How to Make Fake Wood Foam Props

When making fake wood props, capture all of the realistic details.

Wood is often a desirable item to have on stage for props or designs. Using real wood may be difficult to move between sets due to its heavy weight, which is why most stage performers and designers choose to create faux wood props. By crafting polystyrene, you can create an attractive fake wood prop to use over and over again for any performance.

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2-inch-thick polystyrene
Craft knife
Brown paint
Black paint
White paint
Paint brushes
Tape measure
Straightedge

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut polystyrene into a 2-by-4-by-12-inch section. Use a straightedge to cut the section out easily. Begin at a corner and measure over 4 inches along one edge and 12 inches along the joining edge. Square it off and cut out the area.
- 2
  
  Carve wood grain throughout the polystyrene section. Use a crafting knife to remove gouges, splinters and chips from the polystyrene to create a realistic wood appearance.
- 3
  
  Paint the entire polystyrene section brown. The shade of brown is determined by the preferred type of wood. For a maple wood, choose a lighter brown to a tan. For cherry, choose a brown with a reddish tint to it. Allow paint to dry for two hours before continuing.
- 4
  
  Fill in all cracks, chips, splinters and detailed-on areas with black paint. Use a detailing brush to create fine details on the product. Allow paint to dry for one to two hours.
- 5
  
  Dry brush a light coating of white paint over the entire surface. This will highlight the natural appearance of wood onto the polystyrene and create a more life-like appearance.

"Model Making: A Basic Guide"; Martha Sutherland; 1999
"The Handbook of Model-Making for Set Designers"; Colin Winslow; 2008