Carving Bricks And Stones From A Block Of Styrofoam

My friends, tonight we'll scribe bricks and stones directly into a piece of styrofoam. I find this technique better than gluing individual pieces together as the process is faster, more accurate, and simply more fun.
Patreon: / nightshiftmodeller
Instagram: / nightshiftscalemodeller
Enjoying this type of content? Well, if you're new here, then don't be shy to subscribe and maybe even turn on notifications because I keep posting stuff like this every week!
Disclaimer: Most of the weathering products I use in my videos such as Ammo by Mig Jimenez, AK-Interactive, Wilder and VMS were sent to me for free, but with no obligations to promote them. I received a lot of them a long time ago, even before I started this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being independent from big and exclusive sponsorship deals and showing you a wide variety of different brands and products was one of the founding ideas of this channel and I will always stand by this.
Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@michalgrbk]

Since it's not clear, I did some research on the styrofoam and here is what I found: technically it's called extruded polystyrene (XPS). Keep in mind that styrofoam is colloquially used to refer to another material that is usually white in color and made of expanded (not extruded) polystyrene foam (EPS). Styrodur is a registered trademark of BASF, however this name is commonly used by other companies. Styrodur 3035 (as well as 2800) is a BASF's product code used in Europe and there are at least two types: 3035 CN and 3035 CS. The first has density of 0.0300 g/cc, the second 0.0330 g/cc (Imperial: 0.00108 lb/in³ and 0.00119 lb/in³). There are even more dense products: Styrodur 4000 (0.0350 g/cc) and 5000 (0.0450 g/cc). It seems all BASF's XPS foams are green.

[@mcdrippyyt562]

Ok

[@jaanikaapa6925]

For texture: scrunch up aluminium foil into a ball, roll it over the surface.

[@84erElessar]

Looks ultrarealistic!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Gotta use that on my next attempt, thanks!

[@keithw4920]

@@NightShiftScaleModels You can also put them on a flattish surface and just pound/roll them with your own forehead.

[@p4inmaker]

@@keithw4920 Yeah, but what if you use your sack for EXTREME TEXTURE?

[@tipi5586]

@@p4inmaker Lt: Private, cover this wall with tarpaulin and mark it for Army Intel capture. Pvt: But why sir? Lt: Upon close inspection, it appears to be made of elbow skin. Might be some new bomb proof material. It is still standing, after all.

[@icecrack4579]

The "mah friends" really makes my day.

[@leopitrelli]

Indeed

[@crucialcustard7668]

the whole thing makes my day :)

[@North.Star.Productions]

Same

[@cliffherring7006]

Every f*****g Friday

[@s.gaflytying3115]

Yes

[@recurvestickerdragon]

I am utterly blown away by how amazing those results look after such a... Well, not low-effort process. But certainly a lot easier than I expected.

[@Andries1963]

I’d just like to say I’ve watched thousands of KZbin videos as I’m disabled and housebound and heavily in to modelling and you are the absolute best at realism - your walls and brickwork are the absolute best, thank you for sharing your talent - your videos really inspire me 👍

[@badopinionsrighthere]

I've been trying to make a stone gate that is iconic to the town I grew up in, I made a 3D printed model and it looks okay but doesn't look real. I'm going to have to get some styrofoam and try your techniques, because your stone work looks more real than the stones I've been using on my model

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

These were my first styrofoam stones and they leave a lot to be desired, but making something as big as a stone gate is definitely going to be faster and easier if you use styrofoam :)

[@nelsonmay]

I am USA based and so far I only see this Styrodur 3035 on Etsy in sheets of 25cm x5mm. I am reaching out on this page, because this is such a niche item. Anyone in the US know of a distributor? It also looks like that green floral foam from the dollar stores, but I think that comes in small blocks. I need something a lot larger. At least 2ft (60) cm and about 30 cm deep. Really, these are awesome videos. I didn't know you could do so much with this foam. Way to go Night Shift Guy!

[@artKJ]

It's just a popular European brand of XPS boards used for floor insulation. I bet you can buy identical product made in USA. It's cheap, don't get scammed by "distirbutors".

[@paulcharters5933]

Best brick wall build guide on the internet, and I have watched LOTS of them.

[@Modkits131]

Watching Uncle Nightshift carve and cut styrofoam is just so satisfying.👌

[@cptalbator9547]

Density: Not great, not terrible.. I see you are a man of culture

[@AbandonedMiniatures]

This one is super helpful! When I’ve done bricks in the past I’ve kept it pretty simple. This is taking it to another level. Thank you!

