One of the biggest challenges for DIY crafters is choosing the correct form to make certain objects. Ideally, choosing the wrong one could lead to frustrations and wasted time, thus affecting your final project outcomes. Therefore, you need to pick the best one every time.
So, how do you select the best foam and know which suits your project best?
The world of arts and crafts is fast growing, with an estimated value of about $44 billion. A greater percentage of this value is attributed to using foam for various creations. Most DIY crafters admit that regardless of your craft, foam is one of the essentials due to its versatility and suitability for different roles.
With more options, picking the right one shouldn’t be that difficult. It is all about figuring out your goals and what you want to achieve, then choosing a foam suited for the role. Remember, what differentiates the best and worst crafts is often the foam used.
Thus, you must know your way around selecting the ideal one for your needs. So, next time you plan a project, here is a list of foams to consider.
1. EVA Foam
When working with foams, you need something more flexible to mold into the desired shapes and designs. Due to its particle structure, ethylene vinyl Acetate is the best choice.
This is why most DIY crafts rely on EVA foam. You can create different shapes and art for various occasions, like classroom needs and home décor. Due to flexibility, you can also use it to make other simple structures for everyday needs.
Additionally, you can use EVA foam to make crafts in different colors and designs that are suitable for various needs. If you are uncertain how to create these elements, you can buy ready-made foam sheets and the needed products. You can also buy toys and props for kids’ games and learning needs.
These foam sheets are available in different designs and colors; you can reshape them to fit your craft ideas. Despite looking more flexible and easier to curve, they hardly break or crack even when they fall on the floor. Thus, they are perfect for kids due to their negligence and destructive nature. Lastly, these sheets are water resistant, hence ideal for making kid accessories or materials for outdoor play.
2. Polystyrene Foam Sheets
Styrofoam should be your primary material if you love sculpting and modeling objects. It is perfect for making 3D structures; however, you must handle it carefully. It is fragile and breaks easily, especially if placed on hard surfaces or if you put heavy objects on it.
Therefore, you should handle it with care and diligence. Although styrofoams are less flexible than EVA foam, they appeal more visually. Thus, you can use them to make floral arrangements, especially those of different colors.
Besides their common uses, they are perfect for making light items, especially kites and flying objects. This is because they are lightweight and very buoyant. Therefore, they are ideal for making light crafts like birds.
Due to their weight, you can also use them to manufacture packaging and insulation for various items. That is why they are perfect box linings and protection features for fragile devices like televisions and computers. As a craftsperson, you can also use them to protect your art, mainly paintings you wish to ship to other places.
3. Craft Foam Sheets
If your kids love crafts and art, you need to supply them with safer foam, and this is the best one. Thus, they are ideal for classroom or DIY home activities with the kids. Since they are less durable, you need extra caution, like protection.
Additionally, they are soft and can easily trap dust, so you should use them on clean surfaces. You can always use them for holiday crafts or colored accessories like masks. They are also soft and easy to cut, even with scissors. That is why they are suitable for kids whom you do not want to use sharp objects like knives and razor blades.
4. Memory Foam Sheets
Due to their structure and molecular properties, these foams require a lot of skill. They are more suitable for large-scale art, like creating large 3D objects. Secondly, they are vulnerable to water. Although water may not damage them, they can soak up water, leading to fading over time.
Unlike other foams, this foam provides a fantastic comfort and luxury experience when used to make cushions. However, you need the most specialized tools to cut it into your desired shapes.
Another benefit is that they can quickly regain shape when you put heavy objects on or sit on them. However, remember to be mindful of sanitation as they can absorb more dust, leading to discoloration.
5. Neoprene Foam sheets
This is the best foam for you if you are making gear for use in water or humid areas. It has a protective cover and casing to withstand various environmental conditions. Thus, it is more durable, especially for outdoor art and décor. The protective layer also makes them the best insulators and shock absorbers. One of the ideal uses is making large street or yard crafts and displays.
Final Thoughts
In a world of craft and creativity, the foam you choose can significantly enhance your creation. Thus, you should pick the best one based on your expectations for durability, flexibility, ease of use, and availability in different colors.
Therefore, the potential environment and application should be considered since some are sensitive to environmental conditions. These sheets are versatile. Hence, you can choose any to replace the other, and you can also create more crafts of any type. Lastly, consider your project expectations for accurate selection.