Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brian Miller on May 23, 2009 at 12:55pm

There is very thick material that would work reasonably well for this, only it is not anywhere near as sturdy as Lauan plywood or muslin. It is also prohibitively expensive. I know it as "Gator Board." The very thin foam core you seemed to ask about will require a fair amount of bracing to support it. It holds paint fine, but once there is paint on one side, it is going to warp like crazy. It is available in 4x8 sheets and even bigger, but you will find that it costs even more than plywood, I expect. Such materials dent and deform very easily. You can ruin a flat just by looking at it the wrong way!

I have done a show (see http://www.brianmiller.biz/Memo.htm for photos) where the walls of the set were made of unpainted corrugated cardboard. It worked great, because it was all recycled and cost us virtually nothing, but I don't think it would hold up to painting well at all.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on May 25, 2009 at 9:09am

Thanks for your suggestions, Brian!

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ed Britt on May 28, 2009 at 3:07pm

I have created sets from sheet of insulation foam and that takes paint well and can easily be attached to frames as needed with construction glue. It is not very durable and has some fire problems. I have used foam core for props and again didn't find it very easy to create larger items as it can warp and is not durable. But then again, I am a firm believer in using what you have, what you can get for free or cheap. If you've got it, us it. Frames will always make it more durable over time and covering it with muslin can do a lot to making it last longer but then again . . . Last piece of advise. Get your crew together and ask for ideas. Someone may just have a thought that will make it work like a trouper and you can let us all in on it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on May 30, 2009 at 7:09am

Thanks for the advice, Ed

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ramona Young on May 30, 2009 at 8:34am

I've used foam core and insulation foam for sets. The biggest advantage has been the ease my middle school students have in using the material, i.e., carrying, cutting, attaching with construction adhesive. As far a durability, there isn't much, but we usually only do a show that will run for a weekend. On the up side, it strikes easy!
I bought my materials from wholesale sign supply companies or from home improvement centers. 4' x 8' is a standard size and you should expect to pay up to $10 a sheet.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on May 30, 2009 at 8:43am

Thanks very much, Ramona

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by John Dickey on June 4, 2009 at 2:37pm

Needs framing and sometimes support, can warp with painting. But it is light and smooth.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on June 5, 2009 at 5:10am

Muchas gracias, John.

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Phillips on June 6, 2009 at 6:24am

Hi Charlie -

Foam board works well for scenery IF there aren't many moving parts or clumsy actors... It creates a clean flat surface (if people don't stand or kneel or dent or scrape or... do anything to it...) that is nice for painting or texturing and is light weight. ... um... What else can I tell you...

There are two types. One type is a solid foam board and the other is beaded styrofoam. Depending on your project, the foam acts differently and can help or slow you down... The solid foam board is pink or blue usually (the beaded is white.) and is best if you're looking for a flat (the noun, not the adjective) type of thing... Build a regular flat frame or just supports and attach the foam to the lumber, drilling from the front of the foam throug it and into the lumber. You can use washers to help hold it on for extra security, but not necessary. Masking tape can cover over the screw heads for a flat surface (instead of joint compounding seams or things because it is easier to remove and find screws when strike happens).

The bead foam (i have found) is better suited for carving into and creating textured surfaces or creating realistic rocks and the like... I'll try to upload photos for helpful illustrations...

Size usually comes in 4'0" x 8'0" sheets and thickness varies. Any building supply company like Lowe's or Home Depot carries foam board. It's used for insulating houses or by concrete companies.

As you get ready to use it, sometimes there is a thin layer of plastic over it. PEEL IT OFF! (and avoid at all costs the foam with the foil sheet on it. it will shock you (static electricity) as you peel it off). Peeling off the plastic helps the paint to hold better. prime it first and you'll be good to go. feel free to cut out shapes to make it not square. use regular exacto knives or box cutters.

Let me know if you have more questions. I hope this helps!

david

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on June 6, 2009 at 6:28am

Thanks very much, David

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bambi martins on June 6, 2009 at 6:50pm

i would suggest luon (sp?) it's a very thin wood, home depot sells 4x8's for about $10 each and they can be used more than once, cur out shapes, etc. We used them for INTO the Woods and they worked really really well. Foam Cor may not handle paint so well. It's more for using as a backing for photos and posters

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Charlie Fontana on June 7, 2009 at 4:53am

I appreciate your suggestion, Bambi.

Charlie

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page