[@franciskswong3159]

It is such a joy to watch your work and description!

[@wafflyfox7550]

Awesome! This is really helpful when you talk about the difference in foams! I remember I used to use your simple “bobbly” foam 🙃

[@michaela3274]

When a the first spoken words in a video is 'Mah friends...' you know it will be fun and educational

[@Simon-pj2en]

This is so perfect, I build a brick structure yesterday and didn’t know how to apply plaster and paint in the right way, thanks Uncle Nightshift!

[@jacobakana5649]

Thank you for this! I’m making an urban diorama for my next major project, and I will surely use this! Greta work as always!

[@mapleholler9800]

Beautifully done. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@cindywilson6520]

This looks absolutely fantastic! I think this is where I find it hardest when I'm trying to do something I'm not a visionalist and I'm impatient I can see myself trying to do this but the minute I'd be painting The bricks I'd be like ah this isn't going to look right but yours , your work is absolutely phenomenal! Thank you for sharing your talent and your inspiration.

[@georgetaylor5482]

That is an awesome wall, looking forward to see the finished piece.

[@a.t.4634]

The "test piece". Fully rendered, painted and realistic. Incredible work!

[@bruhbird4501]

What a welcoming way to end Friday

[@appleofmyeye1786]

Thank you, I was wanting to add a brick base around a house model, with no idea on how to do it. You've opened my eyes!

[@Duececoupe]

Agree, super fun on a Friday while listening/watching Night Shift! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😉

[@jbasproductionseditorial1287]

Wonderful! Some great tips and tricks - and more realism than I could imagine! Aah, now for my set - rock slabs creating the entrance to a cave. PLEASE, Sir, I want more!

[@ashtoncruz2463]

I ve used this video more than once as a guide when Im sculpting fondant for one of my cakes. Youre brilliant.

[@DerkBhern]

I've been struggling with how to handle adding a wall or two to my HO layout. Then I came across this video. Absolutely brilliant. Never would have thought of this method. Can't wait to try it.

[@grantderue]

Uncle Night Shift is great for lessening the learning curve. Thank you for these videos. I'm seeing an improvement in my models already.

[@KimStennabbCaesar]

Amazing! I've played around with pink and blue styrofoam years ago, it's a great medium for making things like this. Great work on the painting and weathering.

[@chrissharp5073]

Your talent and artistic skills have taken model making to a new level. You have certainly given not only me but other model makers a new way of achieving such a brilliant finish from a simple product -- foam!!

[@irish3335]

So pleasant to watch, thank you for sharing your skills!

[@dominiccruz1201]

Your video helped answer a lot of questions regarding life like features for miniature construction. I am looking forward to creating a version of your brick wall. Thank you for sharing your techniques and time in making this video. I look forward to seeing more videos. Thanks

[@ginwilcox9555]

I wish I would have seen this years ago. I've watched hours... and hours of tutorials for brick/rock surfaces and this has to be the best one I've seen. Simple straight forward and friendly. Thank you.

[@graarchen9357]

I got to work and all I could think was its friday, it's nearly time for night shift... and here we are, highlight of my week

[@vrindabandishte5166]

Absolutely stunning, relaxing and motivating project.

[@Nitro9931]

Night shift I cannot thank you enough for your tutorials on weathering with pigments and oil washes, I’m a miniature war gamer painter , (focusing more on painting ) your projects are nothing short of inspiration

[@volkerjanssen7905]

Since I was a kid (and that is very long ago) I wanted to create realistic scenarios. I was never happy with clean and shiny model kits. They needed to look a bit weathered and sit in a diorama. Your tips are absolute gold. Thanks heaps, for sharing your skills so generously...

[@burntbybrighteyes]

I really love all of your videos and they really are an inspiration and help to create better model effects and great dioramas for someone who is not as naturally talented. I believe I can honestly say that my skill has gone up from subpar to maybe above average, in large parts, because of your videos.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

I'm glad to hear that! Keep in mind, none of this is "natural talent" it can be all learned with practice, experimentation and reference pictures :)

[@seanklingle139]

First video I've seen you done and this makes me feel a lot less nervous about starting dioramas for my gunpla, thank you!

[@jamielavin1808]

I really relate well to diorama builders, and as a visual artist, who paints in oil and acrylic for a living,, I REALLY enjoyed the quality and creative workmanship. Those things never get old!

