Working with Foam: Tips and Tools

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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:
www.youtube.com...
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
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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
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[@buklaocry2k]

This video really helped me with making dioramas from different styrofoam

[@Karen-DeMars]

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

[@tibbs4000]

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

[@PolarisCastillo]

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

[@nostalgicstudy101]

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

[@mikelove3271]

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

[@DanieleMazzoni]

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

[@JanineMKartist]

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]

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.

[@sweetmimisestscha]

Great Tutorial!!! Thank You!!!

[@sammyspaniel6054]

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

[@RubberR2]

Discontinued product

[@docink6175]

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]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@gothicpunkemo14]

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

[@sandywebsdale8247]

Great video, thanks for all the great tips.

[@maddystarlove]

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

[@gloriasamudio3387]

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

[@valarieannaliza8805]

Excellent explanation!

[@danalaniz7314]

The glue gun was totally realistic. Looked well used!

[@Rynax-]

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]

lol, The glue gun thing was fun :)

[@harmonic5107]

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

[@gerlandkent6377]

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

[@kurkgamesnl3951]

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

[@FknNefFy]

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

[@iamyourmuse]

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

[@tristanbackup2536]

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?

[@alexkrisna2334]

Thank You..Very helpfull Video👍

[@tuskinekinase]

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]

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

[@nickltrains6952]

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

[@thebatzinator]

Nice to know the differences! Thanks!

[@epicfantasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@kingdanny12324]

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]

Great to hear it! Thanks for watching :)

[@paulamcnaught1118]

Thanks for a great video.

[@ARTYFLOUNDER]

Can you use XPS with cement templates and moulds?

[@haririalaa6487]

great video bro..!

[@MikeDMADLabs]

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

[@djwarrior1421]

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.

[@nostalgicstudy101]

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?

[@origamikira]

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...

[@VitaPlastica]

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]

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]

Awesome. Thanks so much for your help!

[@mharzstyrofoamartsandcraft1419]

Thank you for all the tips po.

[@dsww496]

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.

[@davidt-o3m]

that was great! thx

[@vikassitap6096]

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

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?

[@gingerblack4528]

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.

[@TheRunesmythe]

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]

Great tip!

[@patlapete3806]

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.

[@cupcakepiekjc8249]

The glue gub got me hahaha

[@fan1gday]

very helpful

[@Msterriwithani]

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]

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.

[@shivshakti4495]

Good info thanks

[@bhagyn3236]

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

[@chrisgath2619]

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]

Use mod podge. It is non toxic.

[@eatgrains]

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]

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

[@eatgrains]

@@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]

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

[@eatgrains]

@@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]

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

[@fairyqueen-m7t]

In England, we call the white one polystyrene ,and that other stuff Styrofoam!!

[@denisbelanger2273]

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]

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.

[@MM-ys3hm]

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

[@PINKALIMBA]

That glue gun!!!! lmao!!!

[@PolarisCastillo]

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

[@shade8777]

How do you bend foam?

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

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

[@rienathomas3419]

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

[@epicfantasy]

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

[@Lovinymibeauty85]

You got me with the glue gun, lol.

[@steviesmith5161]

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]

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

[@kelisurfs247]

How would I make a starfish and other sea creatures in styrofoam boards? I want to make cement panels with starfish and sand dollars in it.

[@epicfantasy]

I am not sure but I think you have a really good idea here! Experiment and see what you come up with!

[@almanharikas7095]

16:08 Yellow emery what is name ?

[@bluelight404]

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]

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

[@pivot500]

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]

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]

Will do! also will it weigh alot?

[@ambermeow598]

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

[@johnbiggscr]

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

[@epicfantasy]

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

[@johnbiggscr]

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

[@epicfantasy]

@@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]

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]

@@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.

[@RicardoRodriguez-sy3qg]

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]

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

[@saadmahmoudelhwary956]

gooooooooooooooooooooood intro

[@patrickd3610]

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

[@onlycheez]

lol I love the glue gun!

[@mas8705]

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]

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]

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

[@mas8705]

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.

[@zeburgerkang]

glass crater? more like water! NICE GARY!

[@AlottaBoulchit]

Me: That's not a real glue gun... 👀 Video: It's not a real glue gun! Me: Called it~ 👍 I actually wondered for a moment if you customized a glue gun with like polymer clay or something. I knew it wasn't a natural gun from the vent lines but I was like "wait can you actually customize those things? clay can withstand the temp shifts?" 😂 Really cute joke! I love how you can create such amazingly realistic nerdy things with just foam. That dragon is fabulous! !

[@angelparra256]

Lol you got me with that hot glue gun

[@rmyoung77494]

You got me with the glue gun!

[@babugeorge7413]

super

[@KingArthurPendrippin]

Hey will I was wondering if you could make Darius's axe from league of legends

[@FknNefFy]

Lol. Thanks! (...You didn’t have to ruin your hot glue gun that was pretty good!)

[@suryo_utomo]

👍

[@BushidoDragon]

can you please make a sword a big sword out of that foam that would be great

[@epicfantasy]

Good request. I have a very big sword with this foam right here. Ludwig's Holy Blade: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqfFiKGVpZabfMU

[@tstuff]

The amount of foam used in the dragon must have cost a bit of money.

[@MyaIsWithIt]

You punk...i thought that glue gun was real too😂😂😂😂😂

[@Karricjusz]

Fun fact - there's a phobia of styrofoam! ...at the very least, I like to think I'm not the only who's scared of that, for whatever weird reason it is

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Yep, I have a sort of phobia of it. Dislike the sound and feel of cutting it with a knife and even worse, truly hate cleaning up the tiny beads and white powder which just gets everywhere!

[@MunManMM]

4th

[@glennkell8926]

Slow more facts

[@vettedwarrior7054]

The smart thing to tell people is Acetone on foam creates a toxic smell, but you fail to mention that, or to mention when cutting ,shaping, scraping foam it is best to wear a mask. How about using the safety aspect in your dialog.

[@angie93lorenzo]

SHOULD HAVE COME HERE BEFORE I SPRAYED IT 😬😆😔

[@droci3581]

first

[@sonnymendoza9531]

But i think it's useless for me sorry😶

[@Gotmehotnot]

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.

[@mpresby13]

I need help with a project ..I have a large Styrofoam crescent moon that got damaged in a move there is a cracked in the curve and it looks like it "melted" in place. I have it expanded atm around a huge water jug .....I really want to save it. how can I repair the crack and spread it so it stays in the original position

[@MrKockabilly]

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

[@agoudimoun]

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

[@susansmith1740]

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

[@tomb4496]

Great video thanks

[@rickey5353]

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

[@franzgriffle6063]

You had my dying laughing with the glue gun.

[@danielraymond9631]

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]

Great comment. Thanks for the helpful tip!

[@ailbheskyfeather174]

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!