Creating custom work from STYROFOAM™ brand foam doesn’t require a big investment in time or tools. You’ll use supplies you already have on hand and many techniques with which you’re already familiar. Below are time-tested tips for designing with STYROFOAM brand foam. You’ll see how easy it is to create value-added designs and arrangements for your customers.

Fresh or Everlasting?	STYROFOAM brand foam is compatible with both fresh and everlasting flowers: Insert everlasting flowers directly into the foam. Pair fresh stems with water picks so fresh arrangements can benefit from the superior strength of STYROFOAM brand foam. For a fast, fresh flower fix, cut stems close to flowers, pin or glue flowers to foam, and spray with anti-Transpirant. Wire a wood pick onto more delicate fresh and everlasting stems, and then insert into the foam.
Painting	Note: Always test your paint on a scrap piece of STYROFOAM brand foam to be sure it’s foam-safe. Paints containing solvents may melt the foam.   Painting Prep: Use a heat gun or thin coat of plaster to create a smoother, more paintable surface. (See Smoothing for more information.) Use a primer first to enhance paint coverage. Insert a floral pick or skewer into the foam shape and use as a handle while painting. When done, insert the handle in a block of STYROFOAM brand foam while paint dries.
Spray Painting	Use an empty box to create a spray booth, and spread out newspapers or other covering to catch any overspray. Begin and end your spray pattern off the piece you are spraying; overlap each pass by approximately one third. Turn foam form as you spray. To add details, fold a chenille stem in half, spray paint directly on the chenille stem, and use like a paintbrush. For larger surfaces requiring a larger brush, wrap a chenille stem around a wood pick and use like a paintbrush.
Brush Painting	For thorough coverage, try a stiff stencil brush and gently “scrub” the surface with the paint. For small pieces, squeeze paint into a zip-top bag, add foam shape, close the top, and manipulate the foam shape in the bag until it’s thoroughly covered.
Gluing	To create a snug fit between two pieces, rub together lightly before gluing. Dip smaller shapes into pan glue for an almost immediate bond (if glue is extremely hot, a small portion of the foam may melt). For a fast bond, use a hot glue gun or low temperature glue gun. (Hot glue may melt a small portion of the foam.)   Thick, white craft glue is an excellent choice, though it will take longer to dry. For a stronger bond, especially between larger pieces, use wood picks and glue.
Sanding	Sand cut edges and other rough areas with a scrap piece of STYROFOAM. To shape larger pieces, cut out the basic shape and then sand to the final shape.
Cutting	A floral knife, serrated knife, Xacto® knife and hacksaw are convenient cutting tools; for smoother, easier cutting, first wax the knife blade with an old candle. Hot wire cutters and hot knives cut intricate details quickly and precisely. Hot wire cutters are available as handheld units and larger, tabletop models. (Please provide adequate ventilation when using hot wire cutters.) To cut a thick piece of STYROFOAM brand foam, or several sheets stacked together, try using an old electric knife — as the saying goes, “it cuts like butter.”
Detailing	Use a sharp knife, wood pick or the tip of a hot knife to add details to the STYROFOAM brand foam.
Smoothing	Aim a heat gun at the surface to create a smoother, more paintable surface. Use caution, as too much heat distorts the foam. Spread a thin coat of plaster, wallboard compound, modeling paste, stucco, gesso or other coating material. Let dry, sand and repeat until surface is smooth.
Texturing	Spread on plaster, wallboard compound or modeling paste and create texture by swirling, combing, or other technique.
Sculpting	Shape it with your fingers, carve it with a knife, roll it on a table, or texture it with tools. Roll flat with a rolling pin.
Curling	Cut thin strips from a foam sheet by holding a knife vertically, pressing slightly against the sheet and carefully pulling the knife toward you.