[@scootergem]

This is an example of a video where you can enjoy just watching. This is a video where you can learn something about things, things that open up new ideas. I am really glad that I watched this. Count me as a new subscriber. Looking forward to seeing more! 😃

[@daveyJ213]

Wow! That wall was beautiful! I have to make about 150 yards to N scale brick wall, and your video just moved my outlook from "impossible" to "okay maybe I can do this". Very cool. Thanks for posting.

[@fabgac4071]

Simple, very efficient and so satisfying, after so many time i have surching for a way to do fine brick walls, bravo and thank you.

[@lesthiele4921]

Good morning Uncle, that was a fantastic tutorial, you come up with some great diorama building techniques, you are a true inspiration to basic mode.llers like myself, take care and keep safe and well, best regards to you and your family from Australia.

[@Youcanbuildmodels]

one of the best foam sealers that i have come across is mod podge mixed with paint to add a darker color. this helps protect the foam from more erosive/damaging chemicals.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

And mod podge is basically white PVA glue, or is it something fancier? Plaster also seals the foam really well. I smeared it all over my previous brick work and I could flood the surface with enamel thinners without them causing any damage.

[@davegibson9641]

As another model maker, excellent work! The end result was superb!

[@bugler75]

Great technique ! Made to look so easy by you😊 I m going to try this this weekend 👍🏼 hope the leg is healing

[@russ5838]

A1 work, love the realism of the wall, will defiantly be trying this technique out "my friend", I love you work.

[@judysparks1132]

Wow! That’s fantastic work . Looked so realistic. Once you added the dark shadows the hole wall popped to life . ❤

[@peterc2248]

That was absolutely awesome! Can't wait for the diorama

[@cre8iveone699]

Thank you for actually talking in you instructional video unlike other videos on KZbin.

[@mitchd9997]

Amazing work. The result was fantastic. And you’re really easy to watch with great info. A new sub right here. All the best 👍🏻

[@paulparker2571]

I figure I take a few and watch something different but your wall caught my eye since I am a mason of 30 years so I was amazed how well it look. Incredible work in witch your having fun and to me that makes the work so much better. I look forwar to watching more videos now

[@johnnyyu7294]

Very impressive and informative. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@pcj3405]

Awesome! I love doing this kind of thing too. Love the miniature worlds.

[@nja3224]

That wall is one heck of a beautiful creation. Excellent tutorial.

[@terrarioschorusangelorum118]

Your work is incredible... perplexing and at the same time enchanted by the playful way in which you present the dynamics of carrying out work... it encourages in us the desire to do something, overcoming the barrier of the limit of knowledge... by leveraging in we enjoy art. In fact, oconcour. congratulations!!

[@user-ki7cv6ty2u]

In model railroading we use a simple touch for vines. Buy some "grass" from the train store. It come in a fine textured ground foam. Take your wall and using dilute white glue, trace the pattern of vines up your wall. Sprinkle the grass mixture and allow to dry. I add some more glue to make sure all the grass stays in place.

[@beck645]

Fantastic video. Thank you for teaching. Please make many more. You teach extremely well.

[@SmallSoldier]

Awesome Martin! This will be another gem of a diorama. Looking forward to the finish.

[@Loneman_OG]

As with _ALL_ of your other work... fantastic! Thanks for sharing the knowledge with your excellent vijayos.

[@JohnMullerJDGCTRy]

Fantastic job! I tried to copy yours to a point. With more practice I think I'll have it down. Thanks much for sharing this post. You are an inspiration to us all.

[@gabrielcoronado6395]

You are an ARTIST. A GREAT artist. Congratulations for your effort and creativity. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@restock_1731]

This looks so realistic and so amazing.

[@briangriffin5701]

Totally next level diorama art. Bravo!

[@plixplop]

The embossing and the dry plaster are both really genius techniques! The result is excellent!

[@AnhellXI]

El repujado es con agua? Y el yeso es del normal no?

[@malcolmpayne754]

Fantastic video - enjoyed it so much I had to watch it twice. Thanks for showing these techniques and the wall looks like the real thing! Decided to subscribe so I can adopt your methods for my model railway. Cheers!

[@dalewood6812]

Another fine project. I look forward to your Friday videos.

[@Karlmakesstuff]

You really knocked it out of the park with this one, it looks amazing! One point about using solvents on foam - if you prime with a 20/20/60 mixture of pva, paint and water you get a barrier which protects the foam with very little loss of detail. I also like to add a drop of dish soap to help with the flow. Might allow you to use all your effects, but definitely test it on some scrap first!

[@pgadeb]

Amazingly realistic - thank you! I'm thinking about doing a colonial stone fireplace and this gave me some great ideas.

[@larryscarafile7309]

Great tutorial .Learned some new tricks

[@artandminisbyvilma8116]

Genius! Lots of lessons here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@manamedia]

Excellent Tutorial and method! Thank you for uploading.

[@robertdouble559]

That dry plaster technique is great!

[@supercededman]

Fascinating. Just wow. This is very zen, almost hypnotising. You are a genius!

[@robertagnarp7502]

I am soooo greatful i found you on KZbin! Your personality is just golden and your work also. Couldent ask for better guy to watch model stuff with.

[@dionx9185]

It might sound weird but i snipped some foam-board in a blender and textured it by putting some rocks in a can with the snipped foam. Then rolled the can with a accu drill. Used it for those normandy houses where they use natural stones as bricks and it looks pretty great!

[@omario2069]

Man i was just starting to look into building bricks/stones and your video just summed it up nicely~thx

[@Selnatal]

Good heavens, what a voice. Awesome work, Beautiful both. Thanks! Greetings from Switzerland.

[@kennethjanczak4900]

Nice build. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and share it

[@hlmoore8042]

That looks really cool and I LOVED listening to your narration.

[@sherryroberts7716]

PHENOMENAL !! Looks incredibly real!

[@darkbearlab7326]

This is exactly what I need right now for my wargaming board project… thanks a ton!

[@AngieSmith1965]

WOW !! Your work is pretty amazing

[@Ralph2]

That technique works really well. a great result!

[@lockek2281]

As with all your other videos, very nicely done and well explained. TY

[@TheMiniArmyShow]

Absolutely brilliant looking. Love it.

[@tonygoodwinjr9293]

The glue on the grout between the bricks & the grit is what REALLY made it start to look realistic

[@TheFingerman77]

Hello Uncle, I've been working with bricks and stone at a hardware store for the last several months and I can say that, especially in the natural stone, yours look great; especially the wall cap blocks' shape and texture. The white veining and mossy grime tones spot on. One style I enjoy is Pavestone brand "Yukon" stone which blends brown and grey tones together in a nice way. Bricks can be fairly uniform, but the composition and source of the brick can dramatically change its appearance. We carry several kinds of trapezoidal wall blocks, but one or two products say that they are the same and yet look drastically different. One is a pale tan color, and the other is a very saturated gold-brown with very visible flakes of white inside of the material; it is dark as if it was wet. Both insist they are the same product. This is due to the different composition used by two different manufacturers.

[@nigelsimkin5910]

excellent tutorial, I'm inspired to create my own walls from now on

[@GanjaClaus]

I used to build all kind of stuff, from ships to planes and tiny landscapes for tabletop photography.. It's all history now and I got rid of it. I won't pick it up but switched to UE and VR and it's amzingly EXACTLY what I was looking for back in the "modelling" days.

[@diracsea4590]

I have zero skill to do anything like this, but I like watching people make these kind of things. Looks so good. So cool.

[@juliahelland6488]

Nice technique! Very realistic! Thanks for sharing! 💯

[@etgha]

Not sure if you do this now, but a (in my experience slightly easier) way to get the more rounded brick edges is just running a pencil along through the cuts. Since it's got a gradually wider tip you don't end up having to pry the bricks to get the edge you want and you can determine how deep you wanna press it Love your videos, learning all sorts of techniques from you:)

[@bugler75]

Just rewatching this video and found your comment. Great idea that I’ll be using this weekend 👍🏼 Thanks

[@dadoogie]

The white washing of the brick walls with the plaster is brilliant. brick walls naturally leak salts and the damper/older a walk the more mineral salts get pushed out so you can end up with actual salt deposits on a wall.

[@jmarshallable1]

Great vedio. I love the way this turned d out. I have to give you this a try. Thank you for sharing 👍.

[@thegamethemovie9605]

Really enjoying your move into terrain. Awesome!

[@trooper1348]

Another excellent video by Night Shift!

[@oktoberbabyfee]

The result looks astonishingly realistic. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ricardohaddad]

Thanks for the class!

[@Jaytee.]

Man alive, that's absolutely fantastic! 👍I shall be trying your methods. Thank you. 👍