Styrofoam is a highly adaptable material. It is waterproof, pest and rot resistant, and lightweight. Styrofoam is an excellent medium for sculpture. Large quantities can be purchased for a low price in the form of common tools that are easily transported. Its versatility lends itself to a wide range of applications, from mockups to sculpting in more expensive media for use as armour or a base for molds.

Artworks

Styrofoam can be shaped to look like stone or wood, making it ideal for model making and casting moulds. A large stone sculpture model made from a large block of Styrofoam. Before you pick up a mallet, make sure your proportions and details are perfect. Create a sculpture that can be cast in bronze, fibreglass, or another medium. Create your sculpture with a hot knife blade, chainsaw, Dremel tools, or anything else you can think of. Apply an architectural layer to the sculpture to seal it to the mould support, then cast the mould directly onto the Styrofoam model. Use the Styrofoam as Armor or a base for your sculpture. To achieve the desired effect, apply architectural coat, stucco, or liquid latex. Styrofoam can be used as the main medium for sculptures in protected areas or indoors, and then decorated with paint or other coatings.

Theatrical Uses

Styrofoam can be shaped to look like almost any material. Its light weight and low cost make it ideal for building theatre sets. Scenography elements can be carved in stone, brick, or other masonry. Combining the high detail of Styrofoam carving with theatrical painting techniques can result in a high level of realism that can fool the human eye at close ranges. Carve wood beams, window frames, fireplaces, and other architectural elements for your systems. Add textured layers for a more authentic look. Trees can be sculpted from life-size Styrofoam blocks. There will be no more rendering forests with cut-out backdrops. Styrofoam trees will add a new dimension to your productions because they are light enough to be flown or wheeled on and off the stage easily.

Architectural Elements

Styrofoam has been used in architecture for decades. Styrofoam sculptured architectural elements can be made faster and easier to install on standard facades. With the right layers, Styrofoam is durable enough to survive even the harshest weather and abuse. Sculpted Styrofoam moldings can change the look of your commercial building, school or church. Grande, Cove, Denticle and other capitol trim with the look of solid stone can be added to the top of existing structures to completely change the silhouette without the need to reinforce the structure. Sculpted Styrofoam columns, flowerpots and stone setting accessories can be added to houses with construction cement and a few screws.