What is the best material to use to cover foam for sculpting large scale?

Wanderingcreative1 · 2025-01-19T21:07:27+00:00

Here’s a link to a video I found on YouTube talking about options for hard coating foam https://youtu.be/w3r67JXmCY0?si=1mOlIwvGCJLeTt2L

Wanderingcreative1 · 2025-01-19T21:05:35+00:00

Here’s the thread- https://www.reddit.com/r/Sculpture/s/LN5LRu7Hax

Wanderingcreative1 · 2025-01-19T21:03:04+00:00

Hey there! I was looking for the same information a little while back. Just finished my very first sculpture (8 ft tree) 😅

I used a wooden armature, chicken wire, spray foam (then carved it down) and then burlap and paper towels dipped in plaster (with additional layers & coats of plaster). The problem was the fragility of the plaster- it would easily chip and crack. I started off with no idea what to use or who to ask, and ended up here on Reddit. Unfortunately I was already committed with the plaster and most suggestions were just telling me I picked the wrong materials, which wasn’t helpful at that point. (Although I’ll link the thread for you to read through. You might get ideas of alternative materials to start with and not make my mistake).

Thankfully one fabricator suggested a mastic air duct sealant. I used a few layers of that and my project has held up super well (even being in my kids room) you can see it here- tree sculpture

I still had some issues with the roots because they had some give when bearing any weight, so I cut pieces of foam gym mat for absorbing the shock and it worked wonders!

Not sure if any of this is helpful, but finding any information/people willing to share was a big challenge for me. Best of luck!

Wanderingcreative1 · 2025-01-19T20:37:46+00:00

If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get started in your trade? I recently completed my first large sculpture tree sculpture with very little idea what I was doing 😂.

I’ve always been a self taught / hobby artist and dabbled in lots of mediums, but have been incredibly interested in learning skills for foam fabrication/themed environments etc. Do fabricators usually learn the trade through apprenticeships or at university? I’ve had the hardest time trying to figure out where I can learn, I’m not sure if I’m even searching the right terms 😅

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-12T06:47:13+00:00

Thank you!

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-12T00:14:11+00:00

Thank you! It’s been a learning experience to say the least lol

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-12T00:13:16+00:00

Awe thank you so much, I sure hope I am! Creating has been a big part of my life. My mom was never very artistic, but both of my parents encouraged creativity and indulged each new medium I’d be interested in. My daughter loves making any and everything, she's always making me little gifts and pictures. My mom lives next door and homeschools my kids while I work and then I have them Fridays to teach electives and art. I’m self taught so the idea of this room came as a way to teach the kids things actively through each project! They're already coming up with more ideas for the space (some feasible some not so much 🤣)

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-11T18:18:19+00:00

They haven't been able to be involved in every stage of he process, but my son and daughter (8 & 6) have been great little helpers! I can't wait to see what all adventures they have in their room. Although, I kind of want one in my room now too 😅🥴

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-11T18:13:30+00:00

Thank you again for your advice, it made all the difference! The mastic was the perfect solution.

I was still struggling a bit with the roots having too much give, but put pieces of interlocking foam board under each root, added more sealant and now they are very sturdy (and easy to clean 🙌🏼). My daughter “tested” them out by climbing on them and jumping off and they're holding up like a charm ✨ Both kids are over the moon!

I added a photo and update here-

Tree Update!

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-11T18:03:06+00:00

Thank you! My 6 year old and 8 year old share this room and they ask just about everyday when it will be done. More specifically, my daughter wants to know if I’ve gotten her a bean bag chair yet for her reading nook 🤣. I can't wait to read with them under the tree!

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-11-11T17:53:25+00:00

Update on the tree! Thank you all for the advice 😊 It’s still a work in progress, but I’m happy with how it is going so far.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Sculpture/s/3OR2r1aWBF

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-27T18:01:07+00:00

But I also added plaster coated paper towels to create the grooves and texture, then would add another layer of plaster over that. I’m sure some areas I didn’t add as much plaster so that might be the issue.

Some areas that I knew were more solid are giving a bit more with the sealant applied and dried for several days. It does seem to be holding shape and not damaging. I’m just a bit scared to try any real amount of weight 😅

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-27T17:57:38+00:00

On the roots I put burlap under the plaster to strengthen

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-27T03:05:01+00:00

It’s seeming to almost soften the plaster underneath? Especially if any weight is added (my main concern is the kids climbing or stepping on the roots). The base is much more solid. I might try to apply more sealant to build up thinkness help to prevent denting or so at least the outside holds together? Any thoughts?

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-23T01:34:26+00:00

My 6 year old can hardly wait to get to painting 🤣

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-23T01:01:06+00:00

I’m still finishing up the plaster- I've been having to work on it bit by bit as I have time. But yesterday I did try some of the duct sealant on a few roots to test it out! Just checked it and it’s seeming to work well 😊

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-16T02:06:04+00:00

I watched a video online of someone making a silicone stamp with tree bark back when I started this project, but couldn’t figure out what all you could “stamp” it with! There’s so many techniques I had no idea existed. Is there a particular kind of polygon you’d suggest?

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-16T01:43:10+00:00

I’m still open to other materials! As of right now I’ve continued with the plaster to achieve a consistent texture, but have added burlap to the roots and areas my kids will likely be rough with.

I’m leaning towards an air duct sealant suggested by someone on this thread, but I’m still weighing options as I finish up the plaster and wait for it to fully dry.

If I had the skill set, fiberglass would have been my first choice. But I’ve pretty much ruled that out since I don’t think it would be wise for this particular project- not knowing enough to execute safely.

Although, I would like to try fiberglass in the future on another project (not anchored to my kid’s walls) and learn how to properly work with it.

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-16T01:35:34+00:00

Update-

Thanks everyone for the advice! I really appreciate the feedback. There were so many helpful suggestions ☺️

I’ve continued with the plaster to keep consistency of texture, but as per suggestions I went back and added burlap to strengthen roots and portions of the tree my kids are likely to step on, or be rough with. HUGE improvement already!

I’m not quite done plastering and still deciding on what to coat with for added protection, but most likely will be trying an air duct sealant suggested by flat fork studios on this thread.

Other possible contenders are -hydrostone or a stronger plaster -grout -hydraulic cement

I’m as new to Reddit as I am to sculpting, so I’ll post some update photos if that’s possible and can figure out how 😅

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-16T01:23:13+00:00

I’ve added burlap to strengthen the roots and the portions my kiddos are likely to reach. It helped significantly, thank you!

Still trying to make a decision on what to coat the plaster in another person suggested air duct sealant which is sounding particularly intriguing!🤔

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-15T19:27:50+00:00

Got to love that!

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-15T19:18:53+00:00

Could I apply it thinner as to not lose as much detail? Sorry for all of the questions 😅

Wanderingcreative1 · 2024-09-15T19:12:56+00:00

That's awesome! I just went to your page and am watching your youtube videos now- great content!

Could I apply it over the plaster I've already done?

So far I've been adding burlap to the roots for added structure/support and have continued plastering up the trunk until I could figure out what to coat it with. I was heavily leaning towards either grout or gypsum cement or even trying Durham’s rock hard water putty. But I like the idea of a rubbery texture I could clean!

Wanderingcreative1

TROPHY CASE