General Techniques

Shaping Styrofoam

This guide, adapted from David Neat’s model-making methods, explains practical techniques for shaping styrofoam into smooth, accurate or concave forms. It covers marking and cutting strategies, making custom sanding formers for controlled curves, and using knives, saws, rasps and wire brushes to refine detail or add texture. The document demonstrates how to build composite forms from layered foam, achieve precise edges using template “stops,” and create rock or carved effects. Guidance on suitable adhesives, bonding methods and surface preparation for mouldmaking—such as sealing with coloured Vaseline—is also included. The techniques provide a reliable workflow for producing clean, repeatable geometric shapes as well as more organic sculpted surfaces.