on EPS?

@PINKALIMBA 3 жыл бұрын

That glue gun!!!! lmao!!!

@Gotmehotnot 10 ай бұрын

This was informative thank you. I’m watching thinking that must be a good glue gun cause he’s had it for years by the looks of it, it looks ancient ….. wonder what brand it is? Then you start ripping it apart! Too funny!! 😂🤣😂🤣 Thanks for the laugh matey.

@patrickd3610 6 жыл бұрын

Great video!!!!. thanks a lot. GOt me with the glue gun.

@Msterriwithani 3 ай бұрын

I am carving something out of Styrofoam what can I use for the backing so that I can mount it on a wall with hook and nails

@epicfantasy 3 ай бұрын

Great idea. Depends on how big/heavy the project is. Foamcore is a cheap easy option. 1/8 thick plywood is great and much more durable. Big thing to consider is how you adhere the project to the backing. Many adhesives will melt the foam. Spray on adhesives are notorious for this.

@reinapel000 29 күн бұрын

can that styrofoam ball be used for snow?

@RonWylie-gk5lc 3 жыл бұрын

Got me with the glue gun also ha ha, it was a nice touch to an interesting video thank you

@mas8705 7 жыл бұрын

I don't recall if I might have asked this previously or not in another video, but what is your take on Floor Mats (EVA Foam)? I would like to think that this and the other foam that you use could work about the same minus a few key differences. P.S. As soon as I get my next paycheck, I do want to try my hand at doing that Bloodborne hammer/sword combo. That looks like fun to have. ^_^

@justanother2433 7 жыл бұрын

mas8705 I would say, that its very similar to the pink foam, but its not as hard so you can't shape it as well with a rasp and have to do al lot of more work with the sandpaper to give it the same smooth finish

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

Great question. I have some EVA foam. Haven't worked much with it. My impression is that it is great for armor.

@mas8705 7 жыл бұрын

epicfantasy I know that there are those who use the Eva foam for armors, but what about weapons? Mind you that if you haven't worked much with it, I won't dig any deeper, but apparently there are those that use that kind of foam when they make their weapon props.

@Lovinymibeauty85 Жыл бұрын

You got me with the glue gun, lol.

@saadmahmoudelhwary956 6 ай бұрын

gooooooooooooooooooooood intro

@eatgrains 4 жыл бұрын

I cannot find the extruded polystyrene anywhere- the links you gave for amazon did not work. I am trying to find really large sheets for a life size dog - any suggestions?- and no hardware store has them

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

Are you in the US? Because Home depot and Lowes carries them.

@eatgrains 4 жыл бұрын

@@epicfantasy wow thanks for the quick reply ! I am in Cali, I couldn't find it at lowes.......and online it seems to be out of stock there and home depot..... I will just call and see if it is still possible to get it......thanks again

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

@@eatgrains You are welcome. Keep at it. THe name brand at Home depot is "foamular".

@eatgrains 4 жыл бұрын

@@epicfantasy oh thanks- I actually just found some, but i was looking for large sheets- for a large project- want to make an evil dog sized thing for halloween :)

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

@@eatgrains Have fun! It sounds like a good project!

@Danboi. 5 ай бұрын

Whats your opinion on hard coating Styrofoam for outdoors eater pond?

@epicfantasy 5 ай бұрын

If you are thorough about the coating I think it would be quite okay.

@shade8777 4 жыл бұрын

How do you bend foam?

@PolarisCastillo 3 жыл бұрын

Omg you got me with the glue gun!!! 🤣🤣🤣

@suryo_utomo 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@johnbiggscr 4 жыл бұрын

My XPS from Home Depot came with a thin film on it. Do you remove that before using for crafting?

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

Hmmm... never heard of that. Is it like aluminum foil? what kind of thin film is it?

@johnbiggscr 4 жыл бұрын

epicfantasy it’s a very thin, almost clear film. It peels easily. It’s almost like peeling skin when sunburnt.

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

@@johnbiggscr hmmm, never seen it. What color is the foam? Is it pink? blue? I just want to be sure it actually is XPS. My concern is that if you peel off the film the foam will lose its strength and be prone to crumbling.

@johnbiggscr 4 жыл бұрын

epicfantasy it’s pink, 1/2 inch, from Home Depot, has the pink panther image on the back, and has the name foamular on it.

@epicfantasy 4 жыл бұрын

@@johnbiggscr Ok, that's the right stuff. I buy it all the time. Just find it surprising that there is a coating on it. I can't say 100% certain because I have never seen it . but I say you are probably ok to go ahead and peel it off before working with the foam.

@soledude 5 ай бұрын

👍👍👍

@pivot500 7 жыл бұрын

I notice that you just paint over the foam? so how would you steal it? I didn't go 2" foam I went for 1/4 [What a mistake] and I would love to paint over my weapon but, I don't want it to show the layers.. How would you go about this? [making the great knife] Thanks :)

@epicfantasy 7 жыл бұрын

hmmm... depends. Not sure what kind of edges you have. But you can apply spackling to the seams, sand it then paint it. This will create a smooth surface with no seams. Check out my viking axe project to get a look at how its done.

@pivot500 7 жыл бұрын

Will do! also will it weigh alot?