Carves Like Butter, Paints Like Wood!

Balsa-Foam is different from other plastic foams because it can be easily carved with traditional and non-traditional hand tools to create the shape and design you want. It can then be decorated with any paint just like balsa wood.

Balsa-Form (density of 5 lb. per cubic foot) is great for students because it's easier to sculpt and does not require the use of sharp tools. Balsa-Foam II (density of 10 lb. per cubic foot) is still easy to carve and shape like Balsa-Foam but the higher density holds intricate detail and is more durable.

Since Balsa-Foam has no "memory" or rebound, it will hold an impression. This means you can create detailed shapes by simply pressing any object into the surface. A steel ruler can be used to make push cuts as a way to cut out more complex interior shapes. Carving knives and chisels virtually glide through Balsa-Foam and cut relatively easily through Balsa-Foam II. Experiment with all sorts of tools to find the ones that work best for you.

Balsa-Foam is available in seven sizes (both densities) and five classpacks (5 lb. density only). Classpack sizes include:

(40) 4 1/2" x 6" x 1/2" pieces
(20) 6" x 9" x 1/2" pieces
(36) 1 1/2" x 2" x 5" pieces
(24) 2 1/4" x 2" x 5" pieces
(48) 3" x 3" x 1/2" pieces

Tips for using Balsa-Foam:

• Most glues work well with Balsa-Foam including wood glue, hot glue. When bonding two blocks of BalsaFoam to make a larger block for carving, keep the adhesive well inside the ultimate shape to avoid having a glue seam that is difficult to carve across
• Any type of water-based or solvent-based paint or coating can be used to decorate your Balsa-Foam project. An initial coat of Krylon spray paint will help seal the foam.
• Balsa-Foam is non toxic however the dust can cause eye irritation. Do not rub eyes while using and wash hands after using. The use of safety goggles and/or dust mask are recommended when sanding or using power tools 
  

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