What is foamboard?

The cardboard often used for model making, crafts, and dioramas, particularly when precision and versatility are required, is commonly referred to as foamboard. However, it's crucial to understand that not all are created equal. The quality and performance of foamboard can vary significantly depending on the type of foam cardboard used and the quality of the outer layers.

It consists of three layers: a central froth core, often made from materials like polystyrene, polyurethane, and many others, sandwiched between two thin layers of cardstock or cardboard. This composition gives it a unique set of characteristics that make it an attractive choice for creative projects.

These boards are incredibly versatile and their dense foam construction will give you a cleaner cut and optimal support for your creations.

The dense foam section is sandwiched between two thin card layers, which allow ink, paint, and toppers to adhere to the surface easily compared with a more porous foam surface. It can be painted, decorated, and nailed. Add a thin PVA glue layer before painting to reduce and almost remove the low porosity of this material.

The inner foam can be easily texturized either by hand or with textured rolling pins. We recommend using rolling pins with simple textures such as bricks, cobblestone, pavement, and frozen.

Basic scratch material for all diorama and scratch builds.

Color: White
Dimensions: 200 x 300mm.
Thickness: 5mm
Quantity: 2 sheets

One foamboard product that stands out for its excellence in model making, crafting, and dioramas is the one offered by Green Stuff World. This particular material has gained a strong reputation among hobbyists and craftsmen for several reasons:

1. Dense and Durable Foam Core: The core in Green Stuff World foamboard is dense and durable, making it easy to work with while providing structural support for your projects. It allows for clean and precise cutting, which is essential for creating intricate details.
2. Smooth Card Layers: The thin card layers on both sides of the foam core offer a smooth surface that readily accepts various mediums like inks, paints, and adhesives. This facilitates painting and decorating, allowing for the creation of lifelike textures and finishes.
3. Enhanced Adhesion: Unlike more porous froth surfaces, Green Stuff World's white foamboard ensures better adhesion for paints and other embellishments. Adding a thin layer of PVA glue before painting can further improve surface quality.
4. Texturing Possibilities: The inner froth core can be textured by hand or with textured rolling pins, enabling you to craft realistic textures such as bricks, cobblestone, pavement, and more.
5. Versatility: Whether you're working on dioramas, architectural models, or other creative projects, Green Stuff World's white foam board offers the versatility and reliability needed to bring your ideas to life.

In conclusion, while foamboard is the general term for this type of material, not all are equal in quality and suitability for model making, crafting, and dioramas. The one offered by Green Stuff World is highly regarded and often considered a perfect choice for these creative endeavors due to its exceptional foam core and smooth card layers, making it a valuable resource for hobbyists and craftsmen alike.

How to cut foamboard?

Cutting foamboard is a common task in crafting and model-making projects. You can make the cuts, before or after removing the cardboard that is glued on one of the 2 sides. Remember that if you remove the 2 protective cardboards from this material, you could lose a lot of strength and it may not be valid for some purposes.

• Utility Knife: Start by placing a metal ruler or straightedge along the cut line to guide your knife. Make a shallow initial cut to create a groove, and then gradually make deeper passes until you've cut through all layers. Apply steady and controlled pressure while cutting.
• Craft Knife: Similar to the utility knife, use a straightedge as a guide and make shallow initial cuts, followed by deeper passes to complete the cut. Keep the blade sharp for best results.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when cutting it:

1. Work on a flat and smooth surface to ensure stability during the cutting process.
2. Place a cutting mat or a sacrificial surface underneath the foamboard to protect your work surface and extend the life of your cutting tool.
3. Maintain steady and even pressure while cutting to prevent tearing or crushing the inner part.
4. When making intricate cuts or curves, be patient and take your time to achieve the desired results.
5. Always follow safety precautions when working with sharp tools, such as wearing safety glasses and keeping your fingers away from the cutting path.

What paint will stick to the foam board?

Painting 20x30 foam board can be a bit tricky because some paints may contain solvents that can dissolve or damage the froth. To ensure that paint adheres properly to the froth board without causing any damage, it's best to use paints that are known to be foam-friendly. Here are some paint options that typically work well with it:

1. Acrylic Paints: Acrylic paints are a popular choice for painting white foam cardboard. They are water-based and generally safe for foam surfaces. Acrylic paints come in a wide range of colors and are available in both matte and glossy finishes.
2. Water-Based Craft Paints: Water-based craft paints, such as tempera or poster paints, are also suitable for foam boards. These paints are non-toxic and easy to clean up with water, making them a convenient option for craft projects.
3. Latex Paints: Latex paints, commonly used for wall painting, are usually safe for foam boards. They are water-based and low in solvents. Keep in mind that latex paints can be thicker, so they may require multiple coats for an even finish.
4. Spray Paints for Plastics: The vast majority of spray paints are not compatible with foams of this material because they include solvents that literally melt the interior and deform it completely, so it will rarely be a good choice, at least until the surface has been sealed. However, it's essential to test a small area first to ensure compatibility and avoid using heavy coats that might damage the foam.
5. Medium Decoupage is the most effective method to ensure good paint adhesion on 20x30 foam board, for that, just apply a single coat of medium decoupage, such as the one offered by Green Stuff World, before painting. Medium decoupage is also commonly known as "decoupage glue" or "decoupage sealer."

Before applying any paint, it's a good practice to test a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the paint adheres without causing any adverse reactions. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the paint's label, and allow sufficient drying time between coats to achieve the desired finish.

How to texturize foam cardboard using textured rollers?

Foamboard consists of a thin outer layer of paper, a layer of foam, and another outer layer of paper. In order to use textured rolling pins on foam cardboard, it is necessary to remove one of the paper layers, since the pattern of the roller cannot be printed on the outer layer.

Once the froth is exposed, it is only a matter of passing the roller, pressed, over the surface. It takes the texture of the roller without difficulty, so the process is fast. To finish, and before painting, you should apply a coat of varnish or matte decoupage to "seal" the foam. Make sure it is completely dry before you start painting.

In Green Stuff World we have a wide variety of textured rollers with which you can create all kinds of dioramas. Among the most popular are the following:

• Rolling Pin Sett Pavement
• Rolling Pin ELDAR
• Rolling Pin Frozen
• Rolling Pin Double Diamond

Where to buy craft foam board?

You can buy craft foam board from a variety of online stores, local craft stores, and of course from your local modeling store Green Stuff World which is known for offering high-quality modeling products and ships worldwide.

Before making a purchase, be sure to check the dimensions, thickness, and specifications to make sure it fits your specific crafting needs. Also, compare prices and shipping options to get the best deal for your location and budget.