How can modeling foam be strengthened?

Question

Ok, maybe some of the hobbyists are there can answer this question.

Essentially, I have carved a basic shape out of pink insulation foam. If you're not sure what that is, its very similar to Styrofoam except for the fact that it doesn't crumble. Anyway, I was wondering if there are any methods out there to strengthen this foam model so that it could last for a long time. Fiberglass and resin would work, but I would really prefer not to work with that stuff. Is there any spray adhesives or anything like that out there to toughen this stuff up? Thanks.

Answer 1

First, I assume you're not asking about armatures inside/behind/under the foam sculpt, but just on the exterior?

If so, you can cover it with *strong* materials like an epoxy clay or an epoxy-like clay, or you could use some of the air-dry clays then seal them.  

If you want more info on epoxy clays, check out this page:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/sculpture....

(...click on the subcategory called "Epoxy & Other Clays-Putties" which is under the "Non-Polymer Clay" category)

And if you're not familair with it, you might want to check out some  sites online for info on dealing with sculpted polystyrene foams.  There are some links to at least a few of the good ones on this page at my site:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/covering.h...

(...click on the subcategory called "Shaping, Cutting, Gluing PS Foams")

I guess you could also just give it a few coats of polyurethane (water washup, no petroleum-based solvents), or even one coat of an epoxy resin like Glaze Coat or Envirotex Lite, etc. (not the polyester resins that are used for fiberglass).

HTH,

Diane B.