2nd Aug 2019
EVA / Closed Cell Foam for Foamsmithing and Costume Construction
Foam is an incredibly lightweight, flexible and durable material which makes it perfect for props, costume design, scenery, armour and weaponry, whether that’s for film or theatre props or for personal foam costume construction. EVA is one of the most popular forms of closed cell foam for such applications and has an affordable, low cost price point considering the high quality form of the foam itself.
The foam used for costume construction is not unlike the foam used for exercise mats or camping mats depending on the thickness used and there are two types often found for foamsmithing, costume and set construction.
(Pictured above - Folly Foam)
EVA / Closed Cell Foam
One of the most resistant and denser of foams, EVA / Closed cell foam comes in a range of different thicknesses, densities and colours, as well as being made available in rolls, sheets and blocks. Closed cell foam has a smooth surface and due to its nature, its cells are compact, making it much denser and considerably more waterproof, which can be of great benefit for scenery and set design that will encounter changing weather conditions.
Closed cell foam is also known as craft foam, however, craft foam is usually thinner and used when a more flexible material is required for better dexterity and movement in costume or for larger surface areas in set design.
Open Cell Foam
Open cell foams are much softer, somewhat spongier and lighter than EVA foam. Open cell foam is used for less rigid construction or for areas that need to be more padded or give greater flexibility. It’s breathable, soft, moisture absorbent and hygienic.
Our open cell foams come in grey, white or black as standard, but can be custom made in beige, blue, yellow, green, violet and red. We can supply our open cell foam in sheets, rolls and shaped to your specific needs.
Our technical foams have several key benefits for those in the prop and costume industry:
- Smooth on both sides but can easily be manipulated for texture with tools, such as sanding for 3D realism. It also cuts and scores easily (can also be cut with a hot wire).
- Our closed cell foam is easy to seal, prime and paint (less so with open cell as that’s moisture absorbent).
- Dense and comes in a variety of thicknesses and can also be glued together.
- Flexible, lightweight, strong and tear resistant.
- Shaped with ease once heated.
- Waterproof (closed cell)
- Non Toxic and Safe
- More durable than some foams
- Easily joined together with a heat gun or a glue gun
Here at Zouch, our highly advanced technical foams are trusted by professionals across the world. They deliver smart, specialist benefits at a competitive price, while we deliver a customised, consultative service, fully focused on what you need – from the most effective materials on the market to a bespoke product created just for you and your business.
Provision of samples
We offer a closer look at our product ranges by supplying free samples, as well as project advice. Get in touch with our expert team for more information about free samples of our closed cell foam.
Our technical team can work with you to choose the best material for any design, so you can more effectively develop the props and costumes you’re looking to create. We can split, saw, rout, die cut, water-jet cut, butt-weld, laminate, adhere, thermoform or compression mould all of our foams to create even the most complex shapes and sizes in preparation for your project. Simply contact us today to speak to one of our experts